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OZOakland Zoo
Oakland ZooZoos

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

Animal Observation • 1+ yrs
Animal Enrichment • 1+ yrs
Animal Training • 1+ yrs
Behavioral Husbandry • 1+ yrs
Safety and Emergency Response • 1+ yrs
Collaboration • 1+ yrs
Communication • 1+ yrs
Time Management • 1+ yrs

Experience

2-5 years

Certifications

Valid driver’s license • Required
Negative TB test • Required
Tetanus vaccine • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

$28 - $28 per hour

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodHourly

Benefits and perks

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationOakland, California, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium7/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveHigh8/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium6/10
uncertaintyMedium7/10
communicationHigh8/10

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 StatesFull Time