Provisional Senior Wild Animal Keeper, Queens Zoo

About the role

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is seeking a Provisional Senior Wild Animal Keeper to perform authorized activities necessary for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities, and associated services.

WCS is a global wildlife conservation organization with a long track record of achieving innovative and impactful results. Our team members work collectively to achieve our conservation mission, and we are committed to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and provide leadership in an assigned section of the zoo, taking responsibility for daily animal care activities of keepers, trainees, or interns as assigned.
• Perform and supervise safe, proper, and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under the direction of supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Prepare and supervise animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Perform and supervise safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas.
• 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 supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Inspect animal exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas to ensure they are clean, well-lit, properly ventilated, and that all mechanical systems are operating properly.
• Observe assigned animals for changes in activity pattern, social behavior, feeding behavior, and food preference, and report any abnormalities or indications of illness or injury.
• Maintain life history cards and other assigned records, and submit daily reports to supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Aid zoo guests and provide information concerning the Queens Zoo, guest services, exhibits, and the animal collection.
• Enforce the Queens Zoo's visitor rules and regulations.

Qualifications

• Valid current driver's license (preferred).
• Computer proficiency required.
• Some experience with animal management software such as ZIMS, Trax, MedArks, etc.
• Bachelor's Degree with major in biology or a related field with three years of 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.
• 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, manual dexterity, and the ability to safely use tools and operate equipment. 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.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $54,473.00 per year.