Parks Animal Keeper

Parks Animal Keeper

Salary

$52,166.40 - $70,324.80 Annually

Location

Orange County

Job Type

Full-Time/Part-Time

Job Number

3027OS-1026-405 (O)

Department

OC Community Resources

Opening Date

10/22/2026

Closing Date

11/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

CAREER DESCRIPTION

PARKS ANIMAL KEEPER

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

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Parks Animal Keeper positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PT).

OC ZOO

The County of Orange 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 a jaguar. 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.

Click here for more information on OC Community Resources.

Click here for more information on the County of Orange.

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 AND CORE COMPETENCIES

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess at least three (3) years of 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.

The ideal candidate will also possess the following:

• Strong background in animal care, with experience working with a variety of species, including birds, mammals, and reptiles in a zoological facility.
• Knowledge of best practices in animal husbandry, including providing enrichment, animal training, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the well-being of animals.
• Familiarity with operant conditioning techniques is desirable.
• A Bachelors degree in Zoology, Biology, Natural Sciences, or a related field is strongly preferred.

In addition, the ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in the following core competencies:

Technical Knowledge

• 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 & 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.

Written & Verbal Communication Skills

• Effectively communicate information about animal species, behaviors, habitats, and care to the public through engaging and informative presentations.
• Effectively communicate and 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Please click here for details on the Parks Animal Keeper classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)

Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Recorded Structured Oral Interview | rSOI (Weighted 100%)

The recorded Structured Oral Interview (rSOI) is a timed, recorded assessment conducted via an online platform. Applicants will answer job-related questions on video, which will be reviewed and rated by a panel of subject matter experts using standardized evaluation criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will move forward to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible List

Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Based on the Countys needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Veterans Employment Preference

The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION

Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Jenny Kim at Jenny.Kim@occr.oc.gov or 714-480-2861.

EEO INFORMATION

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Please note that Extra Help employees are not eligible for the benefits listed.

Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.

http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information

01

Which of the following options best describes your experience caring for and maintaining exotic animals and interacting with the public in a zoological setting? Please note: Exotic animals refer to any species that are not considered domestic animals, such as common household pets. Zoological settings include public/private zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, animal breeding facilities or related settings.

• At least 3 years of full-time equivalent employment in the care and maintenance of exotic animals, interacting with the public, in a zoological setting
• Less than 3 years of full-time equivalent employment in the care and maintenance of exotic animals, interacting with the public, in a zoological setting
• No experience in care and maintenance of exotic animals, interacting with the public, in a zoological setting

02

Briefly describe your experience in caring, training, working, and handling native and/or exotic animals. Your response should include the name of the organizations and dates you acquired the experience, the species of animals you have worked with, the number of years in each assignment, and for every animal mentioned, your role and level of involvement. If no experience, please write, "N/A"

03

Describe your experience with completing daily animal records. List any databases or programs you have used.

04

This position requires the ability to take on all tasks and duties associated with the care and maintenance of the assigned animals and their habitats. This requires the ability to provide food and medications to the animals, conduct training and enrichment activities, including public presentations or "keeper chats", as well as maintaining the habitats which includes: • Removing old debris and animal stool • Replacing bedding • Inspecting enclosures and adding dirt if needed • Mowing lawns • Changing perching • Seeding lawns • Maintaining pump systems • Cleaning and disinfecting enrichment toys • Making repairs to structures and habitats as needed Our zoo facility is also outdoors and means that these duties and tasks need to be conducted regardless of weather conditions. Are you willing to work in the environment described above and carry on the tasks/duties as assigned?

• Yes, I acknowledge and willing to work in the environment described above.
• No, I am not willing to work in the environment described above.

05

OC Zoo is open 365 days per year. Incumbents should be prepared to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Are you willing to work a rotational shift that includes days, nights, weekends, and holidays?

• Yes, I am willing to work a rotational shift.
• No, I am not willing to work a rotational shift.

06

Possession of a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher, is required. Do you currently possess, or have the ability to obtain one before the date of appointment?

• Yes
• No

07

Rabies pre-exposure inoculations will be required as a condition of continued employment in positions having direct contact with or exposure to wildlife and animals commonly found in zoological facilities. Please type, "I acknowledge" if you understand and agree to this requirement.

08

This recruitment is being used to create an eligible list to fill both Full-Time and Part-Time positions. Please select which of the following you would be interested in interviewing for. Note: You will be referred to interviews based on your selections. If you are NOT interested in a Part-Time opportunity, please do not select that option. If you prefer a Full-Time opportunity but willing to accept a Part-Time opportunity, please select "both Full-Time and Part-Time".

• Full-Time Positions Only
• Part-Time Positions Only
• Both Full-Time and Part-Time positions

Required Question

Employer County of Orange

Address 400 W CIVIC CENTER DRIVE

Santa Ana, California, 92701

Phone 714-834-2555

Website https://hrs.oc.gov