Job Title: NYA Visitor Engagement Associate Location: New York Aquarium Department: Education Reports to: Manager of Live Interpretation
Type: Temporary/Seasonal Rate: $20.00/hour
Schedule: Mid-May through December; Fluctuates by season; applicants must be able to commit to a schedule that includes both weekday and weekend shifts, with a minimum of 3-4 days a week in the summer; holiday availability is required. All staff must be available on June 6-8, June 13-14, June 20, July 4, 11-12, 18-19, September 7, October 10-12, 17-18, 24-25, Oct 31.
POSITION SUMMARY You will work part-time for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) as a valued team member of the Education Department at the New York Aquarium and report to the Manager of Live Interpretation. You will reach thousands of visitors by leading experiences and exhibit talks in some of our indoor and outdoor exhibits, which can include Ocean Wonders: Sharks (OWS), Sea Cliffs/Sea Change, and PlayQuarium.
Within these exhibits, Visitor Engagement Associates will have the exciting opportunity to speak with guests (both in small and large groups) about science concepts, our animals, and WCS conservation programs. This role facilitates our indoor touch pool within the PlayQuarium exhibit. Your primary role will include the handling of marine invertebrates, helping our guests engage with living marine invertebrates, and sharing information about these animals with our guests. This role allows for some hands-on animal experience, and interaction with our Animal and Education Departments. You will also assist with events onsite by running activity stations, providing wayfinding and engaging actively with visitors. This is a great opportunity for those interested in engaging the public about science and conservation, as well as those seeking hands-on experience in informal environmental education, live interpretation, public speaking and museum studies.
WCS Education is a pioneer in zoo-based learning, inspiring over 1.5 million people each year across New York City. Since 1929, we have been at the forefront of science education, fostering the next generation of conservation advocates by creating meaningful connections to wildlife and nature. We provide innovative, high-quality learning experiences that empower individuals to care for and protect the natural world.
● Facilitate safe, high-quality guest experiences at the PlayQuarium touch pool and other exhibits, staffing stations, managing crowds/lines, and ensuring a welcoming, engaging, and educational environment.
● Handle and monitor marine invertebrates at the touch pool, working with animal keepers and Animal/Education teams to ensure proper care and animal safety.
● Deliver energetic and engaging public presentations using a microphone, including chats, narrations, and informal engagements with large and small crowds across various exhibits.
● Teach visitors about wildlife conservation, helping them connect aquarium exhibits with conservation concepts and their daily lives.
● Support visitor services and admissions teams by providing consistently high-level customer service throughout the park.
● Collaborate with Visitor Engagement Associates, Education staff, and volunteers to maintain a respectful, positive work culture, including mentoring and supportive teamwork.
● Assist with visitor research and administrative tasks, including tracking interaction numbers, conducting surveys/interviews, maintaining accurate records, and completing data entry.
● Support educational programming and events, including station-based interpretive activities, special early morning/evening programs, members events, classes, parties, overnights, and summer camp, while contributing to a safe, fun, and lively learning environment.
Internal Qualification RequirementsEDUCATION
Minimum
● You are a high school graduate who has a strong interest and/or background in education, communication, public speaking and/or environmental science.
Preferred
● You are in pursuit of or have recently completed a college degree at the undergraduate level. Those with a background in education, communications, public speaking, and/or environmental science are encouraged to apply.
OTHER SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
● Applicants must be 18 years of age at the time the application is submitted.
● You have worked with young children or groups in formal or informal learning environments.
● You have a comfort level interacting with and presenting to groups both small and large.
● You have experience with/interest in working at a touch pool, petting zoo, or handling small animals.
● You have strong public speaking skills and are comfortable using a microphone.
● You have an interest in learning about animals and conservation, and sharing information with the public.
● You have the ability to remain patient, even in a busy, high-energy environment.
● You have a high level of self-motivation; you are reliable, flexible, adaptable and accountable.
● You have excellent customer service skills and are friendly and outgoing.
● You have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
● Bilingual (in any language) a plus- but especially Spanish.
WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT
● We work in a fun environment, in a natural, park-like setting, surrounded by amazing wildlife.
● We value team members and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives.
● We ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission.
PERKS
● Parking at the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium with a staff permit
● Access for employees to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium on days off with their staff ID
● Courtesy guest tickets after 45 days of employment in good standing to visit WCS Zoos & Aquarium
● Employee discounts on food, merchandise, and programs
