Senior Animal Keeper

About the Job:

Location: NorCal Aquarium and Wildlife Adventures
Department: Husbandry

 

Job Summary:

The Senior Animal Keeper is responsible for the overall health, wellness, and environmental management of the facility’s terrestrial and aquatic animal collections. This role combines expertise in animal husbandry, nutrition, preventative medical care, environmental quality, and life support systems management. The Senior Animal Keeper supervises a team of animal care staff, collaborates with curators, veterinarians, and national husbandry teams, and ensures compliance with all applicable regulatory standards, including USDA, and local animal welfare requirements.

 
Key Responsibilities:

Animal Health & Wellness: 

• Oversee daily animal care, monitoring health, behavior, and wellness.
• Manage nutrition programs for all species, ensuring diets are appropriate, balanced, and aligned with medical and reproductive needs.
• Administer medications, supplements, and vaccinations per veterinary guidance and facility SOPs.
• Assist veterinarians during medical procedures, exams, and treatments.
• Coordinate quarantine and medical care for new, sick, or injured animals.
• Maintain accurate records of health, diet, and behavior; prepare wellness reports for management.

Environmental Quality & Life Support Systems: 

• Monitor and maintain environmental parameters, including water quality (pH, salinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, dissolved oxygen), temperature, humidity, air quality, and substrate conditions.
• Oversee and perform maintenance of life support systems, filtration, plumbing, mechanical equipment, and HVAC systems for both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
• Troubleshoot environmental and LSS issues, implementing corrective actions in collaboration with curators, lead keepers, and facilities staff.
• Audit adherence to SOPs and regulatory standards for animal habitats and life support systems.

Team Leadership & Training: 

• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of animal keepers, assigning daily tasks and monitoring performance.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, safety, and continuous learning.
• Provide guidance on proper animal handling, husbandry techniques, environmental monitoring, and enrichment programs.

Enrichment & Behavioral Care: 

• Collaborate with curators and behavior staff to develop and implement enrichment programs that promote physical and mental well-being.
• Ensure enrichment aligns with dietary, medical, and regulatory requirements.

Compliance & Reporting: 

• Ensure all animal care and habitat management practices comply with USDA and local regulations.
• Maintain thorough documentation for inspections, audits, and internal reporting.
• Participate in weekly wellness and operational meetings to discuss animal health, environmental metrics, and operational improvements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Animal Science, or related field (required).
• Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience in animal care, including terrestrial and aquatic husbandry.
• Proven leadership experience, including team supervision and staff training.
• Demonstrated experience with USDA regulations and other applicable animal welfare standards (required).
• Expertise in life support systems, water quality, and habitat management.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

 
Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in water quality, life support system management, or environmental monitoring.
• SCUBA certification.
• Experience in exhibit design, conservation biology, or sustainable practices within zoological settings.

Working Conditions:

• Physical demands include standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and handling animals and equipment.
• Work occurs indoor, including aquatic habitats.
• Availability for weekends, holidays, and after-hours emergencies is required.