Animal Encounters Associate

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.

Job Family: Animal Programs
Location: Bronx Zoo
Job Type: Temporary/Seasonal
Department: Animal Encounters
Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Rate: Starting at $17.00 depending on experience
Schedule: Must be able to work 3-5 days per week including weekends and holidays. Schedule may vary dependent on weather, guest attendance, and departmental need.

The Animal Encounters department is seeking dedicated individuals to work alongside Bronx Zoo animal care staff for the 2026 season. Associates will work in a team setting to care for the collection of animals, maintain off-exhibit and public areas, while providing meaningful and safe experiences for zoo guests. Ideal candidates will have prior experience of caring for animals, the ability to collaborate well with others, and an interest in delivering an unforgettable visitor experience.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Responsible for monitoring guests, conveying rules, and providing educational information regarding the collection
  
• Daily exhibit preparation including raking, shoveling, cleaning windows and signage, scrubbing boardwalk, and more
  
• Husbandry for various animals including habitat cleaning, grooming, feeding, and enrichment
  
• Basic observation of animals for health/behavior changes
  
• Other duties and projects as assigned
  
  
  
  

Qualification Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand for long periods of time
  
• Ability to maneuver 50 pounds
  
• Comfortable being exposed to cold and hot weather conditions
  
• Good verbal communication skills
  
• Ability to work well within a team
  
  Salary Range - $17.00
  
  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.
  
  Salary Range 17.00