Job Details

Janitor

Job Category: All

Requisition Number: JANIT001364

Posted: March 6, 2026

Full-Time

On-site

Rate: $22.07 USD per hour

Location: Northern California, Oakland, CA 94605, USA

Description

Pay Rate: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting rate for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $22.07 per hour. An offer at this rate will be our best and final compensation offer.

Note: We are looking to hire 2 people for this position.

Position Summary: Janitors play a vital role in making Oakland Zoo a pleasant and enjoyable place for our staff and guests by carefully maintaining the Zoo Grounds and Facilities. They provide thoughtful and responsive customer service to internal (i.e. co-workers) and external (vendors, park visitors, contractors etc.) guests while tending to their assigned areas.

Essential Job Duties:

• Clean and maintain areas including restrooms, offices, and common spaces by wiping surfaces, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning windows, and restocking supplies.

• Handle waste and supplies by emptying trash and recycling bins, breaking down boxes, safely using cleaning chemicals, and loading, unloading, and distributing materials as needed.

• Support building operations by moving furniture, servicing high-traffic areas, responding quickly to special cleaning requests, and assisting with general utility work.

• Maintain a safe working environment and report unsafe conditions to supervisor.

• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Who You Are:

• Able to safely operate powered equipment normally found in janitorial operations
• Possesses a valid Driver's License with a clean driving record to obtain authorization from the Zoo's Insurance provider
• Able to work around members of the public
• Able to follow cleaning schedules
• Able read and follow label instructions on chemicals/cleaning materials, operating instructions on powered equipment and wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Able to work weekends and holidays

Bonus if you have...

• Have 1 or more years of janitorial experience
• Possess knowledge of total hard floor care and carpet care
• Have knowledge of general office maintenance

Work Environment:

• Work will be a mixture of indoor and outdoor environments and may involve traversing uneven terrain and working in various weather conditions.

Physical Abilities:

• Able to lift and carry objects weighing 50 pounds or more
• Able to bend and twist, lift, stand, kneel, sit, walk, bend, stoop and speak regularly and for 8-hour shifts
• Able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities: May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Communication: communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Dependability: demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Flexibility: nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• Inclusive 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 systems
• Passion: wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo's mission and PRIDE values at all times
• 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 department
• Technological Aptitude: able to quickly understand, develop and maintain functional digital systems
• Time Management: strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
• Wildlife 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 wildlife

Benefits: 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 A Family Zoo Membership.

Who We Are: Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Oakland Zoo deepens connection with animals, saves wildlife, and inspires champions for the natural world. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), The Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.

Oakland Zoo's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access: We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.

The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, QAOV status, or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Oakland Zoo participates in E-Verify to verify work authorization.