Float Keeper B, California Trail
Location
Oakland, California, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
2-5 years
Compensation
$28 - $28 per hour
Posted
1h ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Float Animal Keeper plays a vital role in the ACCR team, ensuring the physical health and psychological well-being of animals across various species at California Trail, including large carnivores, bison, and condors. This role involves covering primary keepers' absences, assisting with duties and special projects, and implementing animal observation, enrichment, and training methods.
Submit a one-page cover letter and resume. The cover letter should highlight:
Taxa/species experience
Animal training experience
Knowledge of safety and emergency response
Behavioral husbandry experience
Candidates selected for further consideration must attend an on-site working interview. Applicants who do not meet minimum qualifications may not receive a response.
Position Summary
Animal Keepers are essential to the physical health and psychological well-being of animals at Oakland Zoo. The Float Animal Keeper works across animal strings at California Trail, caring for a variety of species, including large carnivores, bison, and condors. This position covers strings when primary keepers are absent and supports keepers with daily duties and special projects.
Essential Job Duties
Use observation, enrichment, training, and other management techniques to promote animal welfare and psychological well-being.
Assess the physical and psychosocial needs of animals and develop appropriate care strategies.
Implement Zoo and department priorities while identifying opportunities for improvement.
Guide and support junior staff and volunteers as appropriate.
Represent Oakland Zoo in public settings, including press interviews, educational programs, and guest interactions.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
At least 2 years full-time (4,160 hours) experience caring for captive wildlife in a zoo setting; preferably at an AZA or GFAS-accredited facility. Up to 1 year may be unpaid experience.
Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Ability to work weekends, evenings, holidays, and outside normal business hours.
Knowledge of the habits and hazards associated with working with wild and dangerous animals, with a commitment to following safety precautions.
Negative TB test within the past year and tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years.
Preferred Qualifications
Code Red or dangerous-animal experience.
Knowledge and practical application of behavioral training theory.
Ability to engage guests and inspire conservation action through informal and formal education.
Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or related field, or a specialized Associate’s degree (e.g., Moorpark).
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Work occurs indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including environments with dirt and dust. Employees must be able to:
Lift at least 50 lbs. (e.g., feed sacks).
Move at least 120 lbs. (e.g., hay bales).
Walk long distances over uneven terrain, including steep or muddy areas.
Knowledge, Skills & Qualities
Successful candidates demonstrate:
Collaboration: Builds trusting relationships and approaches differences with curiosity and humility.
Communication: Communicates respectfully and effectively across diverse stakeholders.
Inclusive Culture: Promotes mutual respect, transparency, collaboration, and belonging.
Organization: Maintains strong attention to detail and efficient systems.
Time Management: Effectively prioritizes multiple responsibilities.
Sustainability: Supports Oakland Zoo’s mission and develops creative, sustainable practices.
Passion: Represents and models the Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values.
Wildlife Awareness: Demonstrates commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and continued learning.
Benefits
Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending account; retirement plan; paid time off; Employee Assistance Program; and Zoo membership options.
Updated 1h ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
2-5 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$28 - $28 per hour
Benefits and perks
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
Oakland Zoo
Team size
Growing team
Location
Oakland, California, United States
Oakland Zoo's mission is to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. They are committed to fostering an inclusive culture and sustainable practices.
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Float Keeper B, California Trail
Oakland, California, United States • Full Time