Job Description
Position: Hospital Assistant
Reports to: Assistant Director, Zoological Health Program
Position Managed: Volunteers
Location: Bronx Zoo
Department: Zoological Health Program
Scope: Bronx Zoo; In-person
Position Type: Part time
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Job Summary:
The part time Hospital Assistant is part of the team which cares for hospitalized and quarantined animals at the Zoological Health Program’s (ZHP) Wildlife Health Center (WHC)/Quarantine Facility (QF). The individual’s main responsibilities will be to assist in performing any activity necessary to provide safe, proper and humane care of assigned animals in the WHC and QF according to established protocols or under the direction of ZHP/Animal Department Supervisors or Veterinarians. Assisting in the maintenance of the WHC/QF physical plant and environs is also integral to the role.
Major Responsibilities:
Care, training, enrichment, and restraint of assigned animals of all taxa housed at the WHC/QF including carrying out medical care, recordkeeping, specialized diets as ordered by veterinarians or ZHP/Animal Department Supervisors.
Perform safe and proper maintenance (cleaning and proper environmental parameters) of environmentally controlled enclosures, holding facilities, and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of ZHP/Animal Department Supervisors or Veterinary Staff.
Participate in the modification, enhancement, and proper disinfection of animal holding areas/enclosures under the direction of ZHP/Animal Department Supervisors or Veterinary Staff.
Assist with general equipment/supplies replacement, all recordkeeping, and maintenance of the WHC compressed medical gas system.
Assist with set up and carrying out mandated quarantine procedures (Centers for Disease Control, United States Department of Agriculture, etc. or specific infectious disease control)
Assist with the proper handling and disposal of Regulated Medical Waste.
Maintain the WHC/QF environs and vehicles for cleanliness, safety, and organization
Assist the Operations/Maintenance staff and outside contractors as needed to ensure the WHC and QF physical plant and medical systems operate properly.
Qualification Requirements
Job Qualifications:
High school graduate/GED plus two years of college required; Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Zoology, or related field, preferred.
Minimum six months experience in direct animal care in a veterinary clinic, research, zoo, or laboratory animal facility.
Valid current driver’s license.
Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral English.
Ability to work in a complex healthcare environment with multiple veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support staff.
Strong ability to prioritize and multi-task on the fly.
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 a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look 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, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
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, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.
Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.
Salary Range
$16.00