QZ Animal Associate

Animal Associate, Queens Zoo

Reports to: Assistant Supervisor/Supervisor

Location: Queens Zoo/In-person

Department: Animal Department

Scope: Queens Zoo Farm Area

Position Type: Seasonal

Salary: $17/hour

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):

WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world's premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Job Summary:

The Animal Associate provides for the safety, health, and well being of all assigned animals through performance of approved husbandry practices. The position is responsible for daily animal care and the proper cleaning and maintenance of exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas in the Queens Farm area. The Animal Associate also provides interpretation for zoo guests about the Farm area animals and monitors animal contact areas to ensure safety of both collection animals and zoo guests in accordance with USDA regulations and AZA accreditation standards.

Major Responsibilities:

• Perform effective care of assigned animals according to established protocols or as directed by Animal Department managers or the appropriate Senior Wild Animal Keeper for that section of the zoo.
• Monitor animal contact areas in the Farm area during public hours to ensure safety of both collection animals and the public. Ensure that zoo guests interact properly with collection animals and respect exhibit barriers.
• Interpret the Farm area animals for zoo guests and assist with general information regarding Queens Zoo, guest services, exhibits, and the animal collection. Provide consistently positive customer service and a safe and welcoming environment for all zoo guests.
• Prepare and provide animal diets in accordance with established nutritional plans for each individual/species/habitat while employing appropriate food safety protocols.
• Observe assigned animals for any changes in activity pattern, social behavior, feeding behavior and food preference. Monitor for any abnormal behavior, evidence of injury and illness, or indications of sexual behavior or sexual cycle. Summarize these and other relevant observations to the Senior Keeper or Keeper assigned to the Farm area for inclusion in their written daily report. Promptly report anything which might require immediate action to the appropriate Senior Animal Keeper or Animal Department manager.
• Perform required cleaning and maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities, and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of the appropriate Senior Animal Keeper and Animal Department managers. Routine maintenance can include, but is not limited to, washing/disinfecting surfaces, watering plants, servicing feeders/drinkers, clearing and cleaning drains/catches.
• Represent WCS in a professional manner. Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with coworkers.
• Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of Senior Animal Keepers and Animal Department Managers.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands include but are not limited to the use of a Keyboard, 10-key, Mouse, and Telephone Use, Handwriting, Sitting, Standing, Crouching, Kneeling, Bending, Walking, Stair Climbing, minimal Driving, and Lifting up to 50lbs.