What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Animal Keeper - Invertebrates position at Oregon Metro?
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 is looking for a Seasonal Animal Keeper to join the Invertebrate Team. If you are passionate about wildlife, connecting understudied species to the community, and have an interest in invertebrates, this could be the perfect role for you. In this position, you will play a vital role in the care and well-being of invertebrates at the Insect Zoo, including various species of stick bugs, cockroaches, and tarantulas. From caring for larvae and monitoring invertebrate populations to detailed husbandry and educational programming, your work will be central to the invertebrates at the Oregon Zoo Insect Zoo. You may also join the on-the-ground efforts of the Mazama Newt and Oregon Silverspot Butterfly conservation projects in a supporting role.
Expected Seasonal Schedule: March 2027 – October 2027; Friday – Tuesday, 7am – 1:30pm
As the Seasonal Animal Keeper - Invertebrates you will
- Observe animals to identify normal and abnormal behavior, reproductive behavior, eating habits, health problems, injuries, and adjustment to diet changes or response to medication. Identify and report concerns to supervisor; involvement in corrective actions by initiation or cooperation.
- Service a variety of animal environments including cleaning and disinfecting tanks, bins, and food and water receptacles. Also maintains keeper areas such as offices and kitchens.
- Check conditions of animal environments to assess security and safety for animals and humans, including checks of perimeters and locking systems. Develops safe work habits and contributes to the safety of self and coworkers. Follows all safety guidelines and procedures.
- Feed animals in a species-specific manner, report on consumption and recommend diet modifications as needed.
- Administer medications, as prescribed by veterinarians. Inform veterinarian and supervisor of response to medication or other treatments.
- Initiate or provide suggestions for enrichment options which demonstrate knowledge of designated species’ natural biology and individual animal needs; provide designated enrichment to species under care and observe and document effectiveness, as appropriate.
- Keep concise, objective records regarding diet, daily animal health and behavior, births, deaths, transfers, social dynamics, wellbeing, or any other topic deemed pertinent to the care of species in purview.
- Perform or assist with general husbandry tasks, regularly communicate with supervisor regarding husbandry. May assist with capture, restraint, or segregation of animals for transfer or medical treatment.
- May be involved with developing materials for education purposes and presenting education materials to the public. Conduct informative and professional talks and tours through area of responsibility as assigned, and act as an information resource to the public and other departments.
- Stay up to date on current industry care standards for the designated species, including but not limited to feeding strategies, introduction methods, breeding and rearing practices, social management, training practices and strategies, and engaging enrichment.
- Operate and maintain tools and equipment to maintain a safe working environment, including appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), video monitors, lockout/tagout systems, signage, fire extinguishers, ladders, microscopes, etc.
- Maintain animal care standards and work in compliance with all USDA and AZA rules, regulations, and guidelines, as well as safety rules, OSHA standards, work rules and Zoo and area policies and procedures.
- Contribute to a positive team atmosphere through the daily coordination of work with colleagues, supervisors, gardeners, custodians, security, maintenance, and other zoo staff.
- Effectively communicate to managers, team members, and other zoo departments and guests.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Attributes for success
- Knowledge of invertebrate biology and care, as it relates to captive husbandry.
- Direct experience with invertebrate care in a lab or zoo setting.
- Attention to detail – meticulous in following animal care and lab protocols, tracking data, and maintaining optimal conditions for sensitive species.
- Communication and collaboration – community clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, and work well with peers.
- Commitment to animal wellbeing and ethical practices .
- Intellectual curiosity – ask thoughtful questions, seek out new information and embrace opportunities to learn and improve animal care practices.
- Dedication to high standards of care – maintain care standards in compliance with all USDA, AZA, and OSHA rules, regulations, and guidelines.
- Passion for invertebrate care
- Contribute to a positive team atmosphere while also able to work independently.
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 Metro’s Diversity Action Plan
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
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related subjects relevant to the care of zoo animals AND
- Three years of professional animal keeper related experience OR
- Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.
Required qualifications
- Valid driver’s license
Working Conditions
Duties may require prolonged sitting and standing in enclosed warm spaces. May need to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance (with or without reasonable accommodation). Frequent reaching, walking, lifting, stooping, or carrying of equipment and materials may be required. There may be frequent interruptions or irregularities in the daily work routines.
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.
- Background in invertebrate husbandry and population management in a zoo or lab setting.
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
- A cover letter detailing your prior experience with the daily care of invertebrates, working in a zoo or lab setting, and with educational chats
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 for finalist candidate
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON
The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $31.78 to step 5: $42.60. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $31.78 to the equity range step 3
$37.18.
This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by LiUNA 483. It is classified as an Animal Keeper (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: Christina Rentas
Email: christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov
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.
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
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Metro
As part of the Metro family, Oregon Zoohelps 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.