ZOO REGISTRAR
To land Zoo Registrar in New Jersey you go through the competitive route: you sit an announced exam and the score puts you on the eligible list agencies hire from.
A bachelor's degree is the listed credential, and extra years on the job can be traded for it.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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.
Definition
Under the limited supervision of a Zoo Director, manages, organizes, and maintains the institution's animal records, documents, and related policies; manages and submits applications for current zoo animal-related permits and licenses; validates the quality of recorded data and ensures the legal compliance of all zoo animal transactions; serves as primary liaison to relevant government agencies, other zoological institutions and conservation organizations; performs other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Manages and maintains both active and inactive zoo animal records systems while ensuring data quality, appropriate retention, preservation and accessibility. Makes recommendations to assist in the development and implementation of the zoo's collections records policies. Manages and monitors animal transactions and coordinates with curatorial staff to ensure legal compliance with local, state, federal and international laws, government regulations, and industry-specific standards. Acquires and maintains all local, federal, and state wildlife permits and licenses. Serves as primary liaison between the institution, government agencies, conservation organizations, and other zoological institutions. Serves as administrator of animal records database and primary liaison between the institution and animal records software vendors. Ensures the accurate collection of information is entered into animal record keeping software and forwarded to the regional zoo association conservation programs as requested. Recommends and establishes animal records and information management programs to ensure best practices for records retention, disposition, preservation, and related systems management. Trains staff in animal record keeping, records management and animal data entry standards. Manages the animal census and inventory processes. Participates as a member in the Zoo Registrar's Associations (ZRA), regional zoo associations, and other appropriate professional associations in an effort to develop, set standards for and improve upon methods for animal record keeping and information management. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
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 general principles of animal husbandry, animal science, and conservation issues. Knowledge of animal welfare standards and wildlife laws and regulations specific to exhibition, breeding, domestic, and international transports. Knowledge of collection management principles. Knowledge of general records management standards and best practices. Knowledge of cooperative animal management programs. Ability to learn and apply knowledge of animal records software. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn how to use 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, and 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 if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may or may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Six (6) years of professional experience in records management, database management or administration, informatics or information technology, one (1) year of which must have included experience utilizing a computerized animal inventory system or software designed to manage zoological records. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.