Float Animal Keeper - Wildlife Care & Enrichment

Oakland Zoo; Oakland (CA); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Employee Assistance Program

Zoo Membership options

Job summary

Oakland Zoo is seeking an ACCR Float Animal Keeper to care for the health and welfare of animals across multiple strings at California Trail. The role covers shifts when primary keepers are unavailable and supports duties and projects as needed.

The position requires at least 2 years of animal-care experience, a valid driver's license, willingness to work outside normal hours, and compliance with TB and tetanus requirements. Strong collaboration and guest-facing communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years full time or 4160 hours experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility). This can include 1 year of 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Organization

Time management

Sustainability

Passion

Wildlife Aware

Education

Bachelor’s degree in zoology/biology or related field

Specialized Associate's degree (e.g., Moorpark)

Job description

Oakland Zoo is seeking an ACCR Float Animal Keeper to care for the health and welfare of animals across multiple strings at California Trail. The role covers shifts when primary keepers are unavailable and supports duties and projects as needed.

The position requires at least 2 years of animal-care experience, a valid driver's license, willingness to work outside normal hours, and compliance with TB and tetanus requirements. Strong collaboration and guest-facing communication are essential.