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Regional hiringpublishedExternal employer
NYNew York Aquarium
New York AquariumZoos & Aquariums

Animal Keeper

Location

New York, United States

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Full Time

Experience

2+ years

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

Posted

7h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

This role involves supporting animal care and enhancing visitor experience at the New York Aquarium. Key responsibilities include maintaining life support systems, providing nutrition, monitoring animal health, and assisting with public demonstrations and educational programs for various aquatic species.

This role supports animal care and enhances the visitor experience at the New York Aquarium. Responsibilities include maintaining life support systems and caring for a variety of species such as elasmobranchs, sea turtles, marine fish, and invertebrates.

Key Responsibilities

  • Follow all Wildlife Conservation Society and Aquarium policies to ensure safety, animal welfare, training, and enrichment standards.

  • Maintain safe, clean habitats and food preparation areas.

  • Provide proper nutrition and monitor animal health, reporting any concerns promptly.

  • Assist in public demonstrations, exhibit feedings, and educational programs.

  • Support care of sick or young animals, including administering treatments as directed.

  • Monitor environmental systems (water quality, filtration, temperature, lighting) and identify issues.

  • Assist with animal transfers and exhibit installations.

  • Use positive reinforcement training and support behavior development plans.

  • Maintain accurate husbandry, training, and enrichment records.

  • Collaborate with team members and ensure all enclosures are secure.

  • Clean tanks and exhibits, including through SCUBA diving.

  • Train and support new staff, interns, and volunteers.

  • Provide coverage for senior staff as needed.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, or related field.

  • Minimum 2 years’ experience working with aquatic animals in a zoo, aquarium, or similar setting.

  • Knowledge of life support and filtration systems.

  • SCUBA certification required.

  • Valid driver’s license.

  • Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.

  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, evenings, and events.

  • Experience with volunteers and public interaction preferred.

  • Professional memberships (e.g., AZA, IMATA) are a plus.

Physical Demands

Frequent standing, walking, stair climbing, and lifting up to 50 lbs. Regular use of hands, arms, and computer equipment. Ability to alternate between sitting and standing.

Work Environment

Primarily indoor setting with team collaboration and some independent work. Occasional exposure to noise and varying work conditions.

This role requires a proactive, safety-focused individual committed to animal welfare, teamwork, and delivering an engaging guest experience.

Updated 7h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Life Support Systems • 1+ yrs
Filtration Systems • 1+ yrs
Animal Welfare • 1+ yrs
Positive Reinforcement Training • 1+ yrs
Record Keeping • 1+ yrs
Communication • 1+ yrs
Teamwork • 1+ yrs
Organizational Skills • 1+ yrs

Experience

2+ years

Certifications

SCUBA certification • Required
Valid driver’s license • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Full Time

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodYearly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationNew York, United States
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleMedium7/10
physicalHigh8/10
cognitiveMedium6/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium5/10
uncertaintyMedium6/10
communicationMedium7/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

New York Aquarium

Team size

Growing team

Location

New York, United States

This role supports animal care and enhances the visitor experience at the New York Aquarium, following Wildlife Conservation Society policies.

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Animal Keeper

New York, United StatesFull Time