Apprentice Animal Keeper - Children's Zoo

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement

*Note: This is a one year position, and is expected to run from May 1, 2025 - May 1, 2026 (or 1 year after start date).*

• Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references. References from supervisors are greatly preferred.
• 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 payrate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $19.27 per hour. An offer at this payrate will be our best and final compensation offer.

Applications accepted until April 22, 2025.

Position Summary 

Apprentice Animal Keepers will learn about the physical health and psychological well-being of the animals under their care.  Animals in this section include lemurs, otters, bats, pigs, petting yard, tortoises, alligators, various herpetofauna, invertebrates, and ambassador animals.  This position also includes working in the zoo’s commissary preparing diets for the majority of the animals in the zoo.  Work ranges from the physical tasks associated with feeding and maintenance of the animal living areas to more analytical tasks of planning, record keeping, and communication. Apprentice Animal Keepers are expected to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the natural history of the species under their care, to conduct ongoing assessment of species physical and psycho-social needs, and to design and implement steps to address these needs (including enrichment and training). They must possess sound judgment in the care of wild animals, work cooperatively and communicate well with co-workers, volunteers, and supervisors, and demonstrate good public relations skills with zoo guests. Most of the time is spent in basic String coverage, making time available for Supervising Primaries and Primaries to complete other projects and administrative responsibilities. The Apprentice Animal Keeper may take directions from the Senior Keeper, Lead Keeper and/or the Zoological Manager regarding daily operations, as appropriate. 

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
• Ability to engage positively with zoo guests
• Implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements
• Guide and support interns 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 

• 6 months (minimum of 1040 working hours) of captive wildlife care at AZA facility or equivalent (GFAS, WAZA). Unpaid experience acceptable.
• Demonstrates appropriate taxa knowledge, husbandry knowledge, and keeper skills.  
• Comfort working around people - including children
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale)
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions.
• Available to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends and most holidays
• Medical requirements:
• COVID vaccination-required by Oakland Zoo
• Negative TB test within the last year
• Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years

Bonus if you have:   

• Bachelor's degree or specialized associate's degree (ex. Moorpark) preferred
• Some experience working around animals in a zoo or rehab setting
• Experience with the safe use of power tools

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
• 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 a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership. 

Who We Are  

Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to deepen connections with animals, save wildlife, and inspire champions for the natural world. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do. 

Oakland Zoo’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access   

We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ identifying folks, and women to apply.  

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, QAOV status, or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.   

Oakland Zoo participates in E-Verify to verify work authorization.

Salary : $19