Float Temporary Keeper, African Savanna and Rainforest

Oakland Zoo; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Sick Time

403b Retirement Plan

Zoo Membership Discount

Job summary

Oakland Zoo is seeking a part-time Float Animal Keeper who will care for a variety of species and support primary keepers. This role involves working across strings, assisting with enrichment, training, and observation to ensure animal well-being, and stepping in as needed during primary keeper absences.

Ideal candidates have at least 6 months of captive wildlife care experience, a valid driver’s license, and willingness to work weekends and holidays. TB and vaccination requirements apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months full-time or 1040 hours in captive wildlife care
• Valid driver’s license with clean record
• Willingness to work outside regular hours, including weekends, evenings, holidays
• Knowledge of wild animal habits and safety precautions
• Medical requirements: TB test within 1 year; tetanus and measles vaccines

Responsibilities

• Use observation, enrichment, training to support animals' well-being
• Assess physical and psychosocial needs of animals
• Design steps to address needs and implement them
• Support zoo priorities and propose improvements
• Guide junior staff and volunteers
• Represent the Zoo in public settings and during press/interactions
• Perform other related duties as required

Skills

Animal care

Observation

Enrichment

Training

Public interaction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in zoology

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

Job 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.

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

• 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

• 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.

Salary Description

$27.05/hour