Part-Time Animal Keeper

The Buffalo Zoo is hiring for the position of Part‑Time Animal Keeper I with a concentration on primates. Under the supervision of the Curators, and/or Zoological Managers, the Part‑Time Keeper I is responsible for performing daily maintenance and care of specimens, exhibits, and off‑exhibit animal holding and quarantine areas. This includes the care and feeding of exotic animals, the cleaning and maintenance of buildings, exhibits, and yards, and observation and reporting on the physical and behavioral condition of the animals.

Assesses daily the status and condition of all specimens, exhibits, and holding areas within the area of responsibility. Zookeepers play an integral role in educating the public and passing on their enthusiasm for animals.

Essential Functions

• Primary accountability for specific functions and results. The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented or changed if necessary.
• Observe all specimens to detect health problems, behavioral interactions, reproductive behavior, etc.
• Clean and maintain holding, exhibit areas, and other related areas consistent with established professional standards.
• Ensure inspection of exhibits and surrounding areas - report and follow‑up on safety concerns and needed repairs.
• Make minor repairs to exhibits and enrichment devices.
• Actively support and implement area procedures to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers, guests, and animals.
• Ensure the highest animal welfare standards are in compliance with the AZA and USDA regulations.
• Perform animal welfare assessments.
• Oversee work activities and provides training for interns and seasonal workers, oversee student projects.
• Learn, maintain, and apply animal training and enrichment techniques to improve the health and welfare of the animal collection and to meet program needs.
• Develop and implement animal training plans under the direction of the Curator of Animal Behavior and Welfare.
• Participate in and support collaborative efforts pertaining to the care of assigned animals including training, enrichment, research, and education.
• Per the Buffalo Zoo’s discretion, is willing to/have the ability to serve as an AZA IR as well as participate on AZA committees and other professional organizations on the Zoo’s behalf.
• Collect data, samples, records, etc. for research purposes as assigned.
• Effectively monitor the health, behavior, and overall welfare of assigned resident animals and communicate changes to the supervisory team and the veterinary staff. Administer medications as prescribed.
• Assist veterinary staff with any prescribed treatment routines, medication administration, and procedures alongside curatorial staff.
• Maintain accurate animal records and daily logs as necessary.
• Familiarity with electronic record‑keeping software systems.
• Submit daily reports on electronic record systems that may include feeding, behavior, and welfare assessments, medical procedures, environmental parameters, conservation and research, and animal metrics (weight and measurements).
• Assist in the training of new staff and interns, ensuring appropriate knowledge and understanding of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and that established training protocols are followed by staff and interns.
• Ability to assist leads with addressing animal/space issues (unplanned medical issues, escapes, malfunctioning/damaged infrastructure)/ liaise with other departments and teams as needed; make and communicate changes as needed, relay items needed for restocking/ordering.
• Responsible for relaying inventory and supply needs to the Curatorial staff.
• Prepare supply requests for Curatorial staff as assigned.
• Ability to follow basic procedures regarding safely operating hand tools, vehicles, and equipment.
• Work collaboratively with other staff and departments to meet the Buffalo Zoo’s overall goals and objectives, including participating as necessary with Education, Events, Development, Veterinary, Marketing, Facilities, etc.
• Must deliver exceptional customer service by engaging with guests on a regular basis to create a friendly, memorable and positive experience. Ability to respond to common inquires, requests, or complaints from…