Children's Zoo Supervising Primary Keeper (Senior Keeper Level B, C, or Lead Keeper Level A)

Job Description

Job Description

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The application deadline is October 20, 2026.

Application Process

• Applicants must submit a resume. 
• 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 pay range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $31.92 to $35.35 per hour. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with Oakland Zoo's compensation philosophy.

Note: We are hiring a Supervising Primary Keeper for the Children’s Zoo at either the Senior Keeper Level B, Senior Keeper Level C, or Lead Keeper Level A, depending upon experience.

Position Summary  

A Supervising Primary Keeper position is responsible for the daily care and management of a variety of species: Crowned Lemurs, Ring-Tailed Lemurs, River Otters, Fruit Bats, Rabbits, Domestic Pigs, Goats, and Sheep. They work with the same group of animals 5 days a week. They focus on developing and mentoring all keepers and volunteers working on the string. This position also is responsible for the care and guest interactions with the goats and sheep in the Petting Yard.

They are focusing on their leadership skills, demonstrating proficiency in String management skills in their role as Supervising Primary, and applying ACCR Leadership Program skills to coach and support the team with a positive impact on overall team culture. They are developing skills in effectively navigating daily challenges, while demonstrating expertise with select species or taxa and managing String projects, administrative responsibilities, and research.

 

Essential Job Duties

• Support oversight of String development, including scheduling, protocols, and behavioral management, and mentoring all keepers and volunteers on the string and manage String projects and administrative responsibilities
• Model ACCR Leadership Program practices, fostering a positive team culture at the String and Section level
• 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
• Conduct ongoing assessment of their physical and psycho-social needs
• Design and implement steps to address these needs
• Implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements
• Guide and support junior staff and volunteers as appropriate
• Represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes and casual communication with Zoo guests
• Apply leadership skills to coach, lead, and build a positive team culture within their String
• Demonstrate expertise with select species or taxa
• Can be expected to cover department functions and emergency response coordination in the absence of Zoological Manager or Department Vice President
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Supervisory Responsibility

• None 

 

Who You Are  

• Minimum of 6 years full time paid experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility), including a minimum of 1 year of experience serving in a Senior Keeper or equivalent capacity. For Senior C or Lead A, a minimum of 8 years full time paid experience. Additionally for Lead A, a minimum of 2 years of experience serving in a Supervising Primary Keeper or equivalent capacity. 
• Strong experience in the areas of animal care/management
• Experience leading paid staff and unpaid volunteers/interns, including leadership training/conflict management 
• Demonstrate proficiency in leadership and communications skills, both in self-management and team coaching and support 
• Significant knowledge of the natural history and captive wildlife management for the animals under their care to ensure their best possible physical and psychological well-being 
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to meet insurance carrier requirements.
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends, evenings, 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 
• Medical requirements: negative TB test within the last year, tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years, measles vaccine

Bonus if you have...

• Experience working in a petting yard or with other outreach/ambassador animals
• Significant knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
• Experience mentoring and teaching novice staff, interns, or volunteers
• 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 or a specialized Associate's degree (ex: Moorpark) 

 

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions, sometimes in or around significant dirt and dust

 

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 walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.) 

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
• Dependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision 
• Flexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• 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
• Project management – effectively prioritizes commitments, driving forward multiple high-profile and complex projects simultaneously with flexibility, resourcefulness, and agility to adapt to shifting organizational needs
• Self-motivated– effectively navigates multiple, simultaneous tasks with excellent attention to detail and deadlines. Enthusiastically identifies and approaches opportunities without regular supervision
• Solution-oriented – utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges.
• 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 

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 Zoo Membership options.