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Senior Environmental Quality Keeper

Z&A Management

Folsom, California

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$22–$24
SKILLS
Air Quality, Analysis Skills, Animal Breeding, Animal Care, Animal Husbandry, Best Practices, Biology, Coaching, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Cross-Functional, Detail Oriented, Environmental Impact, Environmental Management, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Sciences, Federal Laws and Regulations, Identify Issues, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Maintenance - HVAC, Mentoring, Needs Assessment, Problem Solving Skills, Quality Management, Record Keeping, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Safety Standards, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Standards Development, State Laws and Regulations, System Operations, Team Building, Team Lead/Manager, Testing, Trend Analysis, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Veterinary Medicine, Water Quality Testing, Water Resource Management, Zoology
LOCATION
Folsom, California
POSTED
3 days ago
About the Job:

Senior Environmental Quality Keeper
NorCal Aquarium and Wildlife Adventures
Lead the Environments That Keep Life Thriving

Behind every thriving animal is a perfectly balanced environment.

At NorCal Aquarium and Wildlife Adventures our Senior Environmental Quality Keeper plays a critical leadership role in ensuring that every habitat—from complex aquatic systems to dynamic terrestrial enclosures-supports the health, behavior, and well-being of our animal collection.

This is more than monitoring systems. It’s about owning the environments that make exceptional animal care possible, leading a team, and shaping the standards that define our facility.

If you are highly detail-oriented, technically skilled, and passionate about animal welfare at the highest level-this is your opportunity to lead, influence, and make a measurable impact.

What You’ll Do:

Environmental Systems Ownership:
  • Oversee and maintain optimal environmental conditions across all aquatic and terrestrial habitats. 
  • Monitor and analyze key parameters including water quality (pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrites/nitrates), temperature, humidity, air quality, and substrate conditions.
  • Proactively identify trends, troubleshoot imbalances, and implement corrective actions before issues escalate.
  • Ensure all systems consistently meet species-specific needs and industry best practices.

Leadership & Team Development:
  • Support and guide a team of Animal Keepers in executing daily environmental monitoring and habitat care.
  • Train and mentor team members on environmental standards, testing procedures, and best practices.
  • Hold the team accountable to high standards of cleanliness, safety, and consistency.
  • Partner with Curators to elevate team performance and operational excellence.

Collaboration & Operational Impact:
  • Work cross-functionally with Curators, Veterinary staff, and the national husbandry team to support animal health and breeding success.
  • Partner with Facilities and Life Support System (LSS) Technicians to ensure filtration, HVAC, and support systems operate effectively.
  • Contribute to exhibit planning, upgrades, and new habitat design with a focus on environmental optimization.
  • Provide clear, data-driven reporting on habitat conditions and system performance.

Animal Welfare & Quality Standards:
  • Ensure all environmental conditions meet or exceed animal welfare standards and internal SOPs.
  • Monitor how environmental changes impact animal behavior, health, and reproduction.
  • Oversee and ensure completion of routine deep cleans across marine and terrestrial exhibits.
  • Continuously look for opportunities to improve habitat quality and animal outcomes.

Compliance & Risk Management:
  • Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations (USDA, Fish & Wildlife, DNR, etc.).
  • Ensure accurate, consistent record-keeping of environmental data and habitat conditions.
  • Identify and mitigate risks related to environmental systems and animal habitats.

What You Bring:

Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in animal care, including at least 2 years focused on habitat or environmental management.
  • Strong expertise in water quality management, filtration systems, and life support systems.
  • Deep understanding of environmental needs across a variety of species and habitats.
  • Proven leadership experience, including training, coaching, or overseeing team members.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to act quickly in dynamic environments.
  • Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.

Preferred:
  • Experience with aquarium or zoo life support systems (LSS).
  • Certification in water quality testing or environmental monitoring.
  • Experience contributing to habitat design or exhibit planning.

What Success Looks Like:
  • Environmental systems run consistently, proactively-not reactively.
  • Animals are thriving, with conditions supporting natural behaviors and health.
  • The team is confident, trained, and executing at a high level.
  • Data is accurate, actionable, and used to drive decisions.
  • The facility meets or exceeds all compliance and welfare standards.

Work Environment:
  • Active, hands-on role requiring standing, walking, lifting, and working with equipment.
  • Exposure to water systems, chemicals, and varying environmental conditions.
  • Flexibility required, including weekends, holidays, and occasional after-hours response.

Why Join Us?
  • Play a critical leadership role in animal welfare and environmental excellence.
  • Work with a passionate, mission-driven team.
  • Influence habitat design, systems, and long-term operational success.
  • Grow your career in a facility committed to high standards and continuous improvement.

About the Company

Z

Z&A Management

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