Zoo Curator Bergen County Zoo, Department of Parks & Recreation

Organizational Overview:

The Bergen County Zoo is a small, approximately 15-acre, zoological park located in Paramus, New Jersey. Our educators strive to provide high-quality, relevant, scientifically accurate education programs using appropriate audience techniques. Through these programs, we aim to increase our audience’s knowledge of and empathy towards animals and their habitats, and inspire our audience to make informed, deliberate choices in their lives to preserve the natural world.

​Job Description:           

This employment opportunity is to serve as a Zoo Curator at the Bergen County Zoo. Under direction, supervises animal and animal care/breeding programs, activities and staff in a zoological park; ensures that zoo animals have the correct living environment, diets and overall care; performs other related duties as required.

Job Responsibilities:              

  • Organizes animal care programs and periodically checks mammals, birds, and reptiles, and their zoo environment to ensure proper execution of the program
  • Prepares and supervises animal breeding programs and assists in the preparation for the birth of the particular animals.
  • Tests, monitors and inspects food purchased for zoo animals to ensure proper quality and appropriate diets.
  • Assists in the selection and acquisition of new animals.
  • Assists in the development of new zoo displays and exhibits.
  • Administers medicine and other treatments required by ill or injured animals, as directed by a veterinarian.
  • May directly supervise the activities of the principal animal keeper and his/her subordinates as necessary.
  • Trains or directs the training of animal keepers and others performing work that may affect the well-being of the zoo’s animals.
  • Plans and refurbishes animal displays and exhibits according to the needs and habitats of the zoo animals.
  • Conducts programs for exhibiting zoo animals to pupils at their school when appropriate.
  • Prepares and delivers lectures about the animal exhibits.
  • Prepares reports and maintains records and files.
  • Organizes and maintains the zoo’s technical library to ensure a complete selection of necessary volumes pertinent to zoo operation.
  • May visit and observe wild animal habitats to learn more about the habitations of various zoo animal species.

Schedule:   

  • Full time (40 hours/week) with occasional overtime
  • Must work one weekend day and some holidays

Education & Experience Requirements: 

  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Husbandry, Animal Behavior, Animal Science or closely related field.
  • Four (4) years of experience of work in a zoo or animal care facility.
  • Note: A master’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Husbandry, Animal Behavior, Animal Science or other closely related fields may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.

Other Requirements:

  • Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey to perform the essential duties of the position.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data analysis software.
  • 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.

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: $70,000 / 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.