NYA Wild Animal Encounter Host

Overview

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.

• Department: New York Aquarium Animal Department
• Title: Animal Wild Encounters Host
• Employment Type: Seasonal
• Status: Non-Exempt
• Pay Range: $19-$21 per hour
• Reports To: Supervisor of Marine Mammals and Birds
• Schedule: Friday – Sunday with occasional Mondays and/or Thursdays; including holidays
• Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm

The Wild Animal Encounter Host is the representative of the New York Aquarium/ The Wildlife Conservation Society who interacts directly with the participants during animal programs. This individual is responsible for the safety of the animals, the safety of the participants, and for all entertainment and educational aspects of the program.

• Preparing the program elements each day; responsibilities include but are not limited to
• Checking in paid participants
• Ensuring all elements in the program are in place and ready to be used in the programs
• Interacting with the Trainer that will be working with the animal that will perform in the program
• Taking photographs of encounter sessions if needed
• Learning all animal information, FAQs, and Script pieces in order to educate guests and speak on behalf of the animal team appropriately
• Adhering to all WCS/NYA/Animal Department policies
• Assist staff with all aspects of animal and facility care: fish preparation, facility cleanliness, pool maintenance, etc

• Familiarity with our animal collections, species, and operant conditioning techniques
• Some experience with basic animal care
• Comfortable speaking and engaging with visitors and VIPs
• Positive attitude, flexible with schedule
• Can work all weekends and holidays this summer – job is for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with additional Monday holidays
• SCUBA certification preferred
• First Aid / AED certified

• 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. 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: