JOB OPENING

Wildlife Department /Temporary -FT- Non-Exempt 

Organizational Overview 

The mission of CuriOdyssey is to inspire a love for science and curiosity about the world in young learners. Located in Coyote Point Park in San Mateo County, CuriOdyssey has undergone a major reinvention and full strategic planning process that has transformed the organization into a vital, kid-centric interactive science center and accredited California native wildlife zoo that provides up-close and personal experiences with the natural world. The organization is comprised of a strategic and engaged Board of Trustees, visionary executive leadership, and a talented, energetic, and entrepreneurial staff.

Position Overview

(1) One-year Keeper Apprenticeship. CuriOdyssey is looking for a keeper apprentice who is self-motivated, flexible, reliable, has a positive attitude, and can maintain enthusiasm and drive for each project they take on. The candidate should have an interest in wildlife management, animal welfare, and conservation.  This program offers practical, on-the-job experience caring for invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. This apprenticeship provides exposure to zoo careers. 

Role and Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Daily animal husbandry, servicing animal habitats, and holding areas 
• Preparing diets and feeding the animal collection 
• Record keeping 
• Animal welfare assessments 
• Behavioral enrichment 
• Public presentation and visitor engagement 
• Willingness to assist in veterinary procedures if asked 
• Serve as a backup to Keeper Staff during venomous animal procedures  

Qualifications

• High school diploma or an equivalent degree.
• Must be at least 18 years old 
• A minimum of (500) five hundred hours of experience in captive wild animal care, preferably in a zoological institution 
• Good written and verbal communication skills 
• Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with potentially dangerous wild animals
• Ability to work with the potential physical risk associated with wild animals while observing proper safety precautions
• Experience caring for a variety of taxon, preferably with at least one of each: mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate. 
• Experience with animal enrichment 
• Strong observation skills regarding safety and animal behavior  

About the Keeper Apprentice position

• This is a non-exempt, 40-hour/week position, with work hours/schedule based upon departmental needs. 
• Weekend and some holiday scheduling will be required 
• Team members are expected to be able to work outside in all weather conditions.  
• Willingness to train on handling venomous animals.  
• This position requires the following:
  • Take and clear a Live Scan background check.
  • Willingness to obtain (at CuriOdyssey’s expense) vaccination for tetanus and pre-exposure rabies series or rabies titer if previously vaccinated.   

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands herein are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.

Environment: Work is conducted at CuriOdyssey and immediate local space at Coyote Point. Animal care and programs will take place indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.

Mobility: The physical ability and endurance to occasionally carry and lift heavy materials, up to 50 pounds. The ability to frequently move from sitting to squatting to standing positions. Traversing uneven surfaces, bending, reaching, sitting/kneeling on the floor with animals, and twisting are daily repetitive physical actions.

Compensation and Benefits

The current pay rate for this position is $22.00 per hour 

This is a non-exempt full-time Temporary position with a desired start date of February  2025 or sooner. The general work schedule varies according to staffing needs.  

Benefits: Eligible for insurance (medical, dental, vision, life insurance) benefits and paid sick leave.

To Apply

Please send a resume, cover letter, and animal care references to Jessie Arnold: Jarnold(at)CuriOdyssey.org with “Keeper Apprentice” as the subject line. Applications must be submitted by December 9, 2024.