Provisional Wild Animal Keeper Queens Zoo

Job Description

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.

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.

Principal Responsibilities

• Perform safe, proper and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under
  
  

the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and /or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

• Prepare animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate senior
  
  

wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

• 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/o r the supervisory/curatorial staff. Routine maintenance can include but is not

limited to watering plants, clearing and cleaning drains/catches, changing lightbulbs, cleaning exhibit

glass.

• Assist curatorial/supervisory staff in developing safe, proper and humane protocols for the management
  
  

and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas.

• Participate in the modification and enhancement of animal exhibits under the direction of the
  
  

appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff to include, but not limited

to the installation of plant material, perches and exhibit props such as rocks and logs, monitoring water

quality, addition of substrates, cleaning of exhibit glass where maintenance staff do not have access.

• 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-whether Animal Department or

Maintenance responsibility- to the appropriate senior wild animal keeper, or the supervisory/curatorial

staff. Make any minor repairs necessary to ensure safe, proper and human animal management.

• Observe assigned animals for any changes in activity pattern, social behavior, feeding behavior and food
  
  

preference, any abnormal behavior or evidence of injury and illness, any indications of sexual behavior

or sexual cycle . Summarize these and any other observations relevant to safe, proper and humane

management in a daily report submitted to the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and the

supervisory/curatorial staff. Maintain life history cards and other assigned recordkeeping. Promptly

report anything which might require immediate action to the appropriate senior animal keeper or the

supervisory/curatorial staff.

• Carry out the curator and 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

or the supervisory/curator staff.

• Submit a daily report to the appropriate senior animal keeper and the supervisory/curatorial staff which
  
  

Summarizes events/changes in the animal collection and staff activities of within assigned work areas,

identifies required maintenance, and lists needed supplies and equipment.

• Participate in QZ animal behavior programs to facilitate animal management and to enhance and enrich
  
  

the daily lives of the animals in our care. Develop animal conditioning skills and techniques. Maintain

each animal's current level of behavior criteria through effective observation, listening and training

application. Develop a proactive approach to behavioral husbandry. Anticipate behavioral issues and

discuss with senior/supervisor/curator to avoid potential problems. Implement department programs to

condition behaviors and acclimate both naïve and experienced animals to exhibits. Provide special

attention to the need to make animals more visible to our guests.

• Serve as relief Senior Wild Animal Keeper in their absence if instructed by the supervisory/curatorial
  
  

staff.

• Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Queens Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and
  
  

animal collection.

• Enforce the Queens Zoo's visitor rules and regulations.
• Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of senior animal keepers and/or the
  
  

supervisory/curatorial staff.

Qualification Requirements

Job Qualifications

• Must successfully pass a background check.
• Valid current driver's license (preferred).
• Computer proficiency required
• Bachelor's Degree with major in biology or a related field with one-year recent, full time paid
  
  

experience in 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 including

internships at related animal care facilities.

• 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.

Physical Requirements

• 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 (e.g. food

processors, scales, life support systems). Some tasks require climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating

uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.

• Ability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings and special events as the schedule demands.
  
  

Differential Pay Opportunity (requires training or certification paid for by WCS)

• Pest Control
  
  

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, 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. The organization complies with all Federal, State, and NYC laws and WCS’s employment policies.

Salary Range

$46,604.00