Wild Animal Keeper, Mammals

Location: Bronx Zoo | Department: Animal Programs | Employment Type: Union, Full‑Time | Pay Range: $48,119.00 per year

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS is the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, operating field programs in 60 countries and the entire ocean. With more than 4,000 diverse team members, WCS advances its mission through science, protection, education, and partnerships.

Position Summary

The Wild Animal Keeper is responsible for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas.

Responsibilities

• Perform safe, proper, and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under the direction of senior keepers or curatorial staff.
• Prepare animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of senior keepers or curatorial staff.
• Maintain assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities, and service areas safely and properly, following established protocols.
• Assist curatorial and supervisory staff in developing safe, proper, and humane protocols for managing the animal collection and facilities.
• Participate in modifying and enhancing animal exhibits, including installing plant material, perches, rocks, logs, monitoring water quality, adding substrates, and cleaning exhibit glass and graphic panels.
• Inspect exhibits and facilities to ensure cleanliness, proper lighting, ventilation, temperature control, and functioning mechanical systems.
• Observe animals under care and promptly report any signs of illness.
• Carry out veterinarian instructions for sick animals and follow daily care protocols.
• Participate in Bronx Zoo animal behavior programs to facilitate management and enrich animal lives.
• Develop and apply animal conditioning skills and techniques.
• Implement department programs to condition behaviors and acclimate both naïve and experienced animals to exhibits.
• Participate in daily enrichment programs.
• Assist the public by providing information about the Bronx Zoo, visitor services, exhibits, and the animal collection.
• Enforce Bronx Zoo visitor rules and regulations.
• Perform other related tasks and duties as directed by senior animal keepers or supervisory/curatorial staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field with at least one year of recent full‑time paid experience handling, feeding, and caring for animals in a zoo or stock farm, including experience supervising animal‑care staff; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, such as internships at related animal‑care facilities.
• Valid current driver’s license.
• Ability to represent WCS professionally and maintain positive, effective relationships with employees, colleagues, city and other 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 (e.g., food processors, scales, life‑support systems).
• Tasks may require climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 lb.

Schedule

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

Pay

$48,119.00 per year