POSITION TITLE: Provisional Wild Animal Keeper
REPORTS TO: Supervisor, Shark
DIRECT REPORTS: None
SCHEDULE: 40 Hours Per Week
POSITION OBJECTIVE
To provide excellent animal care and enhance the visitor experience. To perform any activity required for the life support systems necessary for animal wellbeing and exhibit appearance at the New York Aquarium. Work with elasmobranchs, sea turtles, marine fishes and invertebrates.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
1. Adhere to all Wildlife Conservation Society, New York Aquarium and Animal Department
standards of conduct, policies, and procedures to ensure the standards of safety, animal
wellbeing, animal training, and animal enrichment are being maintained. Adhere to safety
practices for self, staff, the living collection and guests. Take responsibility for safety by
bringing potentially dangerous situations to the attention of Management.
2. 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. Perform all primary, as well as,
supportive roles in public demonstrations and exhibit feeds.
3. Promptly report any indication of illness or significantly unusual behavior being displayed.
Carry out the instructions for the care of sick and neonate animals, including administering
treatments, vitamins and medication.
4. 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.
5. Supervise and participate in the transfer of animals from one enclosure, habitat, zoo,
aquarium, etc., to another. Participate, and/or lead in the installation of exhibit materials.
6. 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. 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.
7. Use operant conditioning via positive reinforcement to condition new behaviors and
maintain each animal's current behavior criteria as assigned by Animal Department
Management. Contribute to the development and implementation of established behavior
goals. Maintain animal husbandry, training, and enrichment records of all animals and
facilitate the same for all team members. Maintain a proactive approach to behavioral
husbandry and anticipate behavioral issues. Consistently strengthen animal conditioning
skills and techniques, through observation, listening, participation, reading appropriate
materials, and providing feedback to colleagues.
8. Work with the Aquarium's education department to facilitate educational programs.
9. Clean pools, tanks, exhibits, and all appropriate habitats through SCUBA diving.
10. Provide relief and coverage for a Senior Wild Animal Keeper in his/her absence. Participate
in the training of new staff, interns and volunteers.
Internal Qualification Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
1. Bachelor's Degree in biology, psychology or related field.
2. At least 2 years' experience in practical work or volunteer/internship with aquatic animals in
controlled environments
3. SCUBA certification.
4. Must have a current, valid driver's license
5. Must successfully pass a background check
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Understanding of life support system and filtration is necessary to be successful in the
position
2. Ability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events as
schedule demands.
3. Experience working directly with aquatic animals in a zoo/aquarium, rescue/rehabilitation
center, or other related facility.
4. Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are a critical requirement along with
strong oral and written communication. Must be highly self-motivated and similarly able
to take direction.
5. Experience working with volunteers preferred. Must be comfortable actively interacting
with visitors to the Aquarium.
6. Active membership in professional associations (e.g. AZA, IMATA) preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The position requires strenuous physical activity. Must pass AAUS-compliant dive physical and
swim test (400 yards in 12 minutes) within six months of hire. The position requires outdoor
work in all weather conditions (including cold water) as well as indoor exhibit facilities and
office environments. Tasks require manual dexterity for various tasks (e.g. computer keyboard,
mobile radios, operation/ manipulation of diving gear, manual tools). Some tasks require
kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and repetitive lifting of 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 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.