Wild Animal Keeper, Queens Zoo

About the role

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. 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.

This position is located at the Queens Zoo and is a union, full-time role with a pay rate of $48,119.00 per year.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Carry out the 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.
• Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Queens Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection.
• Enforce the Queens Zoo visitor rules and regulations.

Qualifications

• Valid current driver's license (preferred).
• Computer proficiency required.
• Bachelor's Degree with major in biology or a related field with three years 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.
• 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. 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 pay rate for this position is $48,119.00 per year.