Animal Keeper

Wildlife Department / Permanent – FT – Non-Exempt

Organizational Overview 

The mission of CuriOdyssey is to inspire a love for science and curiosity about the world to create a brighter future. 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 an accredited 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 Description

CuriOdyssey is looking for an energetic, motivated, team-orientated person who is open to a positively changing environment to fill the position of Animal Keeper.  The incumbent assists with caring for and maintaining all living animals and the wildlife habitats at CuriOdyssey.  Some of the animals in the Living Collection include river otters, bobcats, raccoons, various amphibians and reptiles (including Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes), Raptors, and more. The Animal Keeper will assist in the supervision of wildlife volunteers. 

Role and Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Servicing animal habitats and indoor holding areas, preparing diets, and feeding animal collection.
• Participating in veterinary procedures and assisting with emergency treatment of animals.
• Participating in the implementation of enrichment, animal training, and handling protocols.
• Participating in building and grounds maintenance, including cleaning/repairing habitats and ponds.
• Assisting in maintaining and improving animal husbandry standards, minor renovations, and improvements within the department. 
• Weekly meetings with supervisors to address animal health, welfare, safety, and facility maintenance.
• Training and supervising volunteers as requested by supervisors.
• Shows handleable animals to the public and presents information at scheduled animal feedings and public presentations.  
• Interact with visitors to enhance their animal viewing experience.
• Carries out job-related tasks as requested by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or an equivalent degree. A college degree in a related field is preferable.  
• A minimum of one year of paid experience in captive wild animal care in a zoological institution, preferably an AZA institution.
• Knowledge of wild animal husbandry, welfare, nutrition, behavior, training/operant conditioning, safety practices, techniques for restraint and capture, and handling of animal ambassadors.  
• 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 
• Strong observation skills regarding safety and animal behavior  

About the Animal Keeper 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, as well as follow-up rabies titer testing every two years.  
  • Must have a valid driver’s license

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

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

Environment: Work is conducted at CuriOdyssey and the 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

$26.00 per hour

This is a non-exempt full-time position with a desired start date of May 1, 2025. The general work schedule varies according to staffing needs.  

Benefits include individual medical, dental, and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, CuriOdyssey membership, CuriOdyssey Shop discount, and camp discounts for children of staff.

To Apply

Please send a resume, cover letter, and references to Nikii Finch-Morales, Director of Wildlife at Nikiifm(at)curiodyssey.org, with “Animal keeper” as the subject line. Applications must be submitted by March 28th, 2025.

CuriOdyssey seeks to build a diverse work team and encourages applications from candidates who will add to that diversity. CuriOdyssey is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that having staff, interns, and volunteers with diverse backgrounds enables us to better meet our mission. CuriOdyssey considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other identifiable status.