Bergen County Seal

Park Naturalist Bergen County Zoo, Department of Parks

Organizational Overview:

The Bergen County Zoo provides a clean, aesthetically pleasing facility that meets or exceeds the physical, environmental, and behavioral needs of the animals in its care. The goal of the zoo is to develop and maintain exhibits which emphasize natural behavior, encourage longevity, and promote breeding success. The zoo provides a unique and effective educational experience that fosters an appreciation for the interrelationships between the animals and their environments. It provides an enjoyable recreational experience for the residents and visitors of Bergen County.

Job Description:           

This employment opportunity is to serve as a Park Naturalist at the Bergen County Zoo. Under the direction of a Chief Park Naturalist, Principal Park Naturalist, or other supervisory official, conducts programs, services and activities designed to inform the public of the historical, natural, and scientific features of a park, park system or other geographic area; does related work as required.

Job Responsibilities:              

  • Conducts programs, services and activities designed to inform the public
  • Conduct tours and field trips for local schools and organizations on and off site
  • Prepares and presents classes, lectures, interpretive talks and exhibits on zoo/animal features
  • Confers with supervisors and other zoo staff to assist in the determination of subjects and schedules for zoo programs
  • Provides visitor services, such as disseminating information about the zoo and its animals, explaining zoo regulations, answering questions and providing general assistance to visitors
  • Attend and participate in AZA conferences and specialized learning or training
  • Supports the zoo’s accreditation efforts where applicable
  • Plans and works special events, design fliers and posters to promote education activities
  • Teaches conservation and ecological appropriate subject matter
  • Assists in designing fliers and posters to promote education activities
  • Assists in the survey of flora and fauna found with the zoo and surrounding park system
  • Prepares and assembles displays and exhibits used to represent and interpret the functions, facilities and resources of the Bergen County Zoological Park
  • Prepares clear, sound and accurate reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations
  • Participates in field work and public speaking events; and supports volunteer and docent programs
  • Maintains essential records and files

Schedule:   

  • Full time (40 hours/week).
  • Occasional overtime as needed.
  • Applicants must be able and willing to work flexible hours, weekends, and holidays.

Education & Experience Requirements: 

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in the Natural Sciences, Biology, Conservation or Animal Behavior
  • Two (2) years experience in an education department at a zoo, nature center or similar facility is preferred.
  • Experience in animal handling, presenting, and following modern zoological practices.

Other Requirements:

  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey to perform essential duties of the position.

What we offer:

  • Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Enrollment into the state pension system
  • Life, Short-term Disability & Long-term Disability coverage
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance and Employee Wellness Programs

Salary:  $40,600 / per annum, commensurate with experience

Please send resume and employment application to resume@bergencountynj.gov – put in subject line job applying for, thank you.

The County of Bergen is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer.

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of The County of Bergen not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

The County of Bergen complies with the New Jersey First Act. An employee’s primary residence must be within the State of New Jersey, or the employee will have 365 days (1 Year) from their date of hire to satisfy the requirement of principal residency.