Facility
Buffalo Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Buffalo Zoo is hiring for the position of Animal Keeper II. This Keeper II position has a primary focus of reptiles/amphibians/herpetology/venomous animals.
Under the supervision of the Chief Zoological Officer, Curators, and/or Assistant Curators, the Keeper II 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 Keeper III, Asst. Curators, Curators, 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 supervisors noting any short- or long-term variances.
• Assists with departmental research projects, animal 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 and Keeper III on an as needed basis.
• Must support the Buffalo Zoo’s Vision, Mission and Core Values.
• 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 supervisors.
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).
• Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment general medical screen and drug test.
• Successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment background check.
• Must provide proof of negative TB test at hire. TB test conducted annually.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays as necessary.
• 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 will be required in order for the successful candidate to be given further consideration for the position.
For more information about the Buffalo Zoo, please visit our website at: http://www.buffalozoo.org
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
To perform at a proficient level and be fully qualified, a person would be expected to have:
Education (Minimum Desired):
• 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 Desired):
• Two years’ experience with a diversified exotic animal collection gained through internships, volunteer experience or employment. Extensive domestic animal experience may be a qualifying substitute.
• Experience with reptiles, amphibians, and venomous animals preferred.
• Experience with physical restraint equipment, vehicles and related maintenance equipment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in use of all cleaning and husbandry equipment and supplies.
Compensation and benefits
This is a full-time, non-exempt hourly CSEA union position. Salary is $22.98 per hour (as of 3/1/2023). Position open until filled.
Full Time benefits available include health plan, HSA/HRA, life insurance, long term disability, dental, vision, 403B retirement plan, annual leave time, holiday time, and sick time. Benefits are available after the successful completion of an introductory probation period review at 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 II. Attachments are to be formatted: Last name first name Cover Letter.Doc or PDF, and Last name first name Resume.Doc or PDF. No telephone calls please.