The Wild Center seeks a Biologist to join our Animal Care Staff at a world-class museum in the heart of the Adirondack Park of northern New York State. 

Biologists are responsible for the care of a small but diverse collection of native Adirondack animals including North American river otters, small mammals, raptors, waterfowl, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater  fish etc. To stand out in this role, you’ll need to be a wildlife enthusiast who’s not only passionate about conservation but also loves sharing your excitement with visitors and delivering top-notch customer service. Ready for an adventure in animal care and environmental storytelling? This is the job for you!

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• 50% Responsible for overseeing the daily husbandry of the animal collection including:
• Preparation of diets, medical care, cleaning and maintenance of animal habitats
• Observe, evaluate, and report animal behavior and condition to the curator and veterinary staff on a daily basis
• Maintain accurate records including updating ZIMS database
• Assisting with animal enrichment and training 
• Assistance with water quality testing and Life Support maintenance as needed
• Maintain quarantine and disease recognition and control procedures
• Manage, communicate and coordinate training support and supervision for volunteers and year round interns/AmeriCorps members.
• 30% Public program development and delivery
• Lead interpretive Adirondack programs with animals, science objects and natural history information to large and small audiences across museum campus and venues.
• Deliver exceptional customer service and visitor experience in alignment with The Wild Center’s mission and brand in support of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. 
• 20% Other duties as assigned including project management, exhibit design, education etc.
• Research and develop hands-on activities, special programs, and thematic interactives to support dynamic exhibits while maintaining/improving existing operations and experiences.
• Participation in cross departmental teams as needed

The Ideal Candidate: 

• Has experience in a zoological, veterinary or animal shelter setting but we are willing to train the right candidate.
• Brings experience in interpretation, environmental science, public speaking or an enthusiasm to learn
• Is a flexible and a collaborative team player - can thrive in a dynamic setting with shifting daily duties, a fast-paced, creative, and supportive team environment.
• Has a positive attitude and a willingness to work with people - excellent personal and customer service skills; creative, enthusiastic, and positive attitude are all essential.
• Is comfortable with technology including google suite, zoom and social media.

Work Schedule:

Flexible work schedule - weekends, some evenings and some holidays are required

Physical Demands:

Being a Biologist involves a variety of physical demands, often requiring strength, endurance, and flexibility.

• Heavy Lifting: Biologists frequently lift and move heavy objects, such as food supplies, equipment, and animal enclosures. This can involve lifting bags of feed, handling large containers of water, or moving bulky items like logs or enrichment structures.
• Physical Labor: Daily tasks often include cleaning enclosures, which involves scrubbing, sweeping, and shoveling. This can be physically strenuous, especially when dealing with large or multiple enclosures.
• Public Speaking: This position is required to interact with both adults and children throughout the day.
• Walking and Standing: Biologists spend a lot of time walking around the Center to check on animals, deliver food, lead educational programs and perform maintenance tasks. This can mean long hours on their feet, often on uneven or rough terrain.
• Climbing and Crawling: Some tasks may require climbing ladders to access enclosures or maintenance areas, or crawling into tight spaces to make repairs or retrieve objects.
• Animal Handling: Biologists work closely with animals during feeding, health checks, or enrichment activities. This requires physical agility and the ability to handle animals safely and effectively.
• Weather Exposure: Biologists work in all kinds of weather conditions, from hot and humid days to cold and rainy ones. This can be physically demanding and requires proper clothing and hydration to cope with various environmental conditions.
• Emergency Situations: In the event of an emergency, such as an animal escape or a medical issue, Biologists need to act quickly and may have to engage in physically demanding tasks to manage the situation safely.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Pay Range: $42,000 - $45,000
• Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, supplemental and life insurance plans, health savings account, SIMPLE IRA retirement, employee assistance program 
• Paid vacation, sick/personal time, and holidays
• The opportunity to work with 50 species of live exhibit animals, trails across a 115 acre campus located along the Raquette River and in a new interactive climate solutions exhibit. 
• Access to regional reciprocity pass for employees to receive free or reduced admission to area museums or attractions
• Professional networking opportunities with leaders in the tourism and hospitality field
• The Wild Center strives to create an environment where our team thrives both personally and professionally. While life on the job can move at a fast pace, we appreciate the times we can slow down. Whether it's sharing stories over a staff potluck, being wowed by cool science facts, or taking a break during a meeting to view a cute animal - we make time to grow together as a community.