Wild Animal Keeper, Marine Mammals & Birds

Wildlife Conservation Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Wildlife Conservation Society seeks a Wild Animal Keeper for the New York Aquarium's Marine Mammals and Birds division. You will maintain living conditions, provide nutrition, observe animals daily, and support health, enrichment, and conditioning programs to promote welfare and safety for both animals and guests.

The role requires SCUBA certification, a BS degree or equivalent experience, and the ability to work weekends, holidays, and special events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• At least 2 years of practical experience with aquatic animals.
• SCUBA certification is required.
• Ability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and events.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and provide proper feeding/nutrition per protocol.
• Make daily animal observations and report abnormalities.
• Maintain knowledge of animal health, behavior, and enrichment.
• Develop and apply animal conditioning and training techniques.
• Ensure safety for staff and guests during interactions.

Skills

SCUBA certification

Weekend work flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s of Science degree or equivalent experience

2+ years aquatic animal experience

Tools

Life support systems

Filtration knowledge

Job description

Job Description

Position Title: Wild Animal Keeper

Department: Animal Programs/ Marine Mammals and Birds

Employment Type: Full-Time

Status: Non-Exempt, Union

Schedule: Variable, 5 days per week based on seniority:8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Salary: $48,119

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 Summery

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 (Responsibilities may include but are not limited to):

• Prepare and provide proper feeding/nutrition to all animals based on developed feeding protocol.
• Make Daily observations of animals and report any abnormalities to staff supervisor.
• Acquire knowledge and maintain a working understanding and proficiency in the area of animal health, natural history and husbandry techniques including the understanding of the importance of maintaining healthy animals through proper use of environmental change (play, learning, exercise, and relationship interactions as well as proper application of environmental enrichment.)
• Develop strong awareness of all animal behaviors and appearances within the division.
• Develop animal conditioning skills and techniques. Maintain each animal’s current level of behavior criteria through effective observation, listening and training application.
• Develop proactive approach to behavioral husbandry. Anticipate behavioral issues and discuss with supervisor, in order to curb potential problems.
• Function as a team member showing consideration, tolerance, cooperation, reliability, and ability to solve problems.
• Communicate effectively with all members of the division.
• Maintain all equipment, animal records, and department notebooks on a daily basis.
• 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 visitors, 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.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s of Science degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• At least 2-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.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands include but are not limited to the use of a Keyboard, 10-key, Mouse, and Telephone Use, Handwriting, Sitting, Standing, Crouching, Kneeling, Bending, Walking, Stair Climbing, minimal Driving, and Lifting up to 50lbs.

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 looking 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, 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.

Salary Range

$48,119.00