Parks Animal Keeper

**CAREER DESCRIPTION**:
**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

**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).**

**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**

**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.
- 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**
- Ef