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 Lead Zookeeper.
Under the general supervision of the Animal Care Manager, the employee will serve as a Lead Zookeeper at The Wild Animal Park. The Animal Care team and its zookeepers maintain 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.
Successful candidates will possess professionalism and excellent communication, decision making, and organizational skills. This team member must be creative, dedicated, and a self-motivated team player to function effectively in a team environment and who is willing to make a significant commitment to the organization.
The ideal candidate must have the ability to accept challenges, demonstrate adaptability and desire to grow, follow the lead of management and zoological goals, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment, and must value fun.
Duties and Responsibilities:
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.
Ability to speak in public and give animal presentations both informally and formally
Perform or assist with diet preparation as needed
Assist with food/supply inventory and ordering
Unload various supplies from trucks and vendors when needed
Assist with the movement, capture, and restraint of animals as needed
Assist with administration of medications to animals as applicable
Assist with the zoo’s emergency response team as deemed necessary
Collaborate with management to create and follow through on animal and personnel goals
Assist in the development and coaching of staff members including mentoring new staff on animal training, animal care, enrichment, animal handling, public presentations, etc
Demonstrate a commitment to good relations with fellow staff members and guests by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of customer service
Adhere to all industry and government regulations regarding animal acquisition, handling, husbandry, record keeping, cleanliness/sanitation, and animal health
Comply with safety policies, practices, and procedures.
Collaborate with other departments within the park.
Perform other duties as assigned and as workload necessitates
Skills:
Advanced knowledge of zoo animal husbandry including but not limited to primates, large carnivores, and hoofstock
Must be capable of emergency response handling to avoid injury to self, others, and animals
Ability to remain calm and professional in the event of an unpredictable situation and follow through until situation is over
Excellent time management and ability to work efficiently
Possess strong observational skills to maintain excellent staff and animal safety and welfare
Requires the ability to read, understand and follow a variety of cleaning, feeding, medicating instructions
Requires the ability to effectively communicate written and orally using animal care terminology
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, pitchforks, knives, vacuums, etc.
Must be able to carry, pull or move weights of up to 50 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.
2
Other Requirements:
Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree preferred
4+ years of exotic animal experience working with large carnivores, primates, and hoofstock required
1+ years of leadership/managerial experience preferred
Must possess a valid driver’s license
Proficient computer skills
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
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