Prospect Park Zoo Animal Associate

Wildlife Conservation Society; Prospect Park (Delaware County); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) invites applications for an Animal Associate at Prospect Park Zoo, part-time, 10:00–4:00 with a 1-hour lunch. You’ll supervise the Barn during public hours, interpret the barn area, and assist in feeding and humane care under senior staff direction.

The role requires a biology-related background, weekend availability, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and comfort outdoors in varying weather. Strong communication with the public is essential.

Qualifications

• Current student or recent grad with a background and/or interest in biology or a related field.
• Must be available on weekends and holidays.
• Ability to frequently move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stay outdoors and maintain alertness in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to climb, kneel, bend, and navigate uneven terrain.
• Ability to represent WCS in a professional manner and to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees, colleagues, and the general public.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision of animal contact areas, specifically Barn, during public hours to ensure safety of both collection animals and the public.
• Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Prospect Park Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection.
• Prepare animal diets according to established protocols under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Perform safe, proper and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and /or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Perform safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas according to established protocols under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Enforce the Prospect Park Zoo’s visitor rules and regulations.
• Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of senior animal keepers and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

Skills

Public interaction

Weekend availability

Physical stamina

Outdoor work

Professional demeanor

Safety awareness

Education

Biology background or related field

Tools

Basic computer skills

Use of basic tools (drill, wire cutters)

Job description

Job Description

Department: Animal Programs
Title: Animal Associate
Employment Type: Part-Time
Status: Non-Exempt
Grade Level: Hourly
Pay Range: $17 per hour
Reports To: Keepers/Sr. Keepers/Supervisors/Curator
Schedule: 3 – 4 days per week; set schedule
Hours: 10:00 – 4:00 (one hour unpaid lunch) (May differ seasonally)

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 Summary:

To assist in minimizing possible harmful risks to animals and the public during public exhibition by providing sufficient distance or barriers between the animals and the public and observing public interactions. Provide public interpretation of the barn area collection. Perform any authorized activity necessary for the safe, proper and humane management and maintenance of the Barn area animal collection, exhibits and associated service as directed.

Principal Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to):

• Provide supervision of animal contact areas, specifically Barn, during public hours to ensure safety of both collection animals and the public.
• Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Prospect Park Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection.
• Prepare animal diets according to established protocols under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff;
• Perform safe, proper and humane care of assigned animals according to established protocols under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and /or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Perform safe and proper maintenance of assigned animal exhibits, holding facilities and associated service areas according to established protocols under the direction of the appropriate senior wild animal keeper and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.
• Enforce the Prospect Park Zoo’s visitor rules and regulations;
• Perform other related tasks and duties at the instruction of senior animal keepers and/or the supervisory/curatorial staff.

Qualification Requirements

• Current student or recent grad with a background and/or Interest in biology or a related field
• Must be available on weekends and holidays
• Ability to frequently move objectives weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stay outdoors and maintain alertness in a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to climb, kneel, bend, and navigating uneven terrain.
• Ability to represent WCS in a professional manner and to establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees, colleagues, and the general public.
• Current negative TB test (Proof must be shown upon onboarding)
• Ability to safely use tools (e.g. drill, wire cutters)
• Basic computer skills

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, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.

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. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.