Senior Wild Animal Keeper, Marine Mammals & Birds

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Association Of Zoos & Aquariums seeks a senior wild animal keeper/aquarist at the New York Aquarium. The role involves caring for marine animals, ensuring habitat conditions, and requires strong leadership and communication skills. The ideal candidate will have a science degree and SCUBA certification, alongside extensive practical experience.

Benefits

15 Vacation Days

13 Holidays

12 Paid-Time-Off Days

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K

Pension

12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave

and much more

Qualifications

• 3 years practical experience with aquatic animals in a zoo/aquarium.
• Understanding of life support systems and filtration.
• SCUBA certification required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain animal habitats and ensure proper nutrition and health.
• Supervise animal transfers and work with education programs.
• Clean and maintain pools and tanks through SCUBA diving.

Skills

Animal health management

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's of Science degree

Job description

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, Related Facilities, Commercial Members, Conservation Partners and Society Partners may post free unlimited online job listings as a member benefit. Non-members can purchase job listings.How to post a job

Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center .

WCS's goal is to conserve the world's largest wild places in 14 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the world's biodiversity. The challenges are greater than ever, but with the focus, dedication, and passion of a committed staff—combined with a unique mixture of field, zoo, and aquarium expertise—WCS will continue to set the bar for science, conservation action, and education that has driven our success in protecting wildlife and wild places for over a century.

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
The New York Aquarium is seeking a senior wild animal keeper/ aquarist to work with marine fishes and invertebrates in several multispecies exhibits. This position will work with other senior and wild animal keepers, and report to Animal Department Supervisors and the General Curator. Experience must include a thorough understanding of filter operations and life support systems, aquarium maintenance, water quality, animal health management and disease recognition. Applicants must also possess leadership and organizational skills, be detail-oriented and a self-starter, and be able to work independently as well as part of a team. Applicants must be comfortable actively interacting with visitors to the Aquarium. Applicants must be willing to work Saturdays, Sundays, and all holidays. The Wildlife Conservation Society is an equal opportunity employer.

Principal Responsibilities(The individual's main responsibilities will be in supporting the NY Aquarium Animal Department team.) Responsibilities include:

Adhere to all Wildlife Conservation Society, New York Aquarium and Animal Department standard of conduct, policies, and procedures to ensure the standards of safety, animal wellbeing, animal training, and animal enrichment are being maintained.

Maintain safe and sanitary areas of food preparation/ storage and animal habitats. Ensure animals receive the appropriate nutrition, the appropriate food bases, and report changes through clear communication with Animal Supervisor.

Carry out the instructions for the care of sick and neonate animals, including administering treatments, vitamins and medication.

Observe the animals and their habitats for any indication of problems with environmental parameters or life support. Inspect exhibits to ascertain whether corrective steps need to be taken to ensure appropriate environmental conditions, including but not limited to, inspecting filtration, water quality, lighting, temperature, and cleanliness.

Reports issues to supervisor and assist in making corrective actions.

Supervise and participate in the transfer of animals from one aquarium, enclosure, habitatzoo, aquarium, etc. to another. Participate, and/or lead in the installation of exhibit materials

Work in all areas of the Animal Department and ensure that all animal enclosures are appropriately secured at all times, regardless of the staff member responsible for the area.

Work with the Aquarium's education department to facilitate educational programs.

Must function in a team environment, demonstrating consideration, tolerance, cooperation, reliability, the ability to accept feedback, and a consistent professional approach to job. Excellent communication skills a must.

Clean pools, tanks, exhibits, and all appropriate habitats through SCUBA diving.

Accountable for keeping up to date records and database procedures and attending all required training sessions.

Qualifications

Bachelor's of Science degree or equivalent experience preferred

At least 3-year practical experience working directly with aquatic animals in a zoo/aquarium, rescue/ rehabilitation center, or other related facility.

Understanding of life support systems and filtration is necessary to be successful in the position

SCUBA certification.

Ability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events as schedule demands.

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 in 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.The organization complies with all Federal, State, and NYC laws and WCS's employment policies.

15 Vacation, 13 Holidays, 12 Paid-Time-Off Days, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension, 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave and much more…