Float Animal Keeper: Care Across Species & Conservation

Oakland Zoo; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 3,074,000 - 4,379,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Sick Time

403b Retirement Plan

Zoo Membership discount

Job summary

Oakland Zoo is seeking a Float Animal Keeper to support the ACCR team across multiple animal strings, caring for species ranging from giraffes to birds. This role covers primary keepers’ duties in their absence and assists with special projects as needed.

The position requires at least 6 months full-time wildlife care experience, a valid driver’s license, and flexibility to work weekends, evenings and holidays. Safety and animal welfare come first.

Qualifications

• 6 months full-time or 1040 hours in care of captive wildlife (zoo field).
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Willingness to work outside normal hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Knowledge of habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals.
• Medical requirements: TB, tetanus, measles within specified timelines.

Responsibilities

• Use observation, enrichment, training tools to ensure animal well-being.
• Assess physical and psycho-social needs.
• Design and implement steps to address needs.
• Support zoo priorities and seek improvements.
• Guide and support junior staff and volunteers.
• Represent the Zoo in public settings including press and classes.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Inclusive Culture

Organization

Time management

Sustainability

Passion

Wildlife Aware

Education

Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or related field; specialized Associate’s degree (ex: Moorpark)

Job description

Description

Note: This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The application deadline is October 5, 2026. This position is anticipated to end on January 31 2027, but may be extended depending on the needs of the organization.

Application Process

• Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should be one page and include a general overview of animal experience and why they are interested in this role.
• Candidates not meeting minimum requirements may not receive a response.
• Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.

Payrate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the pay rate for this position at the Oakland Zoo to be between $27.05 per hour. An offer at this rate will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with Oakland Zoo's compensation philosophy.

Position Summary
Animal Keepers play a vital role on the ACCR team, taking care of the physical health and psychological well-being of the animals directly under their care. The Float Animal Keeper works across several different animal strings and has the opportunity to care for a variety of species, including giraffe, warthog, dromedary camel, plains zebra, klipspringer, agouti, meerkat, spotted hyena, tiger, lion, guenon, a small collection of African reptile species, and a large number of bird species including pied crow, hamerkop, white faced whistling duck, blue bellied roller, red crested turaco, Madagascar sacred ibis, hooded vulture, superb starling, speckled mousebird, taveta golden weaver, guira cuckoo, helmeted curassow, blue and gold macaw, and military macaw.

This role will cover strings in the absence of the primary Animal Keeper(s) and will assist the primary keeper with duties and special projects as needed.

Essential Job Duties

• 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
• 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
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Who You Are

• Minimum of 6 months full time or 1040 hours experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility). This can include unpaid experience.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions
• Medical requirements: negative TB test within the last year, tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years, measles vaccine

Bonus if you have...

• Code red or dangerous animal experience
• 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
• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field or a specialized Associate's degree (ex: Moorpark)

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions, sometimes in or around significant dirt and dust

Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 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.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
• Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

Benefits

Oakland Zoo offers part-time and seasonal employees a valuable benefits package, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Sick Time, optional 403b Retirement Plan, and a discounted Zoo Membership. They also have access to various perks, discounts, and programs to enhance their overall experience.