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TCTurtle Conservancy
Turtle ConservancyConservation

Chelonian Keeper

Location

Ojai, California, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

1-3 years

Compensation

$19 - $23 per hour

Posted

2h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Chelonian Keeper will provide high-standard, day-to-day care for critically endangered turtles and tortoises at the Turtle Conservancy's facility in Ojai, CA. Key responsibilities include feeding, cleaning enclosures, performing routine maintenance, and assisting with visitor tours and facility upkeep.

Position Description

The person in this position will work alongside the Turtle Conservancy’s husbandry staff to provide day-to-day care for the turtles at our facility in Ojai, CA.

Turtle Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting the most endangered turtles and tortoises and their habitats worldwide. Established in 2005, the TC’s Conservation Center, located in Ojai CA, is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) certified institution housing over 500 chelonians representing more than 30 taxa.

As a Keeper you will play a key role in the care of our animals.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Provide high standards of care to a diverse group of critically endangered chelonians

  • Assist in feeding, watering, raising, and moving animals according to protocols or as directed.

  • Perform cleaning and sanitation of animal exhibits, enclosures, food preparation areas, and tools according to protocols as scheduled and as directed.

  • Perform routine maintenance of buildings, exhibits, grounds, and equipment.

  • Assist with cleaning and maintaining buildings and grounds according to protocols as scheduled or as directed by supervisors.

  • Assist in ensuring all work areas are safe, clean, and well-maintained every day.

  • Assist in minor construction, modification, and maintenance of displays, exhibits, and enclosures according to established protocols or as directed by supervisors.

  • Report concerns about animal areas regarding security and safety of animals, staff, and visitors.

  • Conduct scheduled tours to visitors at the TC.

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years old

  • Background in biological sciences preferred

  • Animal husbandry experience in a zoological setting preferred

  • Valid driver’s license with good driving record is required

  • Spanish speaking ability a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Available to work weekends, holidays and after-hours, and when events are scheduled.

  • Understanding of emergency situation procedures, specifically those involved with guest and staff safety.

  • Basic computer skills: google drive, email.

  • Ability to follow verbal and written directions.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests.

  • An understanding of animal behavior and care and desire for continued learning

Physical Demands

  • Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility.

  • Ability to navigate the center’s work environment including behind-the-scenes, lawns, gravel, and hills.

  • Must be able to participate in operational practices; including climb stairs, manipulate tools, and stand/walk for long periods of time.

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

  • Must be able to work outside in inclement weather and hot conditions.

Compensation

$19- $23 an hour

Reporting Structure

This position reports to the Senior Keeper.

Expected Hours of Work

This is a full time position with typical hours ranging from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.

Must be willing to work on weekends and holidays.

Updated 2h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Animal husbandry • 1+ yrs
Animal behavior • 1+ yrs
Cleaning and sanitation • 1+ yrs
Routine maintenance • 1+ yrs
Emergency procedures • 1+ yrs
Basic computer skills • 1+ yrs
Verbal communication • 1+ yrs
Written communication • 1+ yrs

Experience

1-3 years

Certifications

Valid Driver's License • 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

$19 - $23 per hour

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodHourly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationOjai, California, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium7/10
physicalHigh9/10
cognitiveMedium6/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityLow3/10
uncertaintyMedium5/10
communicationMedium7/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Turtle Conservancy

Team size

Growing team

Location

Ojai, California, United States

Turtle Conservancy is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting the most endangered turtles and tortoises and their habitats worldwide. Established in 2005, the TC’s Conservation Center, located in Ojai CA, is an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) certified institution housing over 500 chelonians representing more than 30 taxa.

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Chelonian Keeper

Ojai, California, United StatesFull Time