Primary Senior Animal Keeper - Children's Zoo

Oakland Zoo•Oakland, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

A Senior Animal Keeper must be an experienced keeper with extensive knowledge in the areas of animal care/management and supervision of paid staff and unpaid volunteers/interns, including team building, leadership training, and conflict management. This Senior Keeper position is a Primary Keeper role with the Oakland Zoo’s Children's Zoo. Animals in this diverse section include lemurs, bats, otters, goats, sheep, cats, pigs, and rabbits. They work with the same group of animals (string) 5 days a week. They work closely with the string’s Supervising Primary Keeper and support them as needed in the daily operation and needs of the string’s animals and facilities.

Requirements

Minimum of five years full time experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility).
Bachelor’s degree or specialized associate's degree (ex. Moorpark) or 6 years of experience at an AZA facility or equivalent
Experience in the areas of animal care/management
Experience with supervision of paid staff and unpaid volunteers/interns, including leadership training/conflict management
Have or develop significant level of knowledge of the natural history and captive wildlife management for the animals under their care to insure their best possible physical and psychological well-being
Able to use the tools of animal observation, enrichment, training, and other behavioral husbandry methods to ensure the best possible psychological well-being of the animals in their care
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends and holidays
Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions
Able to represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes, and casual communication with Zoo guests
Medical requirements: Negative TB test within the last year
Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years
Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale)
Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)

Nice To Haves

Significant knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
Ability to inspire guests in casual (e.g., one on one) and formal (i.e., programs) venues to take action for conservation
Experience mentoring and teaching novice staff, interns, or volunteers
Strong interpersonal skills necessary to support communication across a diversely skilled team

Responsibilities

Use the tools of animal observation, enrichment, training and other management methods to ensure the best possible psychological well-being of the animals in their care
Conduct ongoing assessment of their physical and psycho-social needs
Design and implement steps to address these needs
Implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements
Interact with the public
Guide and support junior staff and volunteers as appropriate
Represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes and casual communication with Zoo guests
Act as a department leader. Can be expected to cover department functions and emergency response coordination in the absence of Zoological Manager or Department Vice President