Senior Animal Keeper - County of Bergen Department of Parks - Bergen County Zoo

Under direction, takes the lead over one or more employees engaged in carrying out a program for the care and feeding and well-being of the animal collection at the Bergen County Zoological Park. Maintains pens, cages, paddocks and other areas; does other related duties as required.

Job Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)

• Ability to care for and feed non-domesticated, confined animals.
• Ability to provide guidance and instructions to staff.
• Works with animal keepers and other staff members to ensure optimal care for the animals housed within the facility.
• Ensures pens, cages, paddocks and other areas are kept in a clean and sanitary manner and in good repair for the health and safety of the animals.
• Performs minor repairs to animal displays and exhibits.
• Works with and takes the lead over assigned personnel to ensure prompt feeding and proper care of all assigned animals.
• Familiarizes staff with all pertinent zoo policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide training that will guarantee high standards of performance.
• Takes immediate steps to handle animals suffering from injury or illness by following the established procedures of the facility accordingly.
• Enforces established zoo regulations relating to the protection of the animals housed within the facility to ensure the protection of the animals and zoo staff, as well as the public’s safety.
• Ability to work safely with dangerous animals by adhering to the zoo’s safety procedures and guidelines and provide related training to staff.
• Ability to capture and restrain animals, based on the zoo’s established procedures, as necessary for medical procedures and transfers.
• Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to work harmoniously with associates and persons visiting the zoo.

Education and Knowledge:

• S. degree in biology, life sciences or related field.
• Two years of experience in the care and feeding of non-domesticated animals in a zoological park, game or nature farm or other animal sanctuary.
• Animal keeper experience including animal training and enrichment.
• Has knowledge of the natural history and husbandry, training, and enrichment of the animal collection; works with animal keepers and ensures that the programs are carefully adhered to.
• Knowledge of the methods used in the care and feeding of animals.

Schedule:

• Full Time.
• Occasional overtime.

Other Requirements:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as computer skills.
• Knowledge of ZIMS.
• Valid NJ Driver’s License

Email completed application form and resume to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – put in subject line “Applying for Senior Animal Keeper position.”

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.