About this role
Job Description
Position: Hospital Animal Care Specialist
Reports to: Assistant Director, ZHP (Zoological Health Program)
Position Managed: Volunteers
Location: Bronx Zoo
Department: ZHP
Scope: Bronx Zoo; In-person
Position Type: Full time
Salary: $45,000 - $48,000
About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
Position Summary
The Hospital Animal Care Specialist is part of the team which cares for hospitalized and quarantined animals at the Zoological Health Program’s (ZHP) Wildlife Health Center (WHC)/Quarantine Facility (QF). The individual’s main responsibilities will be in performing any activity necessary to provide safe, proper and humane care of assigned animals in the WHC and QF according to established protocols or under the direction of ZHP/animal department supervisors or veterinarians. Maintenance of the WHC/QF physical plant and environs is also integral to the role.
Principal Responsibilities
- Care, training and restraint of assigned animals of all taxa housed at the WHC/QF including carrying out medical care, recordkeeping, specialized diets as ordered by veterinarians or ZHP/animal department supervisors.
- Perform safe and proper maintenance (cleaning and proper environmental parameters) of environmentally controlled enclosures, holding facilities and associated service areas according to established protocols or under the direction of ZHP/animal department supervisors or veterinary staff.
- Participate in the modification, enhancement and proper disinfection of animal holding
- areas/enclosures under the direction of ZHP/animal department supervisors veterinary staff.
- Assist with equipment/supplies replacement, recordkeeping and maintenance including the compressed medical gas system; must obtain and maintain FDNY (Fire Department of New York) certificate of fitness or other similar certification as required.
- Set up and carry out mandated quarantine procedures (CDC, USDA or specific infectious disease control)
- Oversee the proper handling and disposal of Regulated Medical waste
- Maintain the WHC/QF environs and vehicles for cleanliness, safety and organization
- Troubleshoot and coordinate Operations/Maintenance staff and outside contractors to ensure the WHC and QF physical plant and medical systems operate properly
- Support the Pathology department by assisting with necropsies and subsequent clean-up as needed and operating the incinerator which requires obtaining and maintaining a New York State Crematory Operator’s permit.
- Must understand and be able to comply with DEA regulations pertaining to controlled substances in veterinary practice.
Qualification Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Zoology, or a related field
- Minimum of one year of experience in direct animal care in a veterinary clinic, research, zoo, or laboratory animal facility
- Valid current driver’s license
- Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral English
- Ability to work in a complex healthcare environment with multiple veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support staff
- Strong ability to prioritize and multi-task on the fly
Physical Demands
This role includes using a computer, phone, and other office tools throughout the day. You will sit, stand, walk, climb stairs, and drive as needed. The job also requires regular lifting and carrying of items up to 50 pounds.
Work Environment
- This role involves working both indoors and outdoors, including in all types of weather.
- You may work independently or as part of a team and will regularly work weekends and holidays.
- The position may include exposure to animals, zoonotic diseases, chemicals, and occasional loud noise.
- Some travel and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.
Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.
Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.#LI-AR1