Facility
Buffalo Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Under the supervision of the Chief Zoological Officer, Curators, and/or Assistant Curators, the Keeper I is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations associated with the husbandry of the animals and the maintenance of animal exhibits.
Essential Functions:
• Primary accountability for specific functions and results. The list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented or changed as necessary.
• Prepares and provides diet and feeding regime to designated animals as specified by the Asst. Curator, Curator, or Veterinarian.
• Assists in the cleaning and shifting of animals to perform exhibit maintenance duties and modify exhibits to meet seasonal requirements.
• Assists veterinary staff with any prescribed treatment routines or medication administration.
• Records and reports any abnormal animal health or behavioral condition to the supervisor noting any short- or long-term variances.
• Assists with departmental research projects, training, and enrichment activities as directed by the Curators and provides support to other Zoo projects as needed.
• Identifies any potential maintenance or safety issues and reports them to the supervisor.
• Cooperates in answering questions presented by the public, other zoo employees, volunteers and interns to promote quality guest service.
• Assumes the duties of Keeper I, Keeper II and Keeper III on an as needed basis.
• Oversees work activities and provides training for interns or seasonal workers assigned to that area.
• Performs any additional animal care duties or departmental responsibilities as directed by the supervisor.
The Buffalo Zoo is an At Will employer and all Buffalo Zoo employees are subject to employment eligibility and background security checks as well as testing for illegal substance use as allowed by law. Equal Opportunity Employer
Education and Pre-requisites
Education (Minimum Needed):
• Two-year degree in one of the natural sciences or other discipline – four-year degree preferred. Degrees in other fields may be substituted by additional relevant experience.
Experience (Minimum Needed):
• Experience with a diversified exotic animal collection gained through internships, volunteer experience or employment. Extensive domestic animal experience may be a qualifying substitute.
• Previous experience with multiple taxonomic groups experiences preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding and tangible achievement with behavioral management techniques including operant conditioning training and enrichment implementation is also preferred.
• Experience with physical restraint equipment, vehicles and related maintenance equipment is a plus.
• Demonstrated proficiency in use of all cleaning and husbandry equipment and supplies is highly desired.
Special Skills:
• Experience with physical restraint equipment, vehicles and related maintenance equipment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in use of all cleaning and husbandry equipment and supplies.
Other:
• Must possess or be able to obtain within 30-days of employment a valid New York State driver’s license and have an average or better driving record based on the evaluation process of our insurance company. Retention of position is contingent upon maintaining required license. Must upgrade to classification appropriate to requirements (non-CDLC or CDL class).
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays as necessary.
• Provide proof of negative TB test upon hire. Participation in TB Test conducted annually required.
• Position is part of the Zoo’s emergency weather team and is expected to report when the Zoo is closed due to weather.
Physical Demands
• Able and willing to perform sustained work of a physical nature, may require heavy lifting.
• Passing a fitness for duty test and Drug screening will be required in order for the successful candidate to be given further consideration for the position.
Compensation and benefits
This is a full-time, non-exempt hourly CSEA union position. Keeper Level assigned is commensurate with experience. Salary range is $20.00-$24.85 per hour. Position open until filled.
Full Time benefits available include health plan, life insurance, long term disability, dental, vision, 403B plan, annual leave time, holiday time, and sick time. If newly hired – benefits are available after the successful completion of an introductory probation period of 60 days of work (sick time available upon hire).
Application instructions
Please submit resume and cover letter to Buffalo Zoo, via Zooapplications@buffalozoo.org Use subject line: Buffalo Zoo Animal Keeper, COMMISSARY. Attachments are to be formatted: Last name first name Cover Letter.Doc or PDF, and Last name first name Resume.Doc or PDF.