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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 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.
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
Position Summary
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.
Responsibilities
The Host prepares the program elements each day, responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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.
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
Position Summary
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.
Responsibilities
The Host prepares 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
- Take photograph of encounter sessions if needed
- Learn 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.