Limited Duration: Animal Keeper

Position Summary

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

The Oregon Zoo has a reputation for leading groundbreaking research, participates in local and global conservation efforts, and strives to exceed AZA animal welfare standard. The zoo is also deeply committed to sustainability and conservation education. Thanks to a generous $380 million voter approved bond measure, the zoo is transforming into a game changing facility welfare, species and habitat conservation outcomes, and green building practices.

We are excited to provide an opportunity to join the team as a part-time, limited duration Animal Keeper in the Primates area. If you ‘re passionate about wildlife and have a deep interest in primates, this could be the perfect role for you. In this position, you’ll play a vital role in the care and well-being of primates, including chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, monkeys, lemurs, and other small mammals. As an Animal Keeper, you’ll be responsible for a variety of tasks, including daily husbandry activities and other essential duties that contribute to the health and enrichment of the animals in our care.

• Observe animals to identify normal and abnormal behavior, reproductive behavior, eating habits, health problems, injuries, and adjustment to diet changes or response to medication. Identify and report concerns to supervisor; involvement in corrective actions.
• Stay up to date on current industry care standards for the designated species, including but not limited to feeding strategies, introduction methods, breeding and rearing practices, social management, training practices and strategies, and engaging enrichment.
• Utilize the principles of operant conditioning to facilitate daily husbandry, behavioral modification, and medical procedures.
• Service a variety of animal environments including cleaning and disinfecting holdings, yards, pools, and food and water receptacles.
• Check conditions of animal environments to assess security and safety for animals. Initiate corrective actions for deficiencies.
• Feed animals in a species-specific manner, report on consumption and recommend diet modifications as needed
• Instigate or provide suggestions for enrichment programs/items which demonstrate knowledge of designated species’ natural biology and individual animal needs; provide designated enrichment to species under care.
• Administer medications, as prescribed by veterinarians. Inform veterinarian and supervisor of response to medication or other treatments and address concerns as needed
• Perform or assist with general husbandry tasks, regularly communicate with supervisor regarding husbandry.
  May assist with capture, restraint, or segregation of animals for transfer or medical treatment.
• May be involved with developing materials for education purposes and presenting education materials to the public. Conduct informative and professional talks and tours through area of responsibility.
• Keep concise, objective records regarding diet, daily animal health and behavior, births, deaths and transfers.
• Maintain animal care standards and work in compliance with all USDA and AZA rules, regulations, and guidelines, as well as safety rules, OSHA standards, work rules, and Zoo and area policies and procedures
• Contribute to a positive team atmosphere thorough the daily coordination of work with colleagues, supervisors, gardeners, custodians, security, maintenance and other zoo staff
• Effectively communicate to managers, team members other zoo departments and guests.

• Knowledge of animal husbandry practices for species under care
• Comfort and experience working with exotic and potentially dangerous animals in a safety-oriented work environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Contribute to a positive team atmosphere and contribute in a close, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to successfully train animal behaviors from inception through completion.
• Passion for animal care and conservation.

Minimum qualifications

• Three years professional animal keeper experience working with primates and
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related subjects relevant to the care of zoo animals or
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Required

Shift: The schedule will be tailored to meet operational needs, typically it will be Friday-Monday, 7am-12pm; 20 hours per week.

Limited Duration: Expected end date for this position is 6/30/2027 but could end earlier based on business needs.

Start Date: This position is currently under budget review and pending council approval. If approved, the selected candidate would begin in the role after July 1, 2025.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• One year working with dangerous animals
• One year working with great apes

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A complete online application
• Responses to supplemental questions

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Talent Acquisition Specialist: Megan Warneke

Additional Information

As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.

Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.

This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these benefits:

• Medical, dental and vision health insurance
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation, holiday, and other leave
• Paid parental leave
• Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement
• No-cost TriMet Hop Pass
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training opportunities
• Flexible schedules depending on position and department
• Hybrid/Telework living in Oregon /Washington depending on position and department