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 protocolsDeliver diets to animal care areas throughout the Zoo in a timely and organized mannerDeliver supplies to Animal Care areas across the ZooClean, sanitize, organize, and maintain the commissary and food preparation spacesTrack commissary inventory and assist with maintaining adequate stock levelsImplement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvementsGuide and support junior staff and volunteers as appropriateRepresent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes and casual communication with Zoo guestsPerform other related duties as required and assignedWho 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 cookComfortable preparing and handling a variety of food items including produce, raw meat, and whole prey dietsStrong organizational skills and attention to cleanliness, sanitation, and inventory managementValid driver’s license and clean driving recordWillingness 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 yearsBonus if you have...
Knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical applicationAbility to inspire guests in casual (e.g., one on one) and formal (i.e., programs) venues to take action for conservationPrior experience working in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife facility commissaryKnowledge of animal nutrition, diet preparation standards, or veterinary dietary guidelinesBachelor'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 dustPhysical 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 writingInclusive 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 systemsTime management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitmentsSustainability – 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 departmentPassion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all timesWildlife 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 wildlifeBenefits
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.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should be one page and include details about: the tools, platforms, and systems you’ve used for communications (e.g., social media, CMS, media monitoring) and how you’ve used them to improve messaging or outreach, your experience working with media contacts or external communications relationships, examples of content you’ve created or supported (e.g., press releases, blogs, social media, signage, etc.), and any experience supporting or participating in crisis communications.Pay rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $71,770.36 - $83,203.03 annually. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer, in alignment with Oakland Zoo's compensation philosophy.
Position Summary
The Communications Manager leads public relations, media relations, and internal communications initiatives for the Oakland Zoo. This role serves as a key organizational storyteller, crafting compelling narratives about animal care, conservation efforts, and community impact. The Communications Manager builds media relationships, develops press materials, manages crisis communications, and creates content that engages diverse audiences while advancing the Oakland Zoo's mission and reputation.
Essential Job Duties
Media Relations & Public Relations
Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media contacts; write and distribute press releases, media alerts, and pitch stories to appropriate outletsRespond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews with Oakland Zoo staff and leadership, and organize media events, press conferences, and behind-the-scenes toursMonitor media coverage and maintain media relations database and clip filesSupport development of PR strategies to enhance the Oakland Zoo's reputation and visibility in the community, which includes: identifying and pitching story opportunities showcasing animal welfare, conservation, education, and research, building relationships with community organizations, influencers, and partner institutions and coordinating speaking engagements and community appearances for Oakland Zoo leadership and animal care staffWork with Director of Marketing and Communications to develop and execute PR and communications plans for special events, exhibit openings, and seasonal programs. This includes coordinating event press coverage and media attendance and creating event talking points, signage copy, and host scriptsManage relationships with influencers, content creators, and media partnersGeneral Communications
Manage the team’s communications calendar, which includes internal and external communications, advertising dates, partnerships, sponsorships, and eventsAttend meetings with animal care and other departments and report back to the team to ensure they gain insights into zoo activities.Crisis Communications
Support Director in developing and implementing crisis communication plans and protocols.Content Development
Create and edit compelling content across blogs, newsletters, website copy, and scripts by developing storytelling frameworks, translating expert insights into accessible narratives, and ensuring consistency and quality across all communications produced by other departments.Develop signage copy with Lead Graphic Designer.Internal Communications
Develop and distribute internal communications (including employee newsletters, intranet content, and leadership messaging) to keep staff informed and engagedSupport organizational change initiatives with strategic communication planning.Develop a comprehensive folder of talking points for staff and volunteers to access throughout the year. Additionally, formulate specific talking points tailored for staff and volunteers.Manage digital screen content and work with Marketing and Communications team to create and implement new contentStakeholder Communications
Support communications to key stakeholder groups including donors, members, volunteers, board members, and community partners, and manage annual report development from content gathering through publicationPerform other related duties as required and assigned.Oakland Zoo does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here and will consider the combination of formal education, training, and practical experience of each applicant. We are committed to supporting the career development of our employees. A strong candidate who is interested in growing and learning in this role will possess at least 75% of the following qualifications. If this is you, then we strongly encourage you to apply.
Who You Are
Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, which must include a minimum of 3years of communications, public relations, or journalism experience. A Bachelor’s may be considered equivalent to 3 years of relevant experience, and an Associate’s may be considered equivalent to 2 years of relevant experienceDemonstrated experience with media relations and securing press coverageExperience working with data collection and publishing through programs like Cision or Meltwater.Experience in writing press releases or similar forms of communicationsMust be able to work a flexible schedule; occasional early morning, evening, and weekend work for events and media opportunitiesBonus if you have...
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or related fieldPrevious journalism or newsroom experienceCrisis communications training or experienceNonprofit, cultural institution, or conservation organization experienceKnowledge of AP Style and content management systemsPhotography or video production skillsPassion for wildlife conservation and environmental educationWork Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
Office environment with frequent Oakland Zoo grounds visits for research and event supportMust be available for on-call crisis communications supportHybrid work arrangement may be available with regular on-site presence requiredPhysical 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.
Sustained computer-based administrative and analytical work, using standard or assistive technology for extended periods every dayAbility to navigate Zoo groundsKnowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.
Analytical and Conceptual Aptitude – engages in and facilitates broad organizational strategic thinking/planning with awareness of equity, inclusion, accessibility, and cultural relevance.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 Data Analysis – able to collect, interpret and detect patterns in clean dataDependability – demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervisionFlexibility – nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humorGrowth-Oriented: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibilityImpact: Inspired to contribute to the success of a project or the organizationInclusive 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 systemsPassion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all timesPresentation – able to convey ideas clearly and sensitively, highlight key takeaways and translate impact; have thoughtful presence, can quickly build rapport with others, and are comfortable in front of a variety of audiencesProject management – effectively prioritizes commitments, driving forward multiple high-profile and complex projects simultaneously with flexibility, resourcefulness, and agility to adapt to shifting organizational needsRelationship-Building: able to build and maintain trusting relationships and mutually beneficial partnerships with internal and external stakeholdersSelf-motivated– effectively navigates multiple, simultaneous tasks with excellent attention to detail and deadlines. Enthusiastically identifies and approaches opportunities without regular supervisionSelf-reflection – demonstrates self-awareness, agility, and a willingness to learn from mistakes and acknowledge one's own biasesSolution-oriented – utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges.Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and departmentTechnological Aptitude – able to quickly understand, develop and maintain functional digital systemsTime management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitmentsWildlife 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 wildlifeBenefits
Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and Zoo Membership options.
Requirements: