(P/T) Animal Care Assistant, Education at the American Museum of Natural History
Job Title: Animal Care Assistant, Education
Job Status: Part-time
Location: New York, NY
Salary: $18/hr
About the job
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York City is one of the premier science research and cultural institutions in the country. The AMNH is seeking an Animal Care Assistant to perform care and maintenance of the ambassador animal collection of the Children and Family Learning (CFL) division of the Department of Education. Responsible for a variety of programs that serve children of ages 2-10 and their caregivers, the CFL division oversees the administration of summer camp programming, elementary weekend and after-school events, multi-year science enrichment programs, large-scale family outreach festivals, and the Museum’s Discovery Room exhibit.
The Animal Care Assistant plays a critical role in maintaining the health and safety of a collection of roughly 60 live animal habitats spanning a wide range of taxa used within the programs and spaces of the Children and Family Learning division at AMNH. The assistant will be responsible for basic cleaning and feeding of habitats, preparation of diets, documentation of care, and may additionally be asked to assist in the design and construction of new enclosures. The assistant will participate in the development and delivery of live animal demonstrations for visitors and families in CFL programs, as well as working alongside the Animal Husbandry Specialist to provide staff training in animal handling and demonstration methods for educators, volunteers and interns in the Children and Family Learning department.
Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Perform husbandry tasks, as well as habitat design and maintenance, for a collection of live reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, mammals, and aquatics.
- Assist in documentation of the health and care of animals and the ongoing review and refinement of care schedules and routines.
- Maintain animal care and maintenance supply stocks, order supplies when needed.
- Serve as point of contact for animal care volunteers and interns, as needed.
- Facilitate visitor interactions and lead live animal demonstrations in programs and exhibits across the Children and Family Learning division.
- Support CFL Educators in their use of ambassador animals in classroom experiences.
- Other duties as assigned.
The expected salary for the Animal Care Assistant is $18.00/hour. This position is overtime eligible.
- Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.
Required Qualifications:
- Demonstrated knowledge of animal husbandry requirements and techniques for small exotic animals.
- At least 2 years of undergraduate academic experience in a natural science related field.
- Ability to work with a diverse audience of volunteers and visitors.
- Strong communication skills.
- Availability on weekends and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with children in an informal science setting.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to lift 40lbs.