Position Title: Wild Animal Keeper
Location:New York Aquarium
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Animal Programs/Marine Mammals and Birds
Schedule: Variable 5 days per week based on seniority
Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Direct Reports: None
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 Objective and Summary
Provide husbandry/behavioral care and exhibit maintenance for marine mammals and birds. Wild Animal Keeper (WAK) of Marine Mammals and Birds division at the New York Aquarium maintains living conditions for the health and care of the animals. Train, maintain, and strengthen natural behaviors to benefit health assessment and overall well-being of animals. Fulfill delegated functions within the department. Develop responsible for personal and guest safety when interacting with animals.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Prepare and provide proper feeding/nutrition to all animals based on developed feeding protocol.
- Perform daily animal care of assigned animals according to established protocols and as directed by managers.
- Make daily observations of animals and report any abnormalities to staff supervisor.
- Perform daily cleaning/maintenance of assigned animal exhibits according to established protocols and as directed by managers.
- Inspect exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas to ensure they are clean and functioning properly (e.g. doors, lighting, HVAC, LSS, etc.).
- Alert supervisors to any facility deficiencies/issues that require repair or attention from NYA Facilities, EGAD, Pest Control, IT, or other WCS departments
- Acquire knowledge and maintain a working understanding and proficiency in the areas of animal health, natural history, and husbandry techniques including the understanding of the importance of maintaining healthy animals through proper use of environmental change (e.g. play, learning, exercise, interactions, problem solving as well as proper application of environmental enrichment.)
- Develop strong awareness of each individual animal's physical appearance and behavior within the division.
- Participate in NYA operant conditioning programs to facilitate animal management and to enrich the daily lives of assigned animals.
- Develop animal conditioning skills and techniques.
- Maintain each animal's current level of behavior criteria through effective observation, listening and training application.
- Participate as assigned in non-routine health and husbandry activities such as animal transports, animal introductions/breeding, restraint and treatment of animals.
- Develop proactive approach to behavioral husbandry.
- Anticipate behavioral issues and discuss with supervisor, in order to curb potential problems.
- Participate in developing animal training goals and protocols as assigned.
- Participate in animal welfare assessments according to established protocols.
- Function as a team member showing consideration, tolerance, cooperation, reliability, and ability to solve problems. Communicate effectively with all members of the division and with other WCS staff and volunteers.
- Maintain all equipment, animal records, and department notebooks on a daily basis. Submit a daily report as assigned which summarizes events/changes in the animal collection and staff activities within assigned work areas, identifies required maintenance, and lists needed supplies and equipment.
- Accept responsibility for personal, guest, and animal safety by bringing potentially unsafe situations to the attention of the area supervisor.
- Use SCUBA to routinely clean and maintain area pools. Assist other departments in SCUBA diving to maintain water/habitat quality. Keep log of SCUBA activities.
- Perform all primary as well as supportive roles in education and general public programing. Interact with aquarium guests, presenting a positive image for the New York Aquarium and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
- Assist with observation/training of new staff and volunteers.
- Maintain a high level of self-motivation and a consistent professional approach to the job.
- Adhere to all New York Aquarium and departmental policies.
- Bachelor's of Science degree or equivalent experience preferred.
- At least 2 years' practical experience working directly with marine animals in a zoo/aquarium, rescue/rehabilitation center, or other related facility.
- SCUBA certification.
- Ability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events as schedule demands.
Physical Requirements
The position requires work in outdoor environments in all weather conditions (including cold water). Must pass AAUS-compliant dive physical and swim test {400 yards in 12 minutes) within six months of hire. Tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools (e.g. computer keyboard, manual tools) and operate equipment (e.g. operation/manipulation of dive gear, mobile radios). Some tasks require climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.
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 a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look 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, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
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, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.
Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.
