Provisional Senior Trainer

The Wildlife Conservation Society is seeking a Provisional Senior Trainer for the Marine Mammals and Birds division at the New York Aquarium. The role involves maintaining animal health, developing training programs, conducting shows, and ensuring guest safety. Responsibilities include animal care, training, SCUBA maintenance, and public interaction. Candidates must be self-motivated, work flexible hours, and possess strong communication skills. This position is based in New York, NY.
Position Objective:

Senior Trainer of Marine Mammals and Birds division at the New York Aquarium maintains living conditions for the health and care of the animals. Serve as mentor and assist with developing skills for Trainers and Wild Animal Keepers. 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. To provide excellent husbandry/behavioral care and enhance visitor experience by performing activity required to achieve high level of marine mammal care standards and exhibit maintenance in Marine Mammals and Birds division of the NYA Animal Department.

Principal Responsibilities: may include but are not limited to:
• Assist the supervisor of Marine Mammals and Birds in developing training programs, animal enrichment, and animal well-being surveillance initiatives and Sea Lion Celebration show routines.
• Rehearse and lead routine practices.
• Conduct and perform daily Sea Lion Celebration shows
• Prepare and provide proper feeding/nutrition to all animals based on developed feeding protocol.
• Arrange for food items to be analyzed for nutritional values upon arrival.
• Make Daily observations of animals and report any abnormalities to staff supervisor.
• Maintain excellent records of all changes.
• Advanced 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.)
• Possess 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 leader 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.

Internal Qualification Requirements
Job Qualifications
Ability and willingness to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and special events as schedule demands.
Experience working directly with marine mammals in a zoo/aquarium, rescue/rehabilitation center, or other related facility.
Experience working with volunteers preferred.
Active membership in professional associations (e.g. AZA, IAATE) preferred.
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in biology, psychology or related field.
At least 4 years’ experience working with marine animals in controlled environments from accredited zoos or aquariums
SCUBA certification.
Must have a current, valid driver’s license
Must successfully pass a background check
Physical Requirements:
The position requires work in outdoor environments 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 look 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, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.

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, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.The organization complies with all Federal, State, and NYC laws and WCS’s employment policies.