Animal Keeper, Giraffes

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement

Pay Rate: $27.16/hour

*We are hiring a keeper for Giraffes at either the Keeper or Senior Keeper level, depending upon experience. We have posted both roles separately at this time to help our candidates find the position that most aligns with their experience and goals. However, only one position will be filled. Please note: If you apply for the Keeper or the Senior Keeper, you will be automatically considered for both. The Senior Keeper position can be found here.*

Applications due by December 19, 2024.

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Application Process

Applicants must submit a resume, and 3 professional references (at least one supervisor).

Candidates not meeting minimum requirements may not receive a response.

Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.

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The Animal Keeper is responsible for the physical health and psychological well-being of the animals directly under their care.  Work ranges from the physical tasks associated with feeding and maintenance of living areas to more analytical tasks of extensive record keeping and problem solving. The animal keeper is expected to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the natural history and captive management of the species under their care, to conduct ongoing assessment of their physical and psycho-social needs, and to design and implement plans to address these needs. They must possess sound judgement in the care of wild animals, to both act and communicate appropriately. Teamwork skills are critical to cooperative and effective relationships with co-workers, volunteers, and supervisors, and other Zoo staff and guests. They are expected to implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements. They are expected to train, guide and supervise junior staff, apprentice keepers, interns, and volunteers as appropriate. They must also be able to appropriately represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes, Behind the Scene Tours and informal communications with Zoo guests.

This position is a Primary Keeper role with the Oakland Zoo’s giraffe team. This position works 5 days per week on the giraffe team.

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Union pension, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and a Family Zoo Membership.

• Knowledge of animal(s) natural history, behavior, and captive management – able to assess safety risks and act accordingly. Thorough understanding and compliance with safety and emergency response protocols.
• Provide daily care and husbandry to assigned species such as diet preparation, feeding, shifting individuals and/or groups, cleaning and disinfecting animal facilities
• Knowledge of animal(s) natural history, behavior, and captive management – able to assess physical and psychological wellbeing or individuals and social groups, able to provide appropriate adjustments to management, training, enrichment, and/or facility as appropriate
• Animal training knowledge and skill- ability to complete Trainer Level 1 within first six months of position, able to effectively and efficiently training animals for management, husbandry and medical care
• Maintenance of Service Areas and animal facilities to Zoo standards, including meeting or exceeding USDA and AZA standards.
• Train new staff, Apprentice Keepers, interns, and volunteers
• Identify needed maintenance, grounds and horticulture work where possible do the work. If not write the appropriate work order and then manage the work of staff or contractors in and around animal areas.
• Knowledge of landscape maintenance, including using proper techniques for maintaining trees, shrubs, turf, hardscapes, and other environmental features in and around animal spaces.
• Behind the Scene Tours, press interviews, instructional classes, and casual communication with Zoo guests.
• Possible participation as a trained and certified member of the Emergency Immobilization Team, Animal Dispatch Team, Gondola Rescue team
• Supervise junior staff, Apprentice keepers, Interns and volunteers in task associated with daily string operations.  

• Minimum of two year’s experience working directly with giraffe (preferably at an AZA facility)
• Minimum of one year full time or 2,080 hours experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility)
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e. feed sack) and move a minimum of 120lbs. (i.e. hay bale)
• Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends 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
• The Oakland Zoo requires COVID vaccination*

Bonus if you have...

• Knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application. Specifically, experience training giraffe for voluntary medical husbandry behaviors, including shaping of new behaviors.
• Knowledge and hands on experience in hoof care with giraffe and/or other domestic and exotic ungulate species
• Knowledge and experience with edible browse plant identification for ruminant species
• Experience with giraffe anesthesia and giraffe emergency response procedures
• Experience with giraffe transport (including loading and unloading), as well as introductions.
• Experience with management of a diverse giraffe herd including breeding animals, castrated males, and geriatric individuals
• Experience mentoring and teaching novice staff, interns, or volunteers
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to support communication across a diversely skilled team
• 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

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• 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

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Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale)

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