Assistant Supervisor, Animal Department, Queens Zoo

About the role

The Assistant Supervisor, Animal Department, oversees the daily operations of the Queens Zoo's animal department to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and the welfare of the animal collection.

Principal Responsibilities

• Supervise and implement compliance with all government regulations as they apply to the operation of the animal department and the care and wellbeing of the animal collection.
• Instruct and assign subordinate animal department employees in the various duties essential to safe and proper implementation of established protocols for management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, and associated animal facilities and service areas.
• Explain changes in procedures and protocols and the use of new equipment.
• Provide broad guidance and on-the-job training to subordinate employees.
• Serve as acting Animal Supervisor in their absence.
• Inspect Animal Department facilities to assure that established maintenance and management standards are met.
• Care for sick or injured animals following the instructions of the Veterinarian.
• Maintain adequate inventories of all supplies, equipment and animal foods necessary to the operation of the Animal Department.
• Ensure that daily activities and events within the animal collection and the animal department are recorded and reported to the curatorial staff in the prescribed manner.
• Supervise and assist in all animal transfers and maintain appropriate records and reports; may involve transportation of animals to airport or other destinations.
• Prepare daily reports and ensure the humane treatment of all animals in the collection in accordance with prescribed policies and procedures.
• Affirm safe and proper and humane protocols for management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits and associated animal facilities.
• Supervise procedures which are not defined by established protocols including non-routine manipulation of animals or specialized maintenance of animal facilities.
• Enforce the Queens Zoo’s visitor rules and regulations and provide exceptional guest service to the general public.
• Represent WCS in a professional manner, establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees, colleagues, City and other government agencies, outside contractors, and the general public.
• Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of senior animal keepers and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree with major in biology or a related field with (2) years of relevant supervisory level experience.
• At least (5) years' experience in zoo environment with a track record of increasing responsibility.
• Ability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings and special events as the schedule demands.
• Current negative TB test (Proof must be shown upon onboarding).
• Ability to safely use tools (e.g. drill, wire cutters).
• Must be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Basic Computer Skills.

Physical Requirements & Workplace Conditions

• The position requires work in office environments as well as 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is an equal opportunity employer and 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.