Full or Part-time Keeper or Lead Keeper
Animal Educators
Valley Center & Pauma Valley, California
Position Type: Full-Time (40+ hours/week) or Part-Time NEGOTIABLE
Starting Wage: $18.00- $22.00/hour plus benefits and possible onsite housing
Start Date: Immediate
Position Summary
Animal Educators is seeking a highly motivated, experienced Exotic Animal Keeper and/or Lead Keeper to join our professional animal care team. This position is responsible for the daily husbandry, behavioral observation, environmental maintenance, record keeping, and welfare of a diverse collection of ambassadors and exhibit animals.
We are seeking an individual with a minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience working with and training exotic animal species who demonstrates excellent husbandry skills, sound judgment, professionalism, and a commitment to animal welfare, conservation education, and public engagement.
This position requires an individual who understands that animal care extends beyond scheduled work hours. The successful candidate must recognize that the welfare of the collection may require weekend, holiday, overtime, or emergency response as needed.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a six-month probationary period, during which competency in husbandry practices, behavioral management, teamwork, and institutional standards will be evaluated.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Animal Husbandry
Prepare and distribute species-appropriate diets according to established protocols.
Prepare whole-prey diets, including skinning rabbits and/or rats when required.
Feed and water assigned animal collection.
Perform daily cleaning and sanitation of animal enclosures, holding areas, food preparation spaces, and associated work areas.
Maintain exhibits to promote animal welfare and appropriate environmental conditions.
Animal Health & Welfare
Conduct daily behavioral and physical observations of assigned animals.
Recognize normal versus abnormal behavior and identify early indicators of illness, injury, stress, or aggression.
Communicate observations promptly to supervisory staff.
Administer medications and assist with veterinary procedures as directed.
Safely restrain and handle animals for husbandry, medical care, and educational programming.
Behavioral Management
Demonstrate the ability to accurately interpret species-specific behavior and body language.
Anticipate and appropriately redirect escalating behaviors before they develop into unsafe situations.
Participate in behavioral management and conditioning programs utilizing established husbandry protocols.
Successfully learn the behavioral management techniques necessary to safely work within an established group of otters (training provided).
Facility Maintenance
Perform minor enclosure repairs and maintenance.
Assist with exhibit landscaping and grounds maintenance as necessary.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
Records & Compliance
Complete accurate daily husbandry records.
Maintain medical, behavioral, feeding, and enrichment documentation as required.
Ensure all records meet institutional standards and applicable permit and regulatory requirements.
Team Participation
Work both independently and collaboratively within a team of approximately 5–10 staff members.
Maintain professional communication with coworkers and supervisors.
Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling and assist other departments when operationally necessary.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must possess:
Minimum 3–5 years of professional exotic animal training and husbandry experience
Demonstrated knowledge of animal behavior, enrichment, and welfare principles
Ability to prioritize animal welfare in all aspects of husbandry
Excellent observational and organizational skills
Strong verbal communication and teamwork abilities
Ability to work independently following training
Valid driver's license
Successful completion of a criminal background check
Successful completion of a post-offer physical examination verifying the ability to perform essential job functions
Physical Requirements
This position is physically demanding and requires the ability to:
Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Perform repetitive bending, kneeling, climbing, pushing, and pulling
Work outdoors year-round in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and uneven terrain
Safely perform physically demanding animal husbandry duties over extended periods
Professional Expectations
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Exceptional reliability and attendance
Strong work ethic and personal accountability
Calm, professional decision-making in dynamic situations
Respect for institutional policies and established husbandry protocols
An evidence-based approach to animal management that avoids anthropomorphism and recognizes species-specific behavioral needs
Commitment to continual learning and professional development
Animal Educators is dedicated to providing exceptional lifetime care for the animals entrusted to us while inspiring conservation through education, ambassador animal programs, and meaningful public engagement. Our team is committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, professionalism, and ethical husbandry.
Applicants who possess the experience, dedication, and passion required to care for a diverse collection of exotic animals are encouraged to apply. Please send resumes and cover letters only to wyates3401@gmail.com (do not send through third parties).