What are the responsibilities and job description for the QZ Animal Associate position at Wildlife Conservation Society?
Job Description
Position: Animal Associate, Queens Zoo
Reports to: Assistant Supervisor/Supervisor
Position Managed: None
Location: Queens Zoo/In-person
Department: Animal Department
Scope: Queens Zoo Farm Area
Position Type: Seasonal
Salary: $16.00/hr
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:
Physical Demand Item Frequency Rating
Use of Keyboard, Sporadic 10-Key Frequent
Use of Mouse (or alternative input device) Frequent
Finger Manipulation (continuous 10-Key, Handwriting) Frequent
Wrist Turning (Locking/Unlocking, Door Knob) Frequent
Telephone Use Frequent
Neck Motion (Left/Right, Up/Down) Frequent
Sitting (can stand at will) Frequent
Standing (static, working at counter) Frequent
Walking Frequent
Kneeling Occasional
Bending Frequent
Stair Climbing Frequent
Navigating uneven terrain Frequent
Manual Tool Use Frequent
Lifting and carrying 0-10 lbs. Frequent
Lifting and carrying 11-20 lbs. Frequent
Lifting and carrying 21-35 lbs. Frequent
Lifting and carrying 36-50 lbs. Frequent
Qualification Requirements
Job Qualifications:
$16.00
Position: Animal Associate, Queens Zoo
Reports to: Assistant Supervisor/Supervisor
Position Managed: None
Location: Queens Zoo/In-person
Department: Animal Department
Scope: Queens Zoo Farm Area
Position Type: Seasonal
Salary: $16.00/hr
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 Demand Item Frequency Rating
Use of Keyboard, Sporadic 10-Key Frequent
Use of Mouse (or alternative input device) Frequent
Finger Manipulation (continuous 10-Key, Handwriting) Frequent
Wrist Turning (Locking/Unlocking, Door Knob) Frequent
Telephone Use Frequent
Neck Motion (Left/Right, Up/Down) Frequent
Sitting (can stand at will) Frequent
Standing (static, working at counter) Frequent
Walking Frequent
Kneeling Occasional
Bending Frequent
Stair Climbing Frequent
Navigating uneven terrain Frequent
Manual Tool Use Frequent
Lifting and carrying 0-10 lbs. Frequent
Lifting and carrying 11-20 lbs. Frequent
Lifting and carrying 21-35 lbs. Frequent
Lifting and carrying 36-50 lbs. Frequent
Qualification Requirements
Job Qualifications:
- Current college student or recent graduate with a background and/or interest in biology or a related field.
- Ability to work individually and as part of a collaborative team.
- Ability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events as the schedule demands.
- Current negative TB test (Proof must be shown upon onboarding)
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
- Basic computer skills
$16.00