What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Research Coordinator position at Wildlife Conservation Society?
Job Description
Position: City Zoos Assistant Research Coordinator
Reports to: City Zoos Research Manager
Position Managed: Volunteers and interns
Location: Central Park Zoo/In-Person
Department: Administration
Scope: Multi-Site/City Zoos (Central Park, Prospect Park, Queens Zoos)
Position Type: Part time
Job Summary:
The City Zoos Assistant Research Coordinator will assist the City Zoos Research Manager in
building the capacity of the City Zoos to conduct applied research projects for the purpose of
improving management and care of the zoos’ animal populations. They will support the planning,
execution, and dissemination of research projects by working closely with the Research Manager,
animal care teams, various other zoo staff departments, and academic partners. The ideal candidate
is detail-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about conducting responsible, ethical research that
contributes to animal care, welfare, and conservation.
Major Responsibilities:
1. Collaboration and Communication
a. Assist in training interns, volunteers, and staff on research methods and data collection
protocols.
b. Coordinate scheduling and communication between research staff, animal care teams, other
internal departments, and external collaborators.
c. Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions on research progress and
outcomes.
2. Research Support
a. Assist in designing and implementing research studies broadly related to management under
human care in specific fields of animal behavior, nutrition, reproduction, etc.
b. Conduct systematic data collection, behavioral observations, environmental monitoring,
sample collection, etc., following established protocols.
c. Maintain accurate, organized, and secure research records, logs, and databases.
Docusign Envelope ID: 8DBB41B4-9282-4BD8-87CF-2722E0F34222
d. Prepare materials, equipment, and supplies needed for research projects.
e. Troubleshoot research equipment, such as video systems, data loggers, or environmental
sensors.
f. Help ensure all research activities comply with institutional policies, animal welfare
requirements, and applicable permits; assist in coordinating submission of all proposals for
City Zoos animal research projects requiring WCS IACUC and/or IRB review and approval.
3. Data and Reporting
a. Enter, clean, and analyze data using approved software (e.g., Excel, SPSS)
b. Assist with preparing research findings for interdepartmental meetings, conferences,
publications, and grant proposals.
4. Represent WCS in a professional manner. Establish and maintain positive, effective working
relationships with employees, colleagues, City and other government agencies, outside
contractors, and the public.
5. Complete other duties as assigned by manager.
Qualification Requirements
Physical Demand ItemFrequency Rating
Use of Keyboard, Sporadic 10-Key Frequent
Use of Mouse (or alternative input device) Frequent
Finger Manipulation (continuous 10-Key, Handwriting) Frequent
Wrist Turning (Locking/Unlocking, Doorknob) Frequent
Speaking Frequent
Telephone Use Frequent
Neck Motion (Left/Right, Up/Down) Frequent
Sitting (can stand at will) Frequent
Standing (static, working at counter) Frequent
Walking Frequent
Bending Frequent
Kneeling Occasional
Stair Climbing Frequent
Navigating Uneven Terrain Occasional
Pushing & Pulling Occasional
Reaching Overhead Occasional
Reaching At or Below Shoulder Level Frequent
Driving Occasional
Lifting and carrying 0-10 lbs. Frequent
Lifting and carrying 11-20 lbs. Frequent
Lifting and carrying 21-35 lbs. Occasional
Workplace Conditions and Environment:
Workplace Conditions and Environment ItemFrequency Rating
Finger Manipulation (continuous 10-Key, Handwriting) Frequent
Work Outside in all Weather Conditions Frequent
Work Closely with Others Frequent
Work Alone Frequent
Exposure to Excess Noise Use of Mouse (or alternative input device)
Work with Wild Animals Occasional
Potential Exposure to Pathogens Occasional
Work weekends, holidays Occasional
Work nontraditional hours Occasional
Wrist Turning (Locking/Unlocking, Doorknob) Frequent
Travel (to conferences, field sites) Occasional
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.
Salary Range
$20.00
Position: City Zoos Assistant Research Coordinator
Reports to: City Zoos Research Manager
Position Managed: Volunteers and interns
Location: Central Park Zoo/In-Person
Department: Administration
Scope: Multi-Site/City Zoos (Central Park, Prospect Park, Queens Zoos)
Position Type: Part time
Job Summary:
The City Zoos Assistant Research Coordinator will assist the City Zoos Research Manager in
building the capacity of the City Zoos to conduct applied research projects for the purpose of
improving management and care of the zoos’ animal populations. They will support the planning,
execution, and dissemination of research projects by working closely with the Research Manager,
animal care teams, various other zoo staff departments, and academic partners. The ideal candidate
is detail-oriented, collaborative, and passionate about conducting responsible, ethical research that
contributes to animal care, welfare, and conservation.
Major Responsibilities:
1. Collaboration and Communication
a. Assist in training interns, volunteers, and staff on research methods and data collection
protocols.
b. Coordinate scheduling and communication between research staff, animal care teams, other
internal departments, and external collaborators.
c. Participate in team meetings and contribute to discussions on research progress and
outcomes.
2. Research Support
a. Assist in designing and implementing research studies broadly related to management under
human care in specific fields of animal behavior, nutrition, reproduction, etc.
b. Conduct systematic data collection, behavioral observations, environmental monitoring,
sample collection, etc., following established protocols.
c. Maintain accurate, organized, and secure research records, logs, and databases.
Docusign Envelope ID: 8DBB41B4-9282-4BD8-87CF-2722E0F34222
d. Prepare materials, equipment, and supplies needed for research projects.
e. Troubleshoot research equipment, such as video systems, data loggers, or environmental
sensors.
f. Help ensure all research activities comply with institutional policies, animal welfare
requirements, and applicable permits; assist in coordinating submission of all proposals for
City Zoos animal research projects requiring WCS IACUC and/or IRB review and approval.
3. Data and Reporting
a. Enter, clean, and analyze data using approved software (e.g., Excel, SPSS)
b. Assist with preparing research findings for interdepartmental meetings, conferences,
publications, and grant proposals.
4. Represent WCS in a professional manner. Establish and maintain positive, effective working
relationships with employees, colleagues, City and other government agencies, outside
contractors, and the public.
5. Complete other duties as assigned by manager.
Qualification Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, biology, zoology, anthropology, or other relevant science.
- Experience in scientific study design and data collection; specific experience with animal behavior research preferred.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for a variety of audiences.
- Broad experience with Microsoft operating systems including file organization, email communication, etc., as well as specific experience using data management and analysis software such as Excel, R, SPSS, etc.
- Ability to work outdoors across all four seasons, including in inclement weather.
- Ability to work both independently and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Working knowledge of zoos and aquariums preferred.
Physical Demand ItemFrequency Rating
Use of Keyboard, Sporadic 10-Key Frequent
Use of Mouse (or alternative input device) Frequent
Finger Manipulation (continuous 10-Key, Handwriting) Frequent
Wrist Turning (Locking/Unlocking, Doorknob) Frequent
Speaking Frequent
Telephone Use Frequent
Neck Motion (Left/Right, Up/Down) Frequent
Sitting (can stand at will) Frequent
Standing (static, working at counter) Frequent
Walking Frequent
Bending Frequent
Kneeling Occasional
Stair Climbing Frequent
Navigating Uneven Terrain Occasional
Pushing & Pulling Occasional
Reaching Overhead Occasional
Reaching At or Below Shoulder Level Frequent
Driving Occasional
Lifting and carrying 0-10 lbs. Frequent
Lifting and carrying 11-20 lbs. Frequent
Lifting and carrying 21-35 lbs. Occasional
Workplace Conditions and Environment:
Workplace Conditions and Environment ItemFrequency Rating
Finger Manipulation (continuous 10-Key, Handwriting) Frequent
Work Outside in all Weather Conditions Frequent
Work Closely with Others Frequent
Work Alone Frequent
Exposure to Excess Noise Use of Mouse (or alternative input device)
Work with Wild Animals Occasional
Potential Exposure to Pathogens Occasional
Work weekends, holidays Occasional
Work nontraditional hours Occasional
Wrist Turning (Locking/Unlocking, Doorknob) Frequent
Travel (to conferences, field sites) Occasional
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.
Salary Range
$20.00
Salary : $20