This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The application deadline is May 23, 2026. 

Note: This is a part-time, temporary position that will last for 6 months, with potential to extend depending on the needs of the organization.

Application Process

• Applicants must submit a resume. 
• Candidates not meeting minimum requirements may not receive a response.
• Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.

Payrate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the payrate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $27.05 per hour. An offer at this rate will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with the Zoo's compensation philosophy.

Position Summary

Animal Keepers play a vital role on the ACCR team, supporting the physical health and psychological well-being of the animals in their care. The Commissary Keeper works in the Zoo’s commissary and is responsible for preparing and distributing diets for a wide variety of animal species across the Zoo. This role supports daily animal care operations through diet preparation, delivery, inventory management, and commissary maintenance while ensuring high standards of cleanliness, organization, and food safety.

Essential Job Duties

• Prepare a wide variety of animal diets including produce, meat, and whole prey items in accordance with established nutrition and safety protocols
• Deliver diets to animal care areas throughout the Zoo in a timely and organized manner
• Deliver supplies to Animal Care areas across the Zoo
• Clean, sanitize, organize, and maintain the commissary and food preparation spaces
• Track commissary inventory and assist with maintaining adequate stock levels
• Implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements
• Guide and support junior staff and volunteers as appropriate
• Represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes and casual communication with Zoo guests
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Who You Are

• Minimum of 6 months full time or 1040 hours experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility). This can include unpaid experience OR experience working in food preparation, commercial kitchens, commissaries, or as a prep cook
• Comfortable preparing and handling a variety of food items including produce, raw meat, and whole prey diets
• Strong organizational skills and attention to cleanliness, sanitation, and inventory management
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays 
• Medical requirements: negative TB test within the last year, tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years

Bonus if you have...

• Knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
• Ability to inspire guests in casual (e.g., one on one) and formal (i.e., programs) venues to take action for conservation
• Prior experience working in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife facility commissary
• Knowledge of animal nutrition, diet preparation standards, or veterinary dietary guidelines
• Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, food science, zoology, biology or a related field or a specialized Associate's degree (ex: Moorpark)

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. 

• Work in indoor and outdoor environments in various weather conditions, sometimes in or around significant dirt and dust 

Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale)
• Able to walk long distances on uneven terrain in variable environmental conditions (e.g., steep, muddy, etc.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
• Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

Benefits

Oakland Zoo offers part-time and seasonal employees a valuable benefits package, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Paid Sick Time, optional 403b Retirement Plan, and a discounted Zoo Membership. They also have access to various perks, discounts, and programs to enhance their overall experience.