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SIStaten Island Zoo
Staten Island ZooZoo

Zookeeper

Location

Staten Island, New York, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

2+ years

Compensation

$49.5K - $53K per year

Posted

6h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Zookeeper is responsible for routine animal husbandry, including cleaning, feeding, and health monitoring, following established SOPs. They observe and report changes in animal behavior and maintain safety protocols. Additional duties include designing animal enrichment, developing training goals, assisting with medical procedures, and maintaining records.

Staten Island Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse, unique collection of ~800 specimens spanning 260 species. The Zoo has openings for a full-time keeper to join the animal care team. The menagerie keeper will work in all sections of the zoo including Tropical Forest and Africa wings with mixed mammalian, avian, amphibian, and reptile exhibits. Training in the aquarium for employees demonstrating satisfactory performance and manifesting interest in acquiring broader scope of and further training in menagerie functions. We are looking for a motivated and resourceful team player who is excited to work in multiple areas of the zoo and make a positive contribution to the welfare of our animals.


Core responsibilities include:

  • Routine husbandry following established SOPs for cleaning, feeding, health/welfare monitoring.

  • Observe and report changes in animal behavior, appetite, demeanor, or comfort, as well as reporting safety concerns relating to exhibits, animals, and visitors.

  • Follow all safety protocols, active participation in safety training and drills.

  • Maintain professional demeanor: respect social media policy; polite interaction with visitors and coworkers of all backgrounds; ability to receive feedback from supervisors.


Additional responsibilities, for which on-the-job training is available, include:

  • Design of animal enrichment and adherence to an enrichment calendar.

  • Development of animal training goals and regular positive reinforcement training.

  • Assist with animal capture, restraint, and medical procedures.

  • Standard record keeping including daily reports in ZIMS, keeper journals, and welfare checklists.


Experience Required
EDUCATION: Associate’s or Bachelor’s in zoo animal-related field (e.g. animal science, behavior, biology, zoology etc.)
EXPERIENCE: Two years of full-time care of wild/zoological animals
LICENSING: Valid driver’s license
HEALTH: Negative tuberculosis test prior to first day. Must be in good physical health and have the ability to lift at least 50 lbs. Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in all climates.
AVAILABILITY: Must be available to work both planned scheduled overtime hours and unanticipated/unplanned excess hours with short advance notice
OTHER: All prospective hires are subject to a complete background check
Additional beneficial (but not required) skills include fluency in a second language; experience with ZIMS software; experience with MS Office suite; CPR certification; PADI dive certification.

Updated 1h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Routine Husbandry • 1+ yrs
Animal Behavior Observation • 1+ yrs
Safety Protocols • 1+ yrs
Record Keeping • 1+ yrs
Animal Enrichment Design • 1+ yrs
Animal Training • 1+ yrs
Animal Medical Procedures Assistance • 1+ yrs
ZIMS Software • 1+ yrs

Experience

2+ years

Certifications

Valid driver’s license • Required
Negative tuberculosis test • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

$49.5K - $53K per year

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodYearly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationStaten Island, New York, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium7/10
physicalHigh8/10
cognitiveMedium7/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium6/10
uncertaintyMedium6/10
communicationMedium7/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Staten Island Zoo

Team size

Growing team

Location

Staten Island, New York, United States

Staten Island Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility with a diverse, unique collection of ~800 specimens spanning 260 species.

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Zookeeper

Staten Island, New York, United StatesFull Time