Senior Wild Animal Keeper, Queens Zoo

Position Summary:

To perform any authorized activity necessary for the safe proper and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities and associated service.

Principal Responsibility:

• Supervise and provide leadership in assigned section of zoo, taking responsibility for daily animal care activities of keepers, trainees or interns as assigned.

• Responsible for exhibit appearance in 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 appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

• Routine maintenance can include but is not limited to watering plants, clearing and cleaning drains/catches, changing lightbulbs, 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, 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 human 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 appropriate senior wild animal keeper and the supervisory/curatorial staff.

• Maintain life history cards and other assigned recordskeeping.

• 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 which 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 QZ 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 supervisor/curator to avoid potential problems.

• Implement department programs to condition behaviors and acclimate both naïve and experienced animals to exhibits.

• Provide special attention to the need to make animals more visible to our guests.

• Aid zoo guests and provide information concerning the Queens Zoo, guest services, exhibits and the animal collection.

• Enforce the Queens Zoo’s visitor 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, Trax, 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 & Workplace Conditions:

• 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.