NYA Animal Care Associate - Ocean Wonders

Job Description

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  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.

Title: Animal Care Associate
Days: 36 hours per week each (4 days/week)
Salary: Range $19-$21/hr
Period: March 1, 2026 until October 31, 2026
Schedule: Must be able to work weekdays as well as Saturdays, Sundays and holidays

Position Summary: The Animal Care Associate works closely with the Ocean Wonders:
Sharks! (OWS) animal keepers to assist in taking care of the collection within the OWS building, Holding Pools (HP), Sea Change (SC), and Aquatic Care Facility (ACF).

Principle Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assists in feeding and daily care of collection animals at the aquarium including operation of their enclosures and habitats.
• Participate in cleaning of public areas in and around exhibits, aquariums, tanks, and enclosures.
• Assist in preparing animal diets or other food supplements. May assist in both requisition and record keeping of food and other supplies.
• Inspect exhibits and facilities to ascertain that environmental conditions are appropriate, including filtration, water quality, lighting, temperature, cleanliness, and take necessary action to ensure such.
• Observe the animals and report promptly on any indication of illness or problems with environmental parameters or life support.
• Participate in the transfer of animals from one aquarium, cage, pen, zoo, etc. to another.
• Aid, help and inform the public regarding the facility, its animals and exhibits.

Qualification Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• College level studies in biology or a related field. A Bachelor degree preferred.
• At least 1 years’ paid or volunteer experience in a zoo/aquarium or other relevant animal care environment
• Must have a current, valid driver’s license.

Qualifications:

• Be physically capable of carrying a minimum of 50lbs, walking on rocky naturalistic animal habitats, moving quickly from one area of the park to another, climbing stairs, and all other physical functions.
• Possess and maintain a positive attitude and professional demeanor.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt quickly to changing priorities and schedules
• Ability and versatility to work independently and as part of a team
• Possess exceptional communication and public speaking skills.
• Possess good animal observation skills.
• Capability to work with and direct interns and volunteers in a respectful manner.
• Possess basic swimming skills
• Must have worked in some capacity with domestic or wild animals or have done an internship at an animal facility.
• SCUBA certification and AAUS training a plus but not required.

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. Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.

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Salary Range

$19/hour - $21/hour