Temporary Keeper, Hospital

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.

The Temporary Hospital Keeper plays an integral role in maintaining the physical health and psychological well-being of the animals at Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital. Daily work includes the physical tasks associated with feeding, enrichment, and maintenance of the animals’ living areas, and analytical tasks of planning record-keeping and communication with team members. The Hospital keeper trains, guides and supervises volunteers and interns and may be expected to represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including instructional classes and casual communication with Zoo guests.

Essential Job Duties

• As needed care of animals in Oakland Zoo’s Veterinary Hospital, including feeding, maintenance of safe and sanitary conditions for animals and facilities
• Provide dependable coverage and support for full-time staff
• Provide physical and psycho-social health evaluation of animals
• Provide an ongoing program of appropriate enrichment for each species and individual animal
• Develop and / or maintain appropriate string, department and Zoo records
• Willingness and ability to participate in animal medical procedures including postmortem examinations
• Support veterinary team with non-husbandry tasks including laundry, package pickup, prescription delivery, veterinary assisting on procedures and for patients, including medication administration
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Experience Required

Minimum of 1 year experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (unpaid experience acceptable) Have a flexible schedule with ability to work weekends and holidays Knowledgeable about the habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions Knowledge and experience in behavioral modification programs including animal training and enrichment Valid driver’s license and clean driving record Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends and holidays Medical requirements : Negative TB test within the last year Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years Proof of prior measles vaccination Bonus if you have Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or a related field. Experience operating heavy equipment such as Bobcat, excavator, backhoe, and / or lift Experience with general tool use (drill, saw, etc.)

Further Comments

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement.

Perks

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.

Salary

$ per hour