Wild Animal Keeper, Mammals, Bronx Zoo

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WCS's goal is to conserve the world's largest wild places in 14 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world's biodiversity. The challenges are greater than ever, but with the focus, dedication, and passion of a committed staff—combined with a unique mixture of field, zoo, and aquarium expertise—WCS will continue to set the bar for science, conservation action, and education that has driven our success in protecting wildlife and wild places for over a century.

Job Summary

To perform any activity necessary for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service.
 
Major 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 to include, but not limited to the installation of plant material, perches and exhibit props such as rocks and logs, monitoring water quality, addition of substrates, and cleaning of exhibit glass and graphic panels.

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 the animals entrusted to his/her care and report promptly on any indication of illness. Carry out the veterinarian's instructions for the care of sick animals and follow all protocols established for the daily care of the animals.

Participate in Bronx Zoo animal behavior programs to facilitate animal management and to enhance and enrich the daily lives of the animals in our care.  Develop 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.

Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Bronx Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection.

Enforce the Bronx Zoo’s visitor rules and regulations.

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 one year 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 including internships at related animal care facilities.

Valid current driver’s license.

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 (e.g. food processors, scales, life support systems).

Some tasks require climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.

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