Organizational Overview  The mission of CuriOdyssey is to inspire a love for science and curiosity about the world in young learners. Located in Coyote Point Park in San Mateo County, CuriOdyssey has undergone a major reinvention and full strategic planning process that has transformed the organization into a vital, kid-centric interactive science center and accredited California native animal wildlife zoo that provides up-close and personal experiences with the natural world. The organization is comprised of a strategic and engaged Board of Trustees, visionary executive leadership, and a talented, energetic, and entrepreneurial staff. Position Overview (1) One-year Keeper Apprenticeship: Approximately January through December. CuriOdyssey is looking for a keeper apprentice who is self-motivated, flexible, reliable, has a positive attitude, and can maintain enthusiasm and drive for each project they take on. The candidate should have an interest in wildlife management, animal welfare, and conservation.  This program offers practical, on-the-job experience caring for invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. This apprenticeship provides exposure to zoo careers.   Role and Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  Daily animal husbandry, servicing animal habitats, and holding areas  Preparing diets and feeding the animal collection  Record keeping  Animal welfare assessments  Behavioral enrichment  Public presentation and visitor engagement  Willingness to assist in veterinary procedures if asked  Serve as a backup to Keeper Staff during venomous animal procedures     Qualifications High school diploma, or an equivalent degree. Must be at least 18 years old  A minimum of (500) five hundred hours of experience in captive wild animal care preferably in a zoological institution  Good written and verbal communication skills  Knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with potentially dangerous wild animals Ability to work with the potential physical risk associated with wild animals while observing proper safety precautions Experience caring for a variety of taxon, preferably with at least one of each: mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate  Experience with animal enrichment  Strong observation skills regarding safety and animal behavior   About the Keeper Apprentice position This is a non-exempt, 40-hour/week position, with work hours/schedule based upon departmental needs.  Weekend and some holiday scheduling will be required  Team members are expected to be able to work outside in all weather conditions.   Willingness to train on handling venomous animals.   This position requires the following: Take and clear a Live Scan background check. Willingness to obtain (at CuriOdyssey's expense) vaccination for tetanus and pre-exposure rabies series, and follow-up rabies titer testing every two years.     Physical Demands and Working Conditions The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions. Environment: Work is conducted at CuriOdyssey and immediately local space at Coyote Point. Animal care and programs will take place indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions. Mobility: Physical ability and endurance to occasionally carry and lift heavy materials, up to 50 pounds. Frequently move from sitting, to squatting, to standing positions. Traversing uneven surfaces, bending, reaching, sitting/kneeling on the floor with animals, and twisting are daily repetitive physical actions. Compensation and Benefits The current pay rate for this position is $22.00 per hour  This is a non-exempt full-time Temporary position with a desired start date of January 2, 2027. The general work schedule varies according to staffing needs. The current shift for this position is 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.   Benefits: Eligible for insurance (medical, dental, vision, life insurance) benefits, and paid sick leave. CuriOdyssey seeks to build a diverse work team and encourages applications from candidates who will add to that diversity. CuriOdyssey is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe that having staff, interns, and volunteers with diverse backgrounds enables us to better meet our mission. CuriOdyssey considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other identifiable status.