ANIMAL KEEPER
New Jersey treats Animal Keeper as a competitive-class job, so the gate is an examination and the ranked list it produces rather than a direct offer.
Eligibility comes down to 1 year of relevant experience.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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How to apply for this title →Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction, feeds and cares for mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in accordance with established program; carries out regular maintenance program of cages, pens, paddocks, and other areas; does related work as required.
Examples of work
- Carries out a regular scheduled program designed to insure prompt feeding and proper care for all mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in a zoo.
- Reports immediately any mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians that are not well.
- Keeps assigned animals clean and sees that they are properly housed.
- Carries out regular daily maintenance program involved in keeping cages, pens, paddocks, and animal areas in good repair and in a manner that insures maximum cleanliness and neatness.
- Performs minor repairs to animal displays and exhibits.
- Carefully enforces established zoo regulations relating to protection of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians in a manner that insures maximum protection to them and maximum safety to the public.
Experience
One (1) year of experience in the care and feeding of non-domesticated animals in a zoological park, game, or nature farm or other animal sanctuary.
License
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.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of the care and feeding of animals.
- Ability to keep necessary records and reports and to learn quickly from oral and written instructions.
- Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.