Find & Apply For Animal Care Worker / Manager Jobs in Portland, Oregon

Animal Keeper Assistant (Variable Hour) Oregon Metro - 4.1 Oregon Zoo, OR Job Details $24.34 an hour 8 hours ago Benefits Paid parental leave Parental leave Employee assistance program Paid sick time Qualifications High school diploma or GED Driver's License Full Job Description Position Summary This recruitment will close at 11:59 PM on October 6th, 2026, or once 100 applications have been received, whichever occurs first. Qualified applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure consideration. Hello, we're Metro ! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow. The Oregon Zoo's Africa Area is seeking a Variable Hour Animal Keeper Assistant to support the daily operations of the Africa animal collection, which includes rhinos, giraffes, bongos, gazelles, Southern ground hornbills, bats, lions, and African painted dogs. The Oregon Zoo is committed to providing exceptional animal care, advancing animal welfare, and supporting conservation initiatives both on-site and at partner institutions. This position works alongside a highly experienced animal care team, providing valuable operational support that allows staff to focus on key animal management, training, enrichment, conservation, and program objectives. The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the care and well-being of a diverse collection of species while gaining experience in a professional zoological setting. As an Africa area Keeper Assistant you will: Acquire and maintain understanding and practice of all area safety protocols and policies. Work effectively and contribute in a close, team-oriented environment. Provide labor support to maintain Exhibits, holdings, and barns. This includes raking, shoveling, and heavy lifting in a variety of potentially adverse environmental conditions. Prepare diets as directed by staff. Prepare enrichment as directed by staff. Set up feeders in yards/barns. Operate all equipment associated with assigned tasks.

Attributes for success:

Ability to maintain a positive and supportive team environment. Attention to detail especially when it comes to safety. Flexibility as assignments may change dependent on need of the day. Exhibit strong communication skills. Ability to understand and follow guidance provided by staff. Strong work ethic.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community. Learn more about how Metro is advancing diversity

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications:

High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.), and Six (6) months of related experience with domestic animal care, pet sitting, animal shelter, or animal retail, or Any combination of experience, education and training which provides the equivalent scope of knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential job duties. Required Possession of a valid

Driver's License Additional Requirements:

Additional medical testing and/or immunizations (not already stated in this announcement) may be required as the duties of this position may require close contact with animal areas and enclosures where animals may be present.

Working Conditions:

Duties may require prolonged strenuous efforts in inclement weather conditions and other adverse conditions. May need to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance. If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications:

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position. Experience working in a team environment. Experience working with and around large potentially dangerous animals. Experience performing strenuous tasks in adverse weather conditions. Experience operating heavy equipment.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet : The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment. A completed online application. Answers to supplemental questions The selection process : We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change. Initial review of minimum qualifications In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates Consideration of top candidates/interviews Reference check Driving records check and TB testing for finalist candidate

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The rate of pay for this position is $24.34. This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LiUNA 483. It is classified as an Animal Keeper Assistant (VHE). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description. Questions?

Recruiter:

Sarah Winters Email:

Additional Information Equal employment opportunity All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law. Non-discrimination?in hiring decisions Metro is committed to equal employment?opportunity?and?complies with?all applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws. Metro employment decisions - including recruitment, screening, interviewing, selection, promotion, compensation, and separation - must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected class.?? Accommodation Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. Veterans' preference Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process. Pay equity at Metro No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act. Online applications Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. How to Apply For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's "How to apply" page. Government Jobs For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page. Metro As part of the Metro family, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. The Oregon Zoo and Metro The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo's roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year. As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region. This is a variable hour position with no guarantee of hours. The position is eligible for these benefits: Paid sick leave Paid parental leave Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement if eligible and qualified. No-cost TriMet Hop Pass Employee Assistance Program Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling. Learn more about employee benefits. Some variable hour positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits. View union contracts here.