Turtle Back Zoo
Bird Keeper
The Turtle Back Zoo is looking for a dynamic individual to join its Bird Team who possesses an excellent understanding of animal husbandry, welfare and training. The successful candidate will be passionate, positive and professional and need to have the skills and competency to perform basic animal keeper duties in assigned areas. Examples of duties include all aspects of daily animal care and maintenance including safely cleaning, feeding, watering training and enriching animals. In addition, closely monitoring welfare measures and health, enclosure upkeep, medicating under veterinary supervision, record keeping, informal and formal education exchanges with zoo guests, and other aspects of professional animal care and management. Candidates with public relation, research or in/ex situ conservation experience will be preferred.
This position will work primarily in the bird team routines within the facility but should be prepared to work with other taxonomic classes of animals. Primary areas this position covers may care for species including African penguin, Andean condor, flamingos, pelicans and several species of Galliformes and raptors. Good written and oral communication and organizational skills and the ability to work well alone or with others in a team environment are a must. Position reports to the Animal Curators on staff.
Experience Required
CRITERIA AND REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
• Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Requires a 4-year college degree in Biology, Animals Science, Zoology or related field; or an equivalent level of work experience and education as determined by the hiring authority.
• Two years paid animal care experience at an AZA facility working directly with a bird population.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
All candidates selected for hiring by the Turtle Back Zoo must undergo a complete background and professional reference check, and those who are hired should possess the ability to lift 75 lbs. and work indoors/outdoors in all conditions is required.
Physical aspects of the job include: enclosure construction / maintenance, stooping, sitting, twisting, walking (often on uneven terrain). The position involves working in all weather conditions, as well as on weekends and holidays and is subject to 24-hour on-call availability.
Resumes will be accepted until April 15th
Please place Bird Keeper in the subject line.
How to Apply
To be considered, email resume, cover letter, and references AS A SINGLE DOCUMENT to ZOO DIRECTOR AT JFAZIO@PARKS.ESSEXCOUNTYNJ.ORG
Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield St
West Orange, NJ 07052
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