Senior Wild Animal Keeper, Mammals

Internal Job Description

Position Summary:
To perform any activity required for the captive life systems necessary for animal well-being and exhibit appearance in the Department of Mammalogy.

Principal Responsibilities:
The well-being, feeding and care of the captive animals in the wildlife park and the daily care and operation of their enclosures.
Supervise and/or participate in the cleaning of public areas in and around exhibits and other animal facilities.
Supervise and prepare animal diets or other food substances. May assist in both requisition and record keeping of food and other supplies.
Inspect exhibits and facilities to ascertain that they are clean, well-lit and properly heated and ventilated, and take necessary action to ensure such.
Make minor and emergency repairs necessary to animal management and exhibition areas and report the need for major repairs.
Observe the animals entrusted to his/her care and report promptly on any indication of illness.
Carry out the veterinarian's instructions for the care of sick animals and follow any protocols established for the care of any animals.
Supervise and/or participate in the transfer of animals from one enclosure or zoo, etc., to another.
Aid, help and inform the public regarding the wildlife park, its animals and exhibits.
Participate in the installation of exhibit materials such as, but not limited to, perches, plants, rocks, logs, pools, painted walls, etc.
Implement and participate in animal breeding, enrichment and operant conditioning programs.
Supervise and instruct wild animal keepers and other subordinates in all phases of animal management/exhibition care.
Maintain records related to the animal collection and complete daily reports and censuses as required.
Participate in and instruct other keepers on how to participate in any pest control program in use in any areas occupied at any time by exotic wild animals.
Assist in planning work assignments.
Supervise and/or participate in animal hospital procedures as assigned.
Operate vehicles and equipment as duties require.
Accompany the curator on field trips for animal collection.
Enforce WCS's visitors' rules and regulations and those of the Department of Parks of the City of New York and of the Department of Mammalogy.
Perform related tasks and duties as required.
Contribute to, enlarge and uphold WCS's policies toward the Equal Employment Opportunities for women, minorities, veterans, the handicapped and other protected groups.
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.

Internal Qualification Requirements

Valid current driver’s license.
Bachelor’s Degree with major in biology or a related field with one year 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 including internships at related animal care facilities.
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.
Other Requirements:
Employee must be able to work Saturdays, Sundays and all Holidays.
Employee must be able to work Overtime if required by supervisor.