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

Under direction, feeds and cares for mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in accordance with established programs; carries out regular maintenance program of 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: (may include are not limited to)

• Knowledge of the methods used in the care and feeding of animals.
• Ability to care for and feed non-domesticated, confined animals.
• Works with other animal keepers and staff members to ensure optimal care for the animals housed within the facility.
• Carries out a regular scheduled program designed to ensure prompt feeding, cleaning and care to the animal collection assigned.
• Effectively monitors health and behavior of the animal collection and communicates changes to supervisor and veterinary staff.
• Carries out regular daily maintenance program involved in keeping cages, pens, paddocks, and animal areas in good repair and in a manner that insures maximum cleanliness and neatness for the health and safety of the animals.
• Performs minor repairs to animal displays and
• Carefully follows established zoo regulations relating to protection of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in a manner that protects them and the safety of the public.
• Works to meet and exceed the AZA guidelines for animal Supports the Bergen County’s Zoo vision and mission statement.
• Ability to keep necessary records and reports and to learn quickly from oral and written
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Actively participates to improve job knowledge and professional development through conferences, seminars, and workshops.
• Maintains positive relationships within the work Ability to work harmoniously with associates and persons visiting the zoo.
• Ability to interact with the public in a positive manner, providing educational information regarding the zoo and the animals.
• Dependable and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, and

Schedule:                              

• 40hrs/wk. – Overtime maybe required on occasion.Education/Experience:

Education & Other Requirements:

• S or B.S. degree in biology, life sciences or related field. Sufficient relevant experience will be considered.
• One year of experience in the care and feeding of non-domesticated animals in a zoological park, game, or nature farm or other animal sanctuary.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as computer skills.
• Ability to interact or communicate in English sufficiently the duties of this
• Valid Driver’s License in
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather and have physical ability to perform strenuous work.

Please send employment application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – put in subject line “Applying for 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.