Animal Keeper; Wild Animal Keeper Zoo – Department of Parks

Animal Keeper (Wild Animal Keeper) – Full Time – Bergen County Zoo – Department of Parks

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.

This employment opportunity is to serve as the Animal Keeper at the Bergen County Zoo. Under direction, feeds and cares for mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in accordance with established programs; carries out regular husbandry programs 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.

• Ability to care for and feed domesticated and non-domesticated 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.
• Reports immediately 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 enforces 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.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Full time (40 hours/week)
• Weekends and Holidays as needed

• A.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, nature farm or other animal sanctuary
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Physical ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• 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.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Valid New Jersey Driver’s License.

• 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

$37,440 / per annum