Facility

Prospect Park Zoo

Closing Date

Description

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 programs spanning the entire ocean and more than 3 million biologically critical square miles in nearly 60 countries. 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 nearly 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

The Opportunity:
As the Assistant Supervisor, Animal Department at Prospect Park Zoo, you’ll supervise the daily operation of the Prospect Park Zoo Animal Department to ensure safe and proper implementation of established protocols for the management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, and associated animal facilities and service areas. The Prospect Park Zoo, situated on 12 acres in Brooklyn, has approximately 160 species and welcomes over 300,000 guests annually.

Your responsibilities will include but not necessarily be limited to:
•Supervising and implementing compliance with all government regulations as they apply to the operation of the animal department and the care and well-being of the animal collection.
•Instructing and assigning subordinate animal department employees in the various duties essential to safe and proper implementation of established protocols for management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, and associated animal facilities and service areas. Explain changes in procedures and protocols, and the use of new equipment. Provide broad guidance and on the job training to subordinate employees;
•Serving as acting Animal Supervisor in their absence;

Inspecting Animal Department facilities to assure that established maintenance and management standards are met;
•Coordinating the care of sick or injured animals following the instructions of the Veterinarian;
•Maintaining adequate inventories of all supplies, equipment and animal foods necessary to the operation of the Animal Department;
•Ensuring that daily activities and events within the animal collection and the animal department are recorded and reported to the curatorial staff in the prescribed manner;
•Supervising and assist in all animal transfers and maintain appropriate records and reports; may involve transportation of animal to airport or other destinations. Prepare daily reports;
•Ensuring the humane treatment of all animals in the collection in accordance with prescribed policies and procedures;
•Assisting the supervisors and Curatorial staff in creating and reviewing SOP’s as well as humane protocols for management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits and associated animal facilities;
•Supervising procedures which are not defined by established protocols including non-routine manipulation of animals or specialized maintenance of animal facilities.
•Enforcing Prospect Park Zoo visitor rules and regulations and providing exceptional guest service to the general public.

Education and Pre-requisites

Minimum Qualifications:
•At least 5 years of experience working in a zoo environment.
•Proven knowledge and skills utilizing operant conditioning techniques including creating behavior plans, behavioral criteria as well as the willingness to teach other staff members these skills.
•Proven knowledge of AZA and USDA standards for expectations regarding environmental enrichment program and the ability to translate that knowledge into day to day operations.
•Strong animal handling skills and knowledge regarding safe animal restraint.
•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.
•Ability to stay organized and ensure that priority activities are completed in a timely manner.
•Ability to obtain a firearms license and participate as a member of the Prospect Park Zoo Emergency Response Team, participate in WCS-organized firearms training and practice.
•Manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools (e.g. drill, wire cutters, computer keyboard) and operate equipment.
•A valid driver’s license.
•Ability to climb, kneel, bend, navigate uneven terrain, and lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:
•A Bachelor’s degree with a major in biology or a related field.
•Prior supervisory experience.

Workplace Conditions and Environment:
•Work in office environments as well as outdoor work in all weather conditions
•Weekends, holidays, evenings and special events as required.

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.

EOE/ AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

Compensation and benefits

401k, Pension, Medical, Dental, Vision and more!

Application instructions

For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.wcs.org/about-us/careers.