Full or Part-time Keeper or Lead Keeper

The International; Valley Center (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite housing (possible)

Job summary

The International is seeking a dedicated Exotic Animal Keeper/Lead Keeper to join our animal care team. You will oversee daily husbandry, behavioral observation, and welfare of a diverse collection of ambassadors and exhibit animals, with a focus on safety and high welfare standards.

Responsibilities include diet preparation, enclosure maintenance, record keeping, and supporting veterinary procedures. The role requires 3–5 years of exotic animal experience, strong observational skills, and

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional exotic animal training and husbandry experience.
• Knowledge of animal behavior, enrichment, and welfare principles.
• Ability to prioritize animal welfare in all aspects of husbandry.
• Excellent observational and organizational skills.
• Strong verbal communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently following training.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Criminal background check clearance.
• Post-offer physical examination clearance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily husbandry and welfare for diverse ambassadors and exhibit animals.
• Prepare and distribute species-appropriate diets, including whole-prey when required.
• Maintain enclosures, records, and environmental conditions to promote welfare.
• Assist with veterinary procedures, medications, and handling.
• Perform routine facility maintenance and safety checks.
• Complete accurate daily husbandry records and compliance documents.
• Collaborate with team and other departments to support operations.

Skills

Observational skills

Teamwork

Communication

Reliability

Independent work

Job description

Position Summary

Animal Educators is seeking a highly motivated, experienced Exotic Animal Keeper and/or Lead Keeper to join our professional animal care team. This position is responsible for the daily husbandry, behavioral observation, environmental maintenance, record keeping, and welfare of a diverse collection of ambassadors and exhibit animals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Animal Husbandry

Prepare and distribute species-appropriate diets according to established protocols.

Prepare whole-prey diets, including skinning rabbits and/or rats when required.

Feed and water assigned animal collection.

Perform daily cleaning and sanitation of animal enclosures, holding areas, food preparation spaces, and associated work areas.

Maintain exhibits to promote animal welfare and appropriate environmental conditions.

Animal Health & Welfare

Conduct daily behavioral and physical observations of assigned animals.

Recognize normal versus abnormal behavior and identify early indicators of illness, injury, stress, or aggression.

Communicate observations promptly to supervisory staff.

Administer medications and assist with veterinary procedures as directed.

Safely restrain and handle animals for husbandry, medical care, and educational programming.

Behavioral Management

Demonstrate the ability to accurately interpret species-specific behavior and body language.

Anticipate and appropriately redirect escalating behaviors before they develop into unsafe situations.

Participate in behavioral management and conditioning programs utilizing established husbandry protocols.

Successfully learn the behavioral management techniques necessary to safely work within an established group of otters (training provided).

Facility Maintenance

Perform minor enclosure repairs and maintenance.

Assist with exhibit landscaping and grounds maintenance as necessary.

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Records & Compliance

Complete accurate daily husbandry records.

Maintain medical, behavioral, feeding, and enrichment documentation as required.

Ensure all records meet institutional standards and applicable permit and regulatory requirements.

Team Participation

Work both independently and collaboratively within a team of approximately 5–10 staff members.

Maintain professional communication with coworkers and supervisors.

Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling and assist other departments when operationally necessary.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must possess:

Minimum 3–5 years of professional exotic animal training and husbandry experience

Demonstrated knowledge of animal behavior, enrichment, and welfare principles

Ability to prioritize animal welfare in all aspects of husbandry

Excellent observational and organizational skills

Strong verbal communication and teamwork abilities

Ability to work independently following training

Valid driver's license

Successful completion of a criminal background check

Successful completion of a post-offer physical examination verifying the ability to perform essential job functions

Physical Requirements

This position is physically demanding and requires the ability to:

Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds

Perform repetitive bending, kneeling, climbing, pushing, and pulling

Work outdoors year-round in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and uneven terrain

Safely perform physically demanding animal husbandry duties over extended periods

Professional Expectations

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Exceptional reliability and attendance

Strong work ethic and personal accountability

Calm, professional decision-making in dynamic situations

Respect for institutional policies and established husbandry protocols

An evidence-based approach to animal management that avoids anthropomorphism and recognizes species-specific behavioral needs

Commitment to continual learning and professional development

Animal Educators is dedicated to providing exceptional lifetime care for the animals entrusted to us while inspiring conservation through education, ambassador animal programs, and meaningful public engagement. Our team is committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, professionalism, and ethical husbandry.

Position Type: Full-Time (40+ hours/week) or Part-Time NEGOTIABLE
Starting Wage: $18.00- $22.00/hour plus benefits and possible onsite housing
Start Date: Immediate

We are seeking an individual with a minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience working with and training exotic animal species who demonstrates excellent husbandry skills, sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to animal welfare, conservation education, and public engagement.

This position requires an individual who understands that animal care extends beyond scheduled work hours. The successful candidate must recognize that the welfare of the collection may require weekend, holiday, overtime, or emergency response as needed.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a six-month probationary period, during which competency in husbandry practices, behavioral management, teamwork, and institutional standards will be evaluated.