Part-Time Zookeeper Aide (Relief Keeper)

City of Folsom; Folsom Junction (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

City of Folsom is seeking a part-time Zookeeper Aide to fill relief shifts for full-time zookeepers at the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary. Position requires outdoor work, weekend availability, and the ability to perform physical tasks and animal husbandry duties.

The role emphasizes collaboration, safety, and consistent notes on animal behavior, with several duties including enclosure maintenance and enrichment. Must have a high school diploma or GED and a California driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Paid experience or extensive volunteer experience with exotic animals or native wildlife.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by date of hire.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Fill relief shifts for full-time zookeepers on assigned sections.
• Perform animal husbandry tasks and enclosure maintenance; record notes.
• Assist with exhibit maintenance and enrichment; support safety and sanitation procedures.
• Work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings as needed.

Skills

Animal care

Safety procedures

Customer service

Written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Under the general supervision of the Zoo Supervisor or designee, the part-time Zookeeper Aide will fill relief shifts for full-time zookeepers on their assigned sections.

Location

Folsom Zoo Sanctuary

Schedule

• Duration: position is ongoing as long as needed and supported by the budget.
• Hours are within 8:00am - 4:30pm (7:00am - 3:30pm during the summer)
• This position requires regular availability a minimum of two (2) days a week including a Saturday or Sunday for a minimum of six (6) months.
• Must be available to work holidays, weekends, and occasional evening events.

Pay & Benefits

• Non-exempt
• Part-time positions are hourly and not eligible for benefits, and are limited to working 999 hours in a fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). No full-time regular appointment will be made from this class.

Note: Unfortunately current active CalPERS members are ineligible for employment with part-time positions.

For questions about the position please contact Zoo Supervisor Nichole Lemcke at: [phone] or [e-mail]

We recommend taking the time to learn more about our facility at: https://www.folsom.ca.us/government/parks-recreation/facilities/zoo-sanctuary

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.

• Duties include most aspects of animal husbandry.
• Enclosure maintenance such as raking, scrubbing, hosing, preparing diets, administering medications, creating and delivering enrichment, observing animal behavior, and recording notes.
• Light maintenance on exhibits and maintain areas around the exhibits and in service areas.
• Other related duties as assigned.

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Essential Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of

• Animal care and safety procedures, including exotic and wildlife animals.
• Customer service principles and practices.
• Sanitation and disinfection techniques.

Ability to

• Work safely around animals.
• Communicate well orally and in writing.
• Organize, prioritize and pace duties and tasks.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Establish and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with coworkers and the public.
• Understand and perform field maintenance procedures.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm, positive energy, and maturity.
• Work an eight (8) - hour shift outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Perform physical tasks like bending, twisting, and lifting.

Education

High school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade. Must be at least 18 years of age by time of hire.

Experience

Paid experience or extensive volunteer experience with exotic animals or native wildlife in a zoo, sanctuary or wildlife rehabilitation facility is required. Experience solely with domestic animals and personal pets will not be considered.

Licenses, Certificates, Registration Requirements

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by date of hire. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Requirements

Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis. (1) Mobility: frequent performance of heavy manual labor, frequent standing, walking, or driving; frequent climbing, reaching, bending, stooping, crawling, and squatting. (2) Lifting: frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 100 pounds. (3) Vision: constant use of overall vision. (4) Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, reaching, hand/shoulder/elbow movements. (5) Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking in person. (6) Emotional/Psychological: frequent coworker and public contact; frequent working alone and independent. (7) Environment: frequent exposure to outside elements (sun, wind, rain).

Other requirements

Must be available to work occasional evening shifts for special events. This position requires the passing of DOJ Fingerprinting, and a pre-employment physical with a rapid drug test.