Provisional Wild Animal Keeper, Central Park Zoo

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS is the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, operating field programs in 60 countries and the entire ocean. The organization conducts research, protects habitats, inspires through world‑class zoos, aquariums, and education programs, and leverages partnerships and policy influence. More than 4,000 diverse team members work in New York City and worldwide to achieve the conservation mission.

Position Summary

Perform any authorized activity necessary for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas.

Principal Responsibilities

• Provide safe, proper, and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under direction of senior keepers and curatorial staff.
• Prepare animal diets following established protocols or under direction of senior keepers and curatorial staff.
• Maintain assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities, and service areas safely and properly, following protocols or senior guidance.
• Assist curatorial and supervisory staff in developing humane management and maintenance protocols for the collection and facilities.
• Participate in exhibit modifications and enhancements, including installation of plant material, perches, rocks, and logs.
• Inspect exhibits and facilities for cleanliness, lighting, ventilation, temperature control, and mechanical operation; report deficiencies and perform minor repairs as needed.
• Observe animals for changes in activity, social or feeding behavior, signs of injury, illness, or sexual cycles; document observations in daily reports.
• Carry out veterinarian instructions for sick or injured animals and summarize procedures in daily reports.
• Submit daily reports summarizing events, changes, maintenance needs, and supply requirements to senior keepers and supervisory staff.
• Serve as acting Senior Wild Animal Keeper in their absence when instructed.
• Assist the public by providing information about the Central Park Zoo, visitor services, exhibits, and the animal collection.
• Enforce Central Park Zoo visitor rules and regulations.
• Perform other related tasks as directed by senior keepers or supervisory staff.

Qualification Requirements

• Valid driver’s license (preferred).
• Computer proficiency; experience with animal management software such as ZIMS, Tracks, MedArks, etc.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field with three years of recent, full‑time paid experience handling, feeding, and caring for animals in a zoo or stock farm, including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to represent WCS professionally and maintain positive working relationships with employees, colleagues, city and government agencies, contractors, and the public.

Physical Requirements

• Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Manual dexterity and safe use of tools (e.g., drill, wire cutters, computer keyboard) and equipment.
• Tasks may involve climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events as schedule demands.

Pay

Salary: $48,117 per year (salary range listed as $48,119).

Differential pay opportunity available for pest‑control training or certification paid for by WCS.

Schedule

Full‑time, union position requiring flexibility to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events.