Animal Keeper

Z&A Management; Woodbridge Township (NJ); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A wildlife care organization in Woodbridge Township is seeking an Animal Keeper responsible for daily care and husbandry of both marine and terrestrial species. This role includes feeding, monitoring health, and engaging with visitors to share knowledge about various animals. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least one year of practical animal care experience are required. Candidates should be ready to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in animal care, with marine and terrestrial species.
• Strong interest in learning and supporting senior keepers.
• Ability to perform strenuous tasks in various weather conditions.
• Willingness to work weekends and holidays, independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily feeding and cleaning for animals.
• Monitor health and report concerns to senior keepers.
• Engage with visitors and support educational talks.
• Maintain accurate records of feeding, behavior, health, and habitat conditions.

Skills

Animal care

Team collaboration

Water quality monitoring

Behavioral enrichment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or marine biology

Job description

Position Summary

The Animal Keeper at Woodbridge Aquarium and Wildlife Center is responsible for the daily care and husbandry of both marine and terrestrial animal species, supporting Senior Keepers in ensuring the health, welfare, and enrichment of a diverse animal collection. This position plays a key role in maintaining a clean, safe, and stimulating environment while assisting with training, enrichment, and educational programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Animal Care and Husbandry

• Provide daily feeding, cleaning, and enrichment for both marine and terrestrial animals as assigned.
• Monitor animal health, behavior, and environmental conditions, reporting any concerns promptly to senior keepers.
• Support senior keepers in carrying out specialized care routines (e.g., water quality checks, tank maintenance, terrestrial enclosure upkeep).
• Assist in safe and proper handling, restraint, and transport of animals as required.

Support Senior Keepers

• Help implement enrichment plans, training sessions, and behavioral observations under the guidance of senior keepers.
• Participate in the execution of medical and preventative care procedures, ensuring adherence to veterinary protocols.
• Collect and maintain accurate records on feeding, behavior, health, and habitat conditions.
• Collaborate on projects such as exhibit improvements, species-specific research, and breeding programs.

Safety and Facility Maintenance

• Maintain cleanliness of all animal areas, including aquariums, tanks, and terrestrial habitats.
• Conduct routine inspections of habitats and life support systems, reporting issues to senior staff.
• Follow safety protocols for working in aquatic environments, including water quality monitoring and diving (if trained and certified).

Visitor Engagement and Education

• Engage with visitors to answer questions and share information about marine and terrestrial species.
• Support public presentations, feeding demonstrations, or educational talks under senior keeper supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, marine biology, or a related field required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in animal care, including some experience with both marine (e.g., fish, invertebrates, small mammals) and terrestrial animals.
• Strong interest in supporting senior keepers in daily tasks, learning from their expertise, and developing skills in both marine and terrestrial husbandry.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Physically able to perform strenuous tasks in various weather and environmental conditions.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with water quality monitoring, life support systems, or diving certifications (e.g., SCUBA) is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of behavioral enrichment and training techniques.

Working Conditions

• May involve working in and around water, climbing, lifting, and exposure to potentially dangerous animals.
• Required to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as scheduled.