Position Title: Wild Animal Keeper, Queens Zoo
Reports to: Animal Curators, Animal Supervisors, Senior Wild Animal Keepers
Direct Reports: Keeper trainees, interns and volunteers as required.
Position Objective: To perform any authorized activity necessary for the safe, proper and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas.
Principal Responsibilities:
1. Perform safe, proper and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under the direction or the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or supervisory/curatorial staff.
2.Prepare animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or supervisory/curatorial staff.
3.Perform safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or supervisory/curatorial staff.
4.Assist curatorial/supervisory staff in developing safe, proper and humane protocols for management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas.
5.Participate in the modification and enhancement of animal exhibits under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or supervisory/curatorial staff to include, but not limited to, installation of plant material, perches, and exhibit props such as rocks and logs.
6.Inspect animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas to ensure that they are clean, well lit, properly ventilated, properly heated or cooled, and that all mechanical systems are operating properly. Report any deficiencies and/or required maintenance to the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or supervisory/curatorial staff. Make any minor repairs necessary to ensure safe, proper and humane animal management.
7.Observe assigned animals for any changes in activity pattern, social behavior, feeding behavior and food preference, any abnormal behavior or evidence of injury or illness, any indications of sexual behavior or sexual cycle. Summarize these and other observations relevant to safe, proper and humane management in a daily report submitted to the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or supervisory/curatorial staff. Promptly report anything which might require immediate action to the appropriate senior keeper and/or supervisory/curatorial staff.
8.Carry out the veterinarian’s instructions for the care of sick and injured animals and summarize required procedures in a daily report submitted to the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or supervisory/curatorial staff.
9. Submit a daily report to the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or supervisory/curatorial staff which summarizes events/changes in the animal collection and staff activities within assigned work areas, identifies required maintenance, and lists needed supplies and equipment.
10. Serve as acting senior wild animal keeper in their absence if instructed by the supervisory/curatorial staff.
11. Aid the general public and provide information concerning the zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection.
12. Enforce the zoo’s visitor rules and regulations.
13. Perform other related tasks and duties as required.
Internal Qualification Requirements
Physical Requirements:
1. The position requires outdoor work in all weather conditions. Tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools (e.g., drill, wire cutters, computer keyboard) and operate equipment. Some tasks require climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.
2. Ability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events as the schedule demands.
Minimum Requirements:
1.Valid current driver’s license (preferred).
2.Computer proficiency required.
3.Some experience with animal management software such as ZIMS, Tracks, etc.
4. Bachelor’s Degree with major in biology or a related field with three years recent, full time paid experience in the handling, feeding and care of animals in a zoo or on a stock farm with experience supervising animal care staff OR an equivalent combination of education or experience.
5.Ability to represent WCS in a professional manner and to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees, colleagues, City and other government agencies, outside contractors, and the general public.
Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.
Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.
