Senior Parks Animal Keeper

**CAREER DESCRIPTION**:
**SENIOR 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 - 4.00% 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 Senior 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, February 14, 2025 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 Children's Zoo with domestic animals.
**THE OPPORTUNITY**
The OC Zoo is currently seeking a Senior Parks Animal Keeper to join our team. This position represents the senior level in the Parks Animal Keeper occupational series. Senior Parks Animal Keepers are characterized by their ability to lead and collaborate with zoo personnel in caring for animals, maintaining the zoological facility, and overseeing zoo operations. This role includes registrar duties such as maintaining animal records and training staff on the zoo’s database system. Under the general supervision of the Zoo Curator or Zoo Manager, Senior Parks Animal Keepers may also serve as first-line supervisors for Parks Animal Keepers and other subordinate staff. The OC Zoo team is dedicated to delivering exceptional animal care and creating an enjoyable visitor experience.

Key responsibilities include:

- Monitor and maintain the animal record-keeping system, audit data submissions, update collection records, and train staff on database use.
- Assist in renewing Federal, State, and local permits, including tracking renewal deadlines, preparing documentation, reviewing requirements, and maintaining inspection-ready hard copies.
- Supervise work of contracted Park Attendants, Parks Animal Keepers, volunteers, and other outside contractors when necessary, including assisting with work duties, mentoring, and training.
- Provide coverage on short-staffed days by performing animal care duties typically assigned to Parks Animal Keepers.
- Conduct guided interpretive tours, presentations, and programs.
- Assist with animal medical procedures and communicate with zoo veterinarians.
- Manage inventory and procurement of supplies essential for zoo operations.
- Prepare monthly reports, review and update policies and procedures, observe zoo operations and animal welfare concerns, and propose actionable solutions.

**DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES**

**Technical | Senior Animal Keeper**
- Familiarity with Federal, State, and local laws governing animal acquisition, disposition, exhibition, husbandry standards, transportation, and permits within the U.S. and abroad.
- Comprehensive knowledge of proper care, feeding, medicating, and training techniques for an animal collection, as well as designing and conducting enrichment activities to support physical and mental health.
- Understanding of accreditation standards, USDA and California Fish and Wildlife regulations as they pertain to caring for animals and ensuring they are healthy, and their habitats are in compliance.
- 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.

**Judgement 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**
- Effectively communicate information about animal species, behaviors, habitats, and care to the public through enga