SALARY $ 28.55 Hourly
(The current salary range is subject to change. You may confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.)
LOCATION Los Angeles Zoo – 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027
SCHEDULE
Hours not to exceed 800 hours in a service year per employee; days off and shift schedule vary depending on operational needs; start time is typically between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.
DUTIES / JOB DESCRIPTION
General responsibilities include, but are not limited to: cleaning, feeding/watering, animal observation, recordkeeping, and providing daily care for a variety of venomous and non-venomous reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Duties also include maintaining animal enclosures and work areas and routinely lifting and moving bags of salt, gravel, feed, and other materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
This is an at-will exempt intermittent position which can be terminated at any time without cause.
REQUIREMENTS
1. The equivalent of one year of full-time paid experience (2,080 hours) in the care and maintenance of exotic animals with a facility similar to the Los Angeles Zoo whose core function is the exhibition of a variety of exotic animals; or
2. Successful completion of the Animal Keeper Training program conducted by the Los Angeles Zoo; or
3. An equivalent program at an accredited school or college providing classroom and field work on the basic structure and function of exotic animals; basic nutritional requirements; recognition of the symptoms of animal diseases; sanitation measures; and aspects of animal behavior; or
4. Current status as an Animal Care volunteer with the Los Angeles Zoo; or
5. Current employment as a Special Program Assistant II in the Commissary or Education Specialist with the Education Division; and
6. Must have a background in caring for exotic reptiles/amphibians/fish and invertebrates, and a willingness to work in cramped hot spaces with a team.
Desirable qualifications include reptile husbandry experience, particularly with venomous species; strong observation and communication skills; attention to detail; ability to work effectively in a team environment; and willingness to be fully trained in the care and handling of venomous reptiles and large crocodilians.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should email an updated resume or a completed City application to lazoo.personnel@lacity.org and the subject line must include “PT ANIMAL KEEPER (REPTILES).” Resumes and/or applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, or until sufficient applications have been received.