NYA Animal Care Associate - Fish & Invertebrates

Job Description

Position Title:

Seasonal Animal Care Associate

Reports To:

Supervisor of Fish and Invertebrates

Schedule:

Must be able to work weekdays as well as Saturdays, Sundays and holidays

Pay Range: $19 - $21 hourly

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.

The Animal Care Associate works closely with the Fish and Invertebrate aquarists to assist in taking care of the fish and invertebrates within the Conservations Hall, Spineless and Education galleries.

• Assists in feeding and taking care of collection animals at the Aquarium and the daily care and operation of their enclosures.
• Participate in the cleaning of the public areas in and around exhibits, aquariums, tanks, and enclosures.
• Assist in preparing animal diets or other food substances. 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 Aquarium, its animals and exhibits.

• Be extremely physically fit, capable of carrying a minimum of 50 pounds, 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.
• 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

The workplace conditions and environment of the role include working indoors, closely with others, and/or alone, exposure to excess noise, operating power tools and equipment, and use sharp tools and equipment.

• New York Aquarium

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.

$19/hour - $21/hour