Wild Animal Keeper, Marine Mammals & Birds

Energy Vault; New York; On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An iconic organization dedicated to wildlife conservation is seeking a Wild Animal Keeper for its New York Aquarium. This full-time role involves direct care for marine mammals and birds, emphasizing animal well-being and public education. Ideal candidates will have a background in zoology and experience working directly with animals in a marine environment.

Qualifications

• 2 years' practical experience with marine animals in a zoo or aquarium.
• SCUBA certification required.
• Ability to work in outdoor conditions and some physical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and maintenance for marine mammals and birds.
• Conduct daily observations and proper feeding protocols.
• Maintain cleanliness of exhibits and report any issues.

Skills

Animal behavior observation

SCUBA diving

Nutritional care

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's of Science degree or equivalent experience

Job description

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 developedfeeding protocol.
• Perform daily animal care of assigned animals according to established protocolsand as directed by managers.
• Make daily observations of animals and report any abnormalities to staffsupervisor.
• Perform daily cleaning/maintenance of assigned animal exhibits according toestablished protocols and as directed by managers.
• Inspect exhibits, holdingfacilities and associated service areas to ensure they are clean and functioningproperly (e.g. doors, lighting, HVAC, LSS, etc.).
• Alert supervisors to any facilitydeficiencies/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 theareas of animal health, natural history, and husbandry techniques including theunderstanding of the importance of maintaining healthy animals through properuse of environmental change (e.g. play, learning, exercise, interactions, problemsolving as well as proper application of environmental enrichment.)
• Develop strong awareness of each individual animal's physical appearance andbehavior within the division.
• Participate in NYA operant conditioning programs to facilitate animal managementand to enrich the daily lives of assigned animals.
• Develop animal conditioningskills and techniques.
• Maintain each animal's current level of behavior criteriathrough effective observation, listening and training application.
• Participate asassigned 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 issuesand discuss with supervisor, in order to curb potential problems.
• Participate indeveloping 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 allmembers of the division and with other WCS staff and volunteers.
• Maintain all equipment, animal records, and department notebooks on a dailybasis. Submit a daily report as assigned which summarizes events/changes in theanimal collection and staff activities within assigned work areas, identifies requiredmaintenance, and lists needed supplies and equipment.
• Accept responsibility for personal, guest, and animal safety by bringing potentiallyunsafe situations to the attention of the area supervisor.
• Use SCUBA to routinely clean and maintain area pools. Assist other departmentsin SCUBA diving to maintain water/habitat quality. Keep log of SCUBA activities.
• Perform all primary as well as supportive roles in education and general publicprograming. Interact with aquarium guests, presenting a positive image for theNew 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 tothe 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 azoo/aquarium, rescue/rehabilitation center, or other related facility.
• SCUBA certification.
• Ability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events asschedule 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.