Facility

Seneca PArk Zoo, Rochester, NY

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

The Seneca Park Zoo has been open and exhibiting to the public since the 1890’s. It is considered a mid-size zoo, currently populated with more than 300 animals, representing 120 species, including 16 that are endangered. The Zoo’s total 15.5 acres includes the Main Building, the ECO Center, the Z.O.T. Zone (Zoologists of Tomorrow), Rocky Coasts Underwater Gallery, “A Step Into Africa” exhibit and numerous animal enclosures.
The Seneca Park Zoo is a unique facility, located within a public park and operated by Monroe County with the Seneca Park Zoo Society as our not-for-profit support partner.
The Zoo’s goals of education, conservation leadership and a commitment to our community are communicated by its mission statement: “Through the exhibition of animals in naturalistic settings, the Seneca Park Zoo provides engaging and educational experiences to give our community the motivation and skills to act as stewards of the environment.”
From 2006 to the present, the Seneca Park Zoo has seen construction of our largest expansion project, “A Step Into Africa.” Through funding from Monroe County, as well as fundraising efforts of the Zoo Society, the footprint of the Zoo has increased in size by 48%. Phase I and II are now completed and include a new Elephant Barn, Elephant Splash Pool and Baboon Exhibit.
This position in the Department of Parks at Seneca Park Zoo is responsible for providing direct care to elephants and other assigned animals. This care includes but is not limited to: cleaning, training, feeding, exercising, enrichment, research and assisting with veterinary care.
The candidate must be highly motivated and, once trained, able to work independently with limited supervision. As part of a small, cohesive team, must also be able to function cooperatively, communicate effectively and professionally and make positive contributions as a team member.
Must have proven decision making/problem solving skills, good observational skills. Must be safety oriented. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills, professional demeanor and professional appearance due to regular visitor contact, keeper chats and other educational programming as well as media events.
Employees may be required to work a varying schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The employee reports directly to and works under the general supervision of the Elephant Manager or other senior level staff member.
The candidate should have good knowledge of elephant management, good knowledge of elephant/animal care and feeding, working knowledge of elephant husbandry techniques including behavioral training and enrichment; working knowledge of AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums)Standards of Elephant Care.

Education and Pre-requisites

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma, plus EITHER:
(A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, or a closely related field. OR
(B) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, or a closely related field, plus one (1) year paid full time or its part time/volunteer* equivalent experience using positive reinforcement based operant conditioning with large, potentially dangerous animals; OR
(C) Three (3) years of paid full time or its part time/volunteer* experience as defined in (B) above; OR,
(D) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (C) or (B) and (C) above.

*volunteer experience must be documented by the participating agency. Employment dates, average number of hours worked per week, and job duties must be included.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Candidates for employment with Monroe County Government will be required to pass a Pre-employment drug test and Pre-employment Background Investigation. The Candidates will be required to pay for the cost of fingerprinting, which is $100.00. If the candidate is hired they will be reimbursed via payroll.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Applicant must be a resident of Monroe County at the time of appointment.

County Human resources: http://www2.monroecounty.gov/employment-index.php

Send Civil Service Applications to:

Leah Jahna, Parks Personnel (753-7282)
Monroe County Parks Department
171 Reservoir Avenue Rochester, New York 14620

Posting Deadline: March 3, 2015