Provisional Wild Animal Keeper

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 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, installation of plant material, perches and exhibit props such as rocks and logs;

• 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 to the appropriate senior wild animal keeper, or 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. Promptly report anything which might require immediate action to the appropriate senior animal keeper or the supervisory/curatorial staff;

• Carry out the veterinarian's instructions for the care of sick and injured animals and summarize required procedures in a daily report submitted to the appropriate senior wild animal keeper or the supervisory/curatorial staff;

• Submit a daily report to the appropriate senior animal keeper and the supervisory/curatorial staff which summarizes events/changes in the animal collection and staff activities of within assigned work areas, identifies required maintenance, and lists needed supplies and equipment;

• Serve as acting Senior Wild Animal Keeper in their absence if instructed by the supervisory/curatorial staff;

• Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Queens Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection;

• Enforce the Queens Zoo 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

• Computer proficiency required.

• 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.