Apprentice Keeper, California Trail

About the Position

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement

Application Process:

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.

Pay Range: $18.65 per hour

Position Summary

The apprentice will learn about the physical health and psychological well-being of the animals under their care. 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. This is a one-year position that is expected to run from Jan 7, 2025 to Jan 6, 2026 and the schedule will be assigned when the position begins.

Animal Care, Conservation & Research

Department

Manager:

Seasonal

Full-Time

$18.65 per hour

Application Deadline:

Application Deadline: October 25, 2024

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, life insurance, PTO (Paid Time Off), Union pension, and a Friends & Family Zoo Membership.

Apply

Essential Job Duties

Work ranges from the heavy physical tasks associated with feeding and maintenance of living areas to more analytical tasks
Develop a comprehensive knowledge of the natural history of the species under their care
Design and implement steps to address these needs (including enrichment and training)
Conduct ongoing assessment of species physical and psycho-social needs
Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Who You Are

Six months (1040 hours) experience with wildlife and/or livestock
High school diploma or GED
Possess a valid driver’s license
Possess knowledge of the habits of wildlife
Possess knowledge of the hazards of working with zoo animals
Willing to accept some physical risk while observing safety precautions
Able to act with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy
Willing to work any days of the week, including weekends and holidays

Medical requirements:

COVID vaccination-required by Oakland Zoo
Negative TB test within the last year
Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years

Physical Considerations:

Able to lift 50lbs. and move 120lbs.
Able to traverse long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (steep, muddy, etc)
Willing to work in adverse weather conditions

Bonus if you have...

Experience with large carnivores
Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or a related field

Required Education

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities

May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

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

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)
Able to traverse long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (steep, muddy, etc)
Willing to work in adverse weather conditions

Who We Are

The 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: Oakland Zoo deepens connection with animals, saves wildlife, and inspires 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, and 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. The 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.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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 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.