Provisional Wild Animal Keeper, Mammals

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; New York (NY); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading wildlife conservation organization dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild places. As a Wild Animal Keeper, you will ensure the humane management and care of diverse animals at a renowned zoo. This role involves maintaining exhibits, preparing diets, and engaging with the public to share knowledge about wildlife. You'll work with a passionate team committed to conservation and education, making a tangible impact on animal welfare and biodiversity. If you're ready to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts and work in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

15 vacation days

13 holidays

12 paid days off

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K

Pension

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field required.
• One year of full-time paid experience in animal handling and care.

Responsibilities

• Perform humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols.
• Prepare animal diets and maintain exhibits and facilities.

Skills

Animal Handling

Feeding and Care

Exhibit Maintenance

Public Interaction

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology

Experience in Animal Care

Tools

Basic Animal Care Tools

Job description

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Certified Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners, and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings.

Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center.

Wildlife Conservation Society: Bronx Zoo

WCS's goal is to conserve the world's largest wild places in 14 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world's biodiversity. The challenges are greater than ever, but with the focus, dedication, and passion of a committed staff—combined with a unique mixture of field, zoo, and aquarium expertise—WCS will continue to set the bar for science, conservation action, and education that has driven our success in protecting wildlife and wild places for over a century.

Provisional Wild Animal Keeper, Mammals

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Position Summary

To perform activities necessary for the safe, proper, and humane management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, holding facilities, and associated services.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Perform safe, proper, and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols or under the direction of the senior wild animal keeper and/or supervisory/curatorial staff.
2. Prepare animal diets according to established protocols or under the direction of the senior wild animal keeper and/or supervisory/curatorial staff.
3. Perform safe and proper maintenance of exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas.
4. Assist in developing safe, proper, and humane protocols for animal management and exhibit maintenance.
5. Participate in modifying and enhancing animal exhibits, including installing plant materials, perches, exhibit props, monitoring water quality, and cleaning exhibit glass and panels.
6. Inspect animal exhibits and facilities to ensure cleanliness, proper lighting, ventilation, temperature, and operational mechanical systems.
7. Observe animals for signs of illness and follow veterinarian instructions for sick animals.
8. Participate in animal behavior and enrichment programs to facilitate management and enhance animal welfare.
9. Provide information to the public regarding the Bronx Zoo, exhibits, and animals.
10. Enforce visitor rules and regulations.
11. Perform other related duties as instructed by senior staff.

Qualification Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in biology or a related field with one year of recent, full-time paid experience in animal handling, feeding, and care in a zoo or farm, including supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Ability to represent WCS professionally and maintain positive relationships with staff, agencies, contractors, and the public.

Physical Requirements

Work outdoors in all weather conditions, manual dexterity, ability to operate tools and equipment, climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Availability to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events.

Application Documents

Please submit a cover letter (highlighting diverse taxa experience) and a resume.

Equal Employment Opportunity

WCS is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment, ensuring fair consideration for all candidates regardless of gender, race, religion, or other protected categories. We promote an inclusive work environment.

Benefits include 15 vacation days, 13 holidays, 12 paid days off, medical, dental, vision, 401K, pension, paid parental leave, and more.

Wildlife Conservation Society: Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd
Bronx, NY 10460
Phone: [phone]