Facility
The Wild Animal Park, NY
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Wild Animal Park is seeking an enthusiastic and progressive team member to join our animal care team as a full time Zookeeper and Educator.
Under the general supervision of the Animal Care Manager, the employee will serve as a Zookeeper and Educator at The Wild Animal Park. The Animal Care team maintains the welfare of The Wild’s assigned animal collection and its environment in accordance with the USDA ,DEC’s, and zoo’s standards which includes applying daily operant conditioning and behavioral modification techniques, progressive animal husbandry, and interacting with the public to enhance guest experience.The Zoo Educator aims to inspire visitors with wildlife through facilitating interactive experiences via private encounters and Safari Beast Rides.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Presenting presentations which may include the handling or engagement with ambassador animals including but not limited to sloths, otters, giraffes
Have the ability to speak before an audience to deliver comprehensible and appropriate animal presentations.
May assist with creating and implementing a variety of interpretive programs for groups of all ages
Perform cleaning and minor maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holdings, support areas, and equipment
Participate with the daily behavioral husbandry and operant conditioning of animal collection.
Support daily animal enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage and evaluate natural and engaging behaviors.
Observe, monitor, and report animal behavior changes and medical concerns to supervisor and veterinary staff
Provide professional, courteous, educational, and exceptional guest service.
Assist with the movement, capture, and restraint of animals as needed
Perform or assist with diet preparation as needed
Assist with training new staff and interns as needed
Unload various supplies from trucks and vendors when needed
Comply with safety policies, practices, and procedures..
Collaborate with other departments within the park.
May assist with promotion and marketing of educational programming
Perform other duties as assigned and as workload necessitates.
Skills:
Presents a positive, friendly, outgoing, and clean professional image
Requires the ability to effectively communicate written and orally using animal care terminology
Requires an engaging public speaking ability
General knowledge of exotic animal species, environmental science, and animal husbandry
Excellent time management and ability to work efficiently
Possess strong observational skills to maintain excellent staff, guest, and animal safety and welfare
Requires the ability to read, understand and follow a variety of cleaning, feeding, presentation instructions
Requires the ability to safely drive utility vehicles and automobiles.
Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
Education and Pre-requisites
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to physically operate a variety of tools and equipment including shovels, mops, knives, vacuums, etc.
Must be able to carry, pull or move weights of up to 30 pounds on a consistent basis alone, and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
Must be able to remain on feet for extended periods of time.
May be exposed to extreme heat and other weather conditions, cleaning chemicals, animal odors, animal bodily fluids, and dust/airborne materials.
Other Requirements:
Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, Education or other related degree preferred
Animal handling experience preferred
Education experience preferred
A desire to engage and inspire visitors of all ages is required
Ability to work with a diverse audience of visitors
Must possess a valid driver’s license
Special Note:
Applicants may be required to work any combination of five days in the seven-day workweek including weekends and holidays. Some evening hours may be required.
Compensation and benefits
Depends on experience. PTO, sick time, personal time, and retirement after being employed for 1 year. Yearly incentives, bonuses, and performance based raises available.
Application instructions
To apply for this position qualified individuals should send their resume, salary requirements, and three (3) professional references to:
Ashley Rounds at ashleyatthewild@gmail.com