Wild Animal Keeper, Prospect Park Zoo

at  Wildlife Conservation Society

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/or 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 does 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 assure 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 records keeping. 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/curatorial 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 PPZ 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 naive 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 Prospect Park Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection.
Enforce the Prospect Park 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
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 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 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 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, 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, 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.
Salary Range
46,60

Please refer the Job description for details