Parks Animal Keeper

SALARY INFORMATION

In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive a salary range increase on the following date:

Effective June 27, 2025 – 3.75% increase   

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.  

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This recruitment is open to the public.  The recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Parks Animal Keeper vacancies within OC Parks.  The eligible list established may also be used to fill similar and/or lower-level classifications within OC Parks.  

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11:59 PM (PT). 

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.  

OC ZOO
The County of Orange's, OC Zoo is part of the OC Parks division within OC Community Resources (OCCR). Located inside Irvine Regional Park in the city of Orange, the zoo focuses on animals and plants native to the southwestern United States. Accredited by the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), the zoo opened a new large mammal exhibit in 2022, featuring mountain lions and jaguars. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, raccoons, venomous and non-venomous snakes and lizards, coyotes, ocelots, eagles, owls, foxes, and bobcats, as well as a barnyard area with domestic animals.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The OC Zoo has current vacancies for Parks Animal Keeper. In this role, you’ll work under the general direction of the Zoo Director, Zoo Curator, and Senior Parks Animal Keepers, providing expert care for our diverse animal collection. This position offers a dynamic mix of hands-on animal care, guest interaction, and habitat maintenance, requiring a strong background in exotic animal care and behavior observation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Observing and carrying out all basic aspects of daily animal care
• Reporting any observed health or behavioral abnormalities to the Zoo Curator and Veterinarian
• Following all approved standard operational procedures
• Maintaining behavioral enrichment programs for assigned animals
• Participating in and developing programs that enhance the guest experience
• Giving presentations to the public and engaging visitors with topics like animal natural history, habitats, conservation status, and animal care
• Preparing accurate and detailed records, logs, and maintaining monthly reports
• Cleaning, maintaining, and conducting repairs to assigned animal habitats
• Inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining public paths, zoo grounds, plants, and enclosures
• Maintaining manuals regarding duties and care for assigned animals
• Training employees or volunteers on animal care, and delegating tasks as needed
• Utilizing hand tools, rakes, shovels, wheelbarrows, and minor power tools to maintain and improve habitats and enclosures
• Assisting the veterinarian during visits, administering medications, and supporting recovery and wellness for the animals 

This is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the care and well-being of our animals while providing an unforgettable experience for our guests. You’ll work independently at times but always as part of a team that shares your commitment to top-notch animal care and guest satisfaction.

OC Zoo is open 365 days per year. Incumbents should be prepared to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will hold a strong background in animal care, with experience working with a variety of species, including birds, mammals, and reptiles in a zoological facility. A Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Natural Sciences, or a related field is strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience working in the care and maintenance of exotic animals in a zoological setting, such as a public/private zoo, wildlife sanctuary, or animal breeding facility, is required. The candidate should possess knowledge of best practices in animal husbandry, including providing enrichment, animal training, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the well-being of animals. Additionally, familiarity with operant conditioning techniques is desirable. 

In addition, the ideal candidate will also possess the desired core competencies listed below.

Technical | Animal Keeper

• Consistently provide daily cleaning, feeding, medicating, training, and enrichment for assigned animals, adhering to industry best practices.
• Utilize operations manuals to ensure accurate and up-to-date feeding and medication instructions, while maintaining a deep understanding of relevant regulations, such as those from the USDA and California Fish and Wildlife.
• Actively participate in maintaining clean and safe habitats for animals, including removing debris, replacing bedding, inspecting enclosures, adding appropriate substrates, raking, mowing, changing perches, seeding lawns, maintaining pump systems, and cleaning enrichment toys.
• Work effectively as part of a dedicated team to ensure adequate coverage in all areas, assisting with training and engagement activities as needed.

Judgment and Critical Thinking

• Demonstrate exceptional judgment and critical thinking skills, particularly as they relate to animal behavior.
• Accurately assess situations and make informed decisions, considering the well-being of both animals and humans.
• Apply problem-solving skills to address challenges and maintain a safe and efficient working environment.
• Think critically to analyze animal behavior, identify potential issues, and implement appropriate solutions.
• Adhere to established procedures and protocols, while exercising sound judgment and adaptability in daily tasks.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of safety protocols to ensure the well-being of yourself, colleagues, the public, and the animals.
• Accurately assess situations to determine when de-escalation or supervisor involvement is necessary

Effective Written & Verbal Communication Skills

• Effectively communicate information about animal species, behaviors, habitats, and care to the public through engaging and informative presentations.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records in a zoological animal record database, including animal care, protocols, feedings, medication administration, and medical/behavioral observations. 

Interpersonal Skills

• Actively participate as a valued member of the team, ensuring proper coverage in assigned areas and assisting with training and engagement activities as needed. Collaborate effectively with colleagues and supervisors to address concerns regarding animal behavior or potential issues.
• Provide informative and engaging responses to questions from the public (adults and children) about the zoo and its animals, promoting a positive and educational experience.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills to foster positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and the public. Utilize conflict resolution strategies to address any challenges or disagreements that may arise.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Strength to pull, drag, lift and carry up to 50 pounds for 50 feet.  Strength to handle, restrain and maneuver large animals, including livestock, from one area to another or into a trailer for transport.  Strength to capture, secure, handle and restrain a variety of animals, which may be physically uncooperative and aggressive.  Agility to walk, run, physically maneuver oneself to capture and avoid injury by various animals.  Ability to stand for extended periods.  Body mobility to walk and run on uneven ground, climb stairs, bend, twist, reach kneel, squat and crawl to catch animals.  Manual dexterity to hand write paperwork and use a computer.  Vision sufficient to read standard text and fine print, a computer screen, see animals at a distance, determine depth and to distinguish colors and body language.  Hear well enough to hear the approach of an animal or sounds emitted by animals.  

Mental stamina for problem solving and dealing with stressful situations.  Mental fortitude to focus and perform job duties in the presence of stressors such as upset citizens, aggressive animals, injured animals or deceased animals.  

View full description at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oc/jobs/4682476-0/parks-animal-keeper