Senior Animal Keeper – Bergen County Zoo – Department of Parks

Senior Animal Keeper – Bergen County Zoo – Department of Parks

Organizational Overview:

The Bergen County Zoo provides a clean, aesthetically pleasing facility that meets or exceeds the physical, environmental, and behavioral needs of the animals in its care. The goal of the zoo is to develop and maintain exhibits which emphasize natural behavior, encourage longevity, and promote breeding success. The zoo provides a unique and effective educational experience that fosters an appreciation for the interrelationships between the animals and their environments. It provides an enjoyable recreational experience for the residents and visitors of Bergen County.

Job Description:           

This employment opportunity is to serve as the Senior Animal Keeper at the Bergen County Zoo. Under direction, takes the lead over a small group of employees engaged in feeding and caring for mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians according to established procedures; maintains cages, pens, paddocks and other areas; provides daily enrichment to animal collection in accordance with AZA and USDA guidelines. Does related work as required.

Job Responsibilities:              

• Works with and takes the lead over assigned personnel in a scheduled program designed to ensure prompt feeding and proper care of all mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in a zoo.
• Reports any mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians that are not well.
• Carries out regular daily maintenance program involved in keeping cages, pens, paddocks, and animal areas in good repair and in a manner that ensures maximum cleanliness and neatness.
• Performs minor repairs to animal displays and exhibits.
• Carefully enforce established zoo safety regulations relating to the protection of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in a manner that ensures maximum protection to them and maximum safety to the public.
• Works to meet and exceed the AZA guidelines for animal welfare.  Supports the Bergen County’s Zoo vision and mission statement.
• Actively participates in professional development through webinars, online courses and county mandated courses to improve job knowledge.
• Maintains positive relationships within the work environment.  Ability to work harmoniously with associates and people visiting the zoo.
• Ability to interact with the public in a positive manner, providing educational information regarding the zoo and the animals.

Schedule:   

• Full time (40 hours/week).
• Occasional overtime as needed.
• One weekend day and some holidays are required.

Education and Experience Requirements: 

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Husbandry, Animal Behavior, Animal Science or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in the care and feeding of non-domesticated animals in a zoological park.
• Animal Keeper experience including animal training and enrichment.

Other Requirements:

• Knowledge of ZIMS.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey to perform essential duties of the position.

What we offer:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Enrollment into the state pension system
• Life, Short-term Disability & Long-term Disability coverage
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance and Employee Wellness Programs

Salary: $52,000/ per annum, maximum commensurate with experience

Please send resume and employment application to resume@bergencountynj.gov – put in subject line job applying for, thank you.

The County of Bergen is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of The County of Bergen not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

The County of Bergen complies with the New Jersey First Act. An employee’s primary residence must be within the State of New Jersey, or the employee will have 365 days (1 Year) from their date of hire to satisfy the requirement of principal residency.