Job Description
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.
Join the Oregon Zoo as a part-time Animal Keeper specializing in the care of African mammals, including majestic rhinos, large carnivores, hoofstock and a variety of small mammals. In this role, you'll play a key part in the daily cleaning and care of these incredible species, while taking on a variety of essential duties that contribute to their well-being and conservation. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals passionate about animal care and working with African wildlife!
As The Animal Keeper - Africa You Will - Performs daily care and specialty duties for rhinos, large hoofstock, large carnivores, and safely working around these dangerous animals.
- Coordinates, oversees and performs upkeep, cleaning, and disinfecting animal areas, keeper areas and related facilities.
- Conducts daily perimeter checks and maintains the security and safety of animals areas, initiating corrections for any deficiencies or safety concerns.
- Oversees and performs feeding duties, including preparing prescribed species-appropriate diets, and makes precise reports on food consumption and recommendation on diet modifications as needed.
- Administers prescribed medications, observes animals for responses and communicates findings with veterinarian and supervisor.
- Designs, develops, and implements enrichment programs tailored to species' natural biology and individual animal needs. This includes brainstorming and researching, presentation and obtaining approvals, fabrication and formulations, and tests and observations to continually assess effectiveness of enhancing animal welfare.
- Assists in developing and updating animal care plans, protocols and procedures.
- Assists with the capture, restraint or segregation of animals for medical treatment, research or transfer.
Attributes for Success - Knowledge of species’ natural history and current industry care standards, including feeding strategies, introduction methods, breeding and rearing practices, social management, training practices and strategies and engaging enrichment.
- Ability to identify and assess normal and abnormal behaviors, including reproductive behavior, eating habits, group aggression issues, and health problems.
- Skilled in using animal training and conditioning techniques to facilitate participation and cooperation with medical procedures.
- Knowledge of safety protocols, including appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), lockouts/tagouts, signage, baffle boards and other capture equipment, hot wire, CO2 canisters and fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and other emergency response tools.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with team members, supervisors and the public.
- Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to a positive team atmosphere in a close, team-oriented environment as well as work independently. Mentor adult and teenage volunteers, interns, and students.
- Ability to safely conduct informative and professional tours through area of responsibility.
- Experience in maintaining accurate records on animal health, behavior, diet, inventory and conservation data for reports and research.
- Ability to develop, present and assist others in educational messaging to the public through keeper chats and animal encounters.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AtMetro,westrivetocultivatediversity,advanceequity,andpracticeinclusioninallofitswork.Thismeansattractingand empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.
Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan
TO QUALIFY We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
Minimum Requirements - Bachelor degree in animal science, biology, zoology or related field, AND
- Three years professional animal keeper experience working with a variety of African species, including large carnivores and ungulates OR
- Any combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for the position.
Required Work Week and shift: The schedule will be tailored to meet both operational needs and personal preferences. It may consist of 20 hours spread across either 5 days or 3 days, depending on the arrangement.
This position has the potential to become a full-time position on July 1, 2025, contingent upon budget approval by Metro council. Driving Record Check: The candidate selected for the position will need to pass a Driving Record check prior to being hired. Speeding tickets do not necessarily preclude employment and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
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 maybe in eligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
Preferred Qualifications: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.
- At least two years of experience working in an AZA-accredited facility. Experience in a Zoo's Emergency Response Team for large carnivores
- Experience with hoof care for ungulates.
- Experience using large machinery for habitat cleaning/upkeep.
- Experience developing animal training plans
SCREENING AND EVALUATION 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 completed online application
- Answers 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
- Driving records check for finalist candidate
Compensation, Benefits And Representaton The full-salary range for this position is step 1 $29.95 per hour to step 5 $40.16 per hour. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1 $29.95 per hour to the equity range step 2 $32.50 per hour.
This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by Liuna union. It is classified as an Animal Keeper.
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
Email: [email protected] Additional Information
Equal employment opportunity All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.
Accommodation Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
Veterans' preference Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Hybrid Telework Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.
Pay equity at Metro No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
Online applications Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.
How To Apply For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page.
Government Jobs For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page.
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
Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.
Learn More About Employee Benefits. Some positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.
View union contracts here.
01
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
- High school diploma or GED
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree or higher
- None of the above
02
Do you possess a valid driver’s license?
03
How many years of professional experience do you have in animal care at an AZA facility?
- No experience
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year but less than 2 years
- 2 years but less than 3 years
- 3 years but less than 4 years
- 4 years but less than 5 years
- 5 years but less than 6 years
- 6 years but less than 7 years
- 7 years but less than 8 years
- More than 8 years
04
Check off all the animals have you worked with?
- African crested porcupines
- African Painted Dogs
- Black Rhinoceros
- Bovids (examples cattle, sheep, antelope and goats)
- Cheetah
- Giraffe
- Lion
- Rodrigues flying fox
- Straw-colored fruit bat
- I haven’t worked with any of these animals but eager to learn.
05
Check off all the tasks you have completed as part of this role.
- Performing daily care and husbandry tasks, including feeding, cleaning, and maintaining the well-being of African mammals such as rhinos, large carnivores, and hoofstock.
- Designing and implementing enrichment programs to enhance the welfare and mental stimulation of animals.
- Administering prescribed medications, observing animals for health changes, and communicating findings with veterinarians and supervisors.
- Overseeing the upkeep and cleaning of animal areas, keeper areas, and related facilities. Including using appropriate large machinery and tools for upkeep.
- Conducting daily perimeter checks and ensuring the security and safety of animal enclosures.
- Maintaining accurate records on animal health, behavior, diet, inventory, and conservation data, and making recommendations for care adjustments.
- Assisting with capturing, restraining, or segregating animals for medical treatment, research, or transfer, following safety protocols.
- I have no experience completing any of these tasks.
06
What is your level of proficiency with hoof care for ungulates.
- Expert – I have extensive experience providing full hoof care, including trimming, cleaning, for a variety of ungulate species. I have worked independently or in a leadership role in hoof care tasks.
- Advanced – I am proficient in basic hoof care, including trimming and cleaning, and I have worked alongside a senior keeper or hoof care specialist for more complex procedures.
- Intermediate – I have assisted with hoof care tasks, such as training, cleaning and trimming, but I am still learning and developing my skills. I would require guidance for more advanced procedures.
- Beginner – I have limited experience with hoof care, mostly observing or assisting in basic tasks, and I am eager to learn more under supervision.
- No Experience – I have no experience with hoof care but have a strong interest in learning and gaining hands-on experience.
07
Select the statement that most reflects your approach to designing and implementing enrichment and training programs for large mammals?
- I have designed and implemented enrichment and training programs for a variety of African species, and have monitored and evaluated their effectiveness.
- I have contributed to enrichment and training programs, but mainly under supervision or in collaboration with senior staff.
- I have theoretical knowledge of animal enrichment strategies and positive reinforcement training, but limited hands-on experience.
- I have no experience in developing enrichment programs or positive reinforcement training but understand the importance of enrichment and training in animal care.
Required Question
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Part time, Work experience placement, Remote job, Flexible hours, Shift work,