VHE Animal Keeper - Africa

POSITION SUMMARY:
Oregon Zoo is seeking a Variable Hour Animal Keeper to care for a diverse collection of African wildlife, including carnivores, small mammals, giraffes, rhinos, lions, and African painted dogs. The role focuses on daily husbandry, enrichment, training, animal welfare, conservation, safety, and positive guest experiences while working as part of a dedicated animal care team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform daily husbandry and specialized care for African species, including Potentially Deadly Animals such as lions, African painted dogs, and rhinos.

• Apply safe, professional animal management practices while maintaining animal welfare, staff safety, and operational standards.

• Clean, maintain, and disinfect animal habitats, keeper areas, and facilities.

• Conduct daily perimeter and safety checks and correct deficiencies or hazards.

• Prepare and provide species-appropriate diets, monitor food consumption, and report dietary concerns or recommended modifications.

• Administer prescribed medications, monitor animal responses, and communicate findings to veterinarians and supervisors.

• Design, develop, implement, test, and evaluate enrichment programs based on species biology and individual animal needs.

• Assist with animal care plans, protocols, procedures, capture, restraint, segregation, medical treatment, research, and transfers.

• Maintain accurate records of animal health, behavior, diet, inventory, and conservation data.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of species natural history and current animal care standards, including feeding, introductions, breeding, rearing, social management, training, and enrichment.

• Ability to recognize normal and abnormal behavior, including reproductive behavior, eating patterns, aggression, and health concerns.

• Ability to use animal training and conditioning techniques to support cooperation with medical procedures.

• Knowledge of safety practices and equipment, including PPE, lockouts/tagouts, signage, baffle boards, capture equipment, hot wire, CO2 canisters, fire extinguishers, and first aid equipment.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and mentor volunteers, interns, and students.

• Ability to conduct safe and professional tours and provide educational messaging through keeper chats and animal encounters.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, zoology, or a related field and three years of professional animal keeper experience with diverse African species, including large carnivores and ungulates; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills.

• Valid driver's license required.

• Preferred experience includes teamwork, working with large potentially dangerous animals, performing strenuous work in adverse weather, and operating heavy equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The position may require prolonged strenuous work in inclement or adverse weather and lifting up to 50 pounds without assistance. Additional medical testing or immunizations may be required due to close contact with animal areas and enclosures.

APPLICATION AND COMPENSATION:
Applications require a completed online application and supplemental-question responses. The selection process may include qualification review, application evaluation, interviews, reference checks, driving-record checks, and TB testing. The position pays $31.78 per hour, is eligible for overtime, and is represented by LiUNA 483. The recruitment closes October 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM or when 100 applications are received, whichever occurs first.