• 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 Supervisory/Curatorial Staff.
• Prepare animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate Senior Wild Animal Keeper and/or Supervisory/Curatorial Staff.
• Maintain assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas in a safe and professional manner according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate Senior Wild Animal Keeper and/or Supervisory/Curatorial Staff.
• Assist Curatorial and 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 Supervisory/Curatorial Staff, including:
  • Installation of plant material, perches, and exhibit furnishings
  • Placement of exhibit features such as rocks and logs
  • Monitoring water quality
  • Addition of substrates
  • Cleaning exhibit glass and graphic panels
• Inspect animal exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas to ensure they are clean, well-lit, properly ventilated, appropriately heated or cooled, and that all mechanical systems are functioning properly.
• Observe animals in assigned care areas and promptly report signs of illness, injury, or abnormal behavior. Carry out veterinary instructions and follow established protocols for animal care.
• Participate in animal behavior and enrichment programs that support animal management and enhance animal welfare.
• Develop animal training and conditioning skills and techniques.
• Implement departmental programs that condition behaviors and acclimate both naïve and experienced animals to exhibits and management procedures.
• Participate in daily enrichment programs.
• Provide assistance and information to guests regarding the Bronx Zoo, visitor services, exhibits, and the animal collection.
• Enforce Bronx Zoo visitor rules and regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Senior Keepers and/or Supervisory/Curatorial Staff.

• Animal care, feeding, handling, and basic medical procedures for zoo and domestic animals, with an emphasis on avian taxa.
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for assigned areas, including Zoo safety and emergency protocols.
• Normal animal behavior, particularly among avian species.
• Applicable regulations and standards governing animals in human care, including USDA, FWS, and AZA guidelines.
• Animal training principles and practical applications.
• Natural history and captive management practices for animal groups and taxa within the assigned area.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills when interacting with internal and external customers.
• Preparation of accurate reports, logs, forms, and other animal-related documentation.
• Proper handling and restraint techniques for zoo and domestic animals.
• Following oral and written instructions related to animal care, exhibit maintenance, and groundskeeping.
• Building and maintaining professional working relationships with staff, interns, students, volunteers, and the public.
• Working effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Maintaining clear, inclusive communication with employees at all organizational levels.
• Participating in and completing required training programs.
• Preparation of animal diets.
• Recognition, evaluation, and reporting of abnormal animal behavior, condition, or appearance using sound judgment.
• Operation of vehicles and maintenance of a valid New York State driver's license.

• Applicants must be able to comprehend and use oral and written English.

• In addition, they must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • One year of recent, full-time paid experience in the handling, feeding, and care of animals in a zoo or on a stock farm,

• One academic year of full-time study in animal husbandry or related fields in a school of agriculture or veterinary science,

• An equivalent combination of education or experience.

Physical Requirements & Workplace Conditions:

• Working outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Safe use of tools and equipment, including drills, wire cutters, computer keyboards, food processors, scales, and life support systems.

• Performing physical tasks requiring manual dexterity, climbing, kneeling, bending, traversing uneven terrain, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

• Availability to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events as needed.

• Employee must be able to work weekends and all holidays

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 in 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.