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Marine Mammals and Birds Supervisor

Wildlife Conservation Society: New York Aquarium
Brooklyn, United States Posted: February 01, 2025


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 Objective
  • The animal supervisor is responsible for the coordination of area specific daily operations.
  • The supervisor directly oversee the completion of daily tasks.
  • This supervisor fulfills delegated leadership functions as assigned by the Collections manager of the division and the Director of Animal Programs.
Principal Responsibilities (Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:) 
  • Supervise the overall daily operation of area specific programs including food preparation, animal sessions, exhibit maintenance/cleaning, animal medication, and water testing.
  • Observe protocols for animal care, staff safety, use and maintenance of equipment in the exhibits, and service areas in coordination with other supervisors and managers.
  • Ensure that all procedures and operations meet or exceed all governmental regulations and adhere to WCS and AZA standards.
  • Provide leadership and instruction to union wild animal keepers/trainers in the various protocols essential for the safe and proper care of the animals.
  • Communicate and train staff when procedures and protocols are modified/updated.
  • Supervise and schedule programs involving ambassador animals, daily animal talks, and, on occasion, assist with tours of behind-the-scenes areas.
  • Ensure completion of daily routine tasks in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Create staff weekly schedule and maintain timesheet for designated area.
  • Work under supervision of a Collections Manager to perform annual animal census and welfare assessments.
  • Request supplies including uniforms, items necessary for husbandry and maintenance functions.
  • Demonstrate and promote effective and respectful communication between all staff members.
  • Work with fellow Supervisors and collections managers to ensure best practices within all divisions of the Animal Department.
  • Collaborate with the Dive Safety Officer to provide logistical assistance and staffing for SCUBA maintenance of area pools.
Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree in biology or related field preferred.
  •  At least 4 years' experience in a zoo/aquarium or other relevant animal care environment with a track record of increasing responsibility.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • SCUBA Certification.
Physical Requirements
  • The position requires work in office environments as well as outdoor work in all weather conditions (including cold water).
  • Must pass AAUS-compliant dive physical and swim test (400 yards in 12 minutes) within six months of hire.
  • Tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools (e.g. computer keyboard, manual tools) and operate equipment (e.g. operation/manipulation of dive gear, mobile radios).
  • Some tasks require climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.
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.
Perks
  • 20 Vacation,
  • 13 Holidays,
  • 12 Paid-Time-Off Days,
  • Medical,
  • Dental,
  • Vision,
  • 401K,
  • Pension,
  • 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave and much more…
Salary
  • $72,000 – $75,000

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