What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wild Animal Keeper, Marine Mammals & Birds position at Wildlife Conservation Society?
Position Title: Wild Animal Keeper
Department: Animal Programs/ Marine Mammals and Birds
Employment Type: Full-Time
Status: Non-Exempt, Union
Schedule: Variable, 5 days per week based on seniority:8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Salary: $48,119
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 Summery
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 (Responsibilities may include but are not limited to):
Department: Animal Programs/ Marine Mammals and Birds
Employment Type: Full-Time
Status: Non-Exempt, Union
Schedule: Variable, 5 days per week based on seniority:8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Salary: $48,119
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 Summery
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 (Responsibilities may include but are not limited to):
- Prepare and provide proper feeding/nutrition to all animals based on developed feeding protocol.
- Make Daily observations of animals and report any abnormalities to staff supervisor.
- Acquire knowledge and maintain a working understanding and proficiency in the area of animal health, natural history and husbandry techniques including the understanding of the importance of maintaining healthy animals through proper use of environmental change (play, learning, exercise, and relationship interactions as well as proper application of environmental enrichment.)
- Develop strong awareness of all animal behaviors and appearances within the division.
- Develop animal conditioning skills and techniques. Maintain each animal’s current level of behavior criteria through effective observation, listening and training application.
- Develop proactive approach to behavioral husbandry. Anticipate behavioral issues and discuss with supervisor, in order to curb potential problems.
- Function as a team member showing consideration, tolerance, cooperation, reliability, and ability to solve problems.
- Communicate effectively with all members of the division.
- Maintain all equipment, animal records, and department notebooks on a daily basis.
- Accept responsibility for personal, guest, and animal safety by bringing potentially unsafe situations to the attention of the area supervisor.
- Use SCUBA to routinely clean and maintain area pools. Assist other departments in SCUBA diving to maintain water/habitat quality.
- Keep log of SCUBA activities.
- Perform all primary as well as supportive roles in education and general public programing. Interact with visitors, presenting a positive image for the New 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 to the job.
- Adhere to all New York Aquarium and departmental policies.
Salary : $48,119