Parks Animal Keeper

County of Orange•Orange County, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The County of Orange OC Zoo, part of the OC Parks division within OC Community Resources, is hiring Parks Animal Keepers to provide expert care for its diverse animal collection. The zoo is located in Irvine Regional Park in Orange and focuses on animals and plants native to the southwestern United States. The role involves hands-on animal care, guest interaction, and habitat maintenance, and requires a strong background in exotic animal care and behavior observation. Employees work under the general direction of the Zoo Director, Zoo Curator, and Senior Parks Animal Keepers. They may work independently while also contributing to a team focused on animal care and guest satisfaction. The zoo is open 365 days per year, and incumbents should be prepared to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

Strong background in animal care and experience working with a variety of species, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, in a zoological facility.
Knowledge of animal husbandry practices, including enrichment, animal training, accurate recordkeeping, and animal well-being.
Ability to assess animal behavior, identify potential issues, and make informed decisions that consider the safety and well-being of animals and people.
Ability to follow established procedures and safety protocols while exercising sound judgment and adaptability.
Ability to communicate effectively with the public, colleagues, and supervisors, and maintain detailed animal care and medical records.
Ability to collaborate as part of a team and address concerns or conflicts constructively.
Ability to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to use hand tools, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, and minor power tools.

Nice To Haves

At least three years of demonstrated experience caring for and maintaining exotic animals in a zoological setting, such as a public or private zoo, wildlife sanctuary, or animal breeding facility.
Familiarity with operant conditioning techniques.
A bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Natural Sciences, or a related field is strongly preferred.
Knowledge of relevant regulations, including USDA and California Fish and Wildlife requirements.

Responsibilities

Observe and carry out daily animal care, including cleaning, feeding, medicating, training, and enrichment.
Report observed animal health or behavioral abnormalities to the Zoo Curator and Veterinarian.
Follow approved standard operating procedures and relevant safety protocols.
Maintain behavioral enrichment programs for assigned animals.
Participate in and develop programs that enhance the guest experience.
Give public presentations and engage visitors on animal natural history, habitats, conservation status, and care.
Prepare accurate and detailed records, logs, and monthly reports, including records in an animal record database.
Clean, maintain, inspect, and repair assigned animal habitats and enclosures.
Maintain public paths, zoo grounds, and plants, and perform habitat tasks such as replacing bedding, adding substrates, raking, mowing, changing perches, seeding lawns, maintaining pump systems, and cleaning enrichment toys.
Maintain manuals regarding duties and care for assigned animals.
Train employees or volunteers on animal care and delegate tasks as needed.
Use hand tools, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, and minor power tools to maintain and improve habitats and enclosures.
Assist the veterinarian during visits, administer medications, and support animal recovery and wellness.
Work with colleagues and supervisors to ensure adequate coverage, address animal behavior concerns, and support training and engagement activities.
Respond to public questions about the zoo and its animals and promote a positive, educational guest experience.