Registrar at the Wildlife Conservation Society/New York Aquarium

Job Title: Registrar

Job Status: Full-time

Location: Brooklyn, NY

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.

Overview

The Registrar for the New York Aquarium manages the aquarium’s animal records, validates the quality of recorded data, and ensures the legal compliance of all animal transactions. The Registrar also serves as a liaison to relevant government agencies, other zoological institutions, and conservation organizations, including accrediting bodies (e.g., Association of Zoos and Aquariums) regarding animal records, wildlife permitting, and related matters. The Registrar serves as a member of the animal management team, to assist in the development and implementation of the aquarium’s collections management policies and resulting collection plans.

Principal Responsibilities

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

  • Maintain current animal records including information regarding collection inventory, shipments, births, deaths, and behavioral, reproductive, and limited medical notes. Maintain organized file systems for all relevant animal data including hard copy (if needed) and digital files based on institutional policies for records retention, disposition, and preservation.
  • Ensure that accurate animal collection information is entered into animal record keeping software and, as requested, distributed to WCS departments, regulatory agencies, and to regional zoo/aquarium association conservation programs. Perform data integrity checks to verify and update current and historical data.
  • Manage and monitor animal transactions and assist in acquiring and renewing local, Federal, and state wildlife permits and licenses. Operate as a liaison between the aquarium and government agencies, providing these agencies with accurate collection information as required. Ensure Living Collections staff is informed of relevant laws and regulations regarding the institution’s animal collection.
  • Serve as an administrator of the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) animal records database and liaison between the aquarium and Species360, the software provider. Emphasis on data management for animals maintained under group identification, in addition to animals with individual identification.
  • Train aquarium staff in animal record keeping, records management and animal data entry standards including the use of ZIMS.
  • Provide institutional data for studbook reports, questionnaires, surveys, Species Survival Plan updates, etc., or direct tasks to appropriate staff members.
  • Coordinate domestic and international shipments of live animals, parts, and products including document preparation, logistics planning, and scheduling. Maintain files of all documents related to animal transactions (e.g., loan agreements, contracts, permits, etc.); generate loan agreements with administrative and curatorial staff, and monitor the status of loan specimens, including annual questionnaires.
  • Compile data for an annual inventory of WCS collections by analyzing keeper inventory statistics and reconciling discrepancies with keepers and animal supervisors. Work collaboratively with curators, collection managers, and other relevant staff to improve animal care outcomes through data analysis.
  • Participates in regional zoo associations (e.g., A2A) and other appropriate professional associations (e.g., ZRA) to maintain knowledge of current best practices and to participate in advancing animal records and information management standards. Position may require travel to professional meetings.

Qualification Requirements

  • Four-year college degree or equivalent experience. Preference for degree in biology/zoology or related field, knowledge of taxonomic nomenclature or experience with information management systems.
  • Proficient with computers and standard Microsoft Office applications, email management, internet use, and electronic files and records management. Experience with animal records software (e.g., ZIMS, TRACKS) is preferred.
  • The ability to read, decipher, and verify data from source documents and enter information with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Experience with records management, database management or administration, informatics or information technology.
  • Knowledge of animal welfare standards, wildlife laws and regulations specific to aquariums and animal transport.
  • Good verbal and written communications skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Completion of the A2A Institutional Records Keeping (IRK} course, Zoological Registrars Association (ZRA) Training Certificate Program, and/or professional certification in records or museum management is strongly preferred.
  • Must successfully pass a background check.

Physical Requirements

The position requires work in office environments. Tasks require manual dexterity to operate office equipment (e.g., computer keyboarding, mouse, copier, printer}, filing, and other routine office tasks. Requires reading/viewing a computer screen for extended periods. Requires sitting, standing, and lifting up to 25 pounds. Able to travel as needed locally to other WCS facilities. WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

Salary Range$60,000 – $70,000

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