Animal Department Volunteers - New York Aquarium

Want to learn what it takes to care for animals in an aquarium?

Then join our Animal Department Volunteer Program! Below you will find information regarding the different areas of the Animal Department, as well as requirements, instructions on how to apply, and who to contact for each division.

General Volunteer Requirements:

Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent
Must be in good health and physical condition
Must be able to swim
Must be able to lift and carry heavy items (minimum 50 pounds)
Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment in various weather conditions
Must be able to speak, understand, read, and write English
Must have an understanding of basic math skills
Previous experience in animal care is recommended, but not required
Public speaking experience is helpful
Interest in conservation, animal behavior, or animal care is a must
Additional requirements may be listed within the division descriptions below

Commitment

For most divisions, you must commit to a minimum of one day per week (the same day or days each week) for a period of no less than six months – exceptions for the duration are made for summer applicants.
You’re expected to be dressed and ready to work beginning at 8:00 a.m. and will leave by 5:00 p.m., with an hour for lunch; some scheduling will vary between the divisions
Additional commitment requirements may be listed within the division descriptions below

Summer schedules may vary

Please Note:

No housing is provided to interns or volunteers.
Volunteer positions are unpaid and are arranged by the applicant. In the cases where college credit is being offered with colleges and universities, it needs to be arranged and coordinated by the student. Applications are accepted throughout the year, however, when applying for a summer position, your application must arrive no later than March 31st.

To apply, email the completed Volunteer Applicant Personal Information form with your resume and cover letter to the person indicated within the description of each division. You may apply to more than one division. Please indicate your availability for working as well as for interviews. If we are interested in your application, we will contact you to arrange an interview.

Download Application

Below are descriptions for the different divisions within the Animal Department:

Behavioral Husbandry Division

Our Behavioral Husbandry Division works primarily with California sea lions. Behind the scenes, trainers teach the animals behaviors that focus on monitoring their health and participating in demonstrations. This division's volunteers are a vital part of the Animal Care Team. They leave with invaluable skills in the highly competitive field of marine mammal care.

Please send all applications for Behavioral Husbandry to Sarah Rashed srashed@wcs.org

Sea Cliffs Division

The Sea Cliffs Division works with a wide variety of marine animals, including pinnipeds, otters, and penguins. Volunteers will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of animal areas, creating and providing enrichment for animals, and assisting staff as needed. Volunteers will have the opportunity to observe training sessions and learn about caring for marine animals and birds. The Sea Cliffs volunteers play an important role in the department and will leave with valuable skills in the animal care field.

Please send all applications for Sea Cliffs to Meagan Fontanez mfontanez@wcs.org

Ocean Wonders: Sharks! Division

While volunteering with the Ocean Wonders Team, you will have the opportunity to learn about and work with 16 different species of sharks and rays as well as many different species of fish and invertebrates. Volunteers assist with filter cleaning and maintenance, exhibit and behind the scenes cleaning, diet preparation, feedings, training sessions, and other projects as they arise.

Volunteers will learn about the basic biology of the animals we care for, how we train the animals during feeds, the importance of quarantine protocols, concepts behind the filtration we use, and good general aquarist practices. Most volunteers have the opportunity to observe veterinary exams, and the acclimation and transfer of animals from quarantine to exhibit

Please send all applications for Ocean Wonders: Sharks! to Sydney Gould sgould@wcs.org

Fish and Invertebrate Division

Individuals interested in caring for fish and aquatic invertebrates will find the volunteer programs at Conservation Hall, PlayQuarium, and Spineless a practical and rewarding experience. The team is also involved with the aquaculture of various invertebrates, including jellies and cuttlefish. Volunteers work with a variety of fresh and saltwater organisms, including fish, and a wide variety of invertebrates. Volunteers assist with filter cleaning and maintenance, exhibit and behind the scenes cleaning, diet preparations, feeding, and monitoring water quality parameters. Volunteers will learn about life support systems that run our exhibits, the importance of quarantine protocols, water quality, and the general responsibilities of the professional aquarists.

Please send all applications for Fish and Invertebrates to Jessica Melillo, jmelillo@wcs.org

Aquatic Health Division

The Aquatic Health team includes multiple veterinarians and veterinary technicians who care for the medical needs of all fish, elasmobranchs, invertebrates, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians of the aquarium. We are looking for volunteers who have a strong interest in veterinary medicine or veterinary technology. Basic tasks of a volunteer include assisting veterinary technicians and veterinarians with daily tasks, helping clean and maintain the hospital, and clerical work.

Additional requirement: Commitment is 1-2 days per week for 3 months.

Please send all applications for Aquatic Health to Victoria Jemec, vjemec@wcs.org with the subject “Aquatic Health Volunteer”