Provisional Senior Wild Animal Keeper, Central Park Zoo

Job Description

Title: Provisional Senior Wild Animal Keeper
Reports To: Supervisor of Animals/Animal Dept. Curator
Position Managed: N/A
Department: Animal Programs
Location: Central Park Zoo
Employment Type: Union, Full-Time
Pay Range: $54,473.00 per year

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
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. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. 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.

Position Summary:
To perform authorized activities necessary for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Supervise and provide leadership in the assigned section of the zoo, taking responsibility for daily animal care activities of keepers, trainees or interns as assigned, and be r esponsible for the exhibit appearance in the section.
• Perform and supervise safe, proper, and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under the direction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Prepare and supervise animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Perform and supervise safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Routine maintenance can include, but is not limited to, watering plants, maintenance/replacement of substrates and exhibit furnishings, clearing and cleaning drains/catches, changing lightbulbs, and cleaning exhibit glass.
• 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.
• May provide guidance and on-the-job training to other employees.
• Participate in the modification and enhancement of animal exhibits under the direction of 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 where maintenance staff does not have access.
• 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.
• Report any deficiencies and/or required maintenance - whether Animal Department or Maintenance responsibility - to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Make any minor repairs necessary to assure safe, proper, and humane animal management.
• 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.
• Summarize these and any other observations relevant to safe, proper, and humane management in a daily report submitted to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Maintain life history cards and other assigned recordkeeping.
• Promptly report anything that might require immediate action to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Carry out the curator and veterinarian's instructions for the care of sick and injured animals and summarize required procedures in a daily report submitted to the supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Submit a daily report to supervisory/curatorial staff that summarizes events/changes in the animal collection and staff activities within assigned work areas, identifies required maintenance, and lists needed supplies and equipment.
• Participate in CPZ 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. Maintain each animal's current level of behavior criteria through effective observation, listening, and training application.
• Develop a proactive approach to behavioral husbandry. Anticipate behavioral issues and discuss with the supervisor/curator to avoid potential problems.
• Implement department programs to condition behaviors and acclimate both naive and experienced animals to exhibits.
• Provide special attention to the need to make animals more visible to our guests.
• Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Central Park Zoo, guest services, exhibits, and the animal collection.
• Enforce the Central Park Zoo's guest rules and regulations.
• Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of the supervisory/curatorial staff.
  
  

Qualification Requirements

• Valid current driver's license (preferred).
• Computer proficiency required.
• Some experience with animal management software such as ZIMS, Tracks, MedArks, etc.
• 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.
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer:
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with all Federal, State and NYC laws and WCS's employment policies. harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.

Salary Range

$46,875