Job Opportunities
There’s no doubt about it: Long Island Aquarium is a unique place to work. Here is a list of current job opportunities:
No phone calls please. Click APPLY NOW (at the bottom of the page), print application and FAX it to 631.208.0466.
Long Island Aquarium is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports a Drug Free Workplace. We participate in the Employer Assisted Housing Program which assists first time home buyers with financial support.
Position Title: Curator of Fish and Invertebrates
Job Description: The Curator of Fish and Invertebrates reports to the Executive Director and oversees the day-to-day management of a team focused on providing exceptional husbandry and collection management to the aquarium. This position oversees a team of aquarists and life support operators, supporting the staff however they might need. The Curator is responsible for overseeing the health diagnosis and treatment of the collection. They are also responsible for the scheduling of the department, the ordering of supplies and payroll along with other managerial responsibilities. Will help facilitate acquisitions and transports accordingly.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline or extensive hands-on experience working with a live animal collection at a zoo, aquarium or similar institution
- Proven success in care of aquatic animals
- Prefer at least five years of experience managing staff
- An advanced knowledge of maintaining wide taxa of aquatic species.
- Advanced knowledge of tropical marine systems
- Possesses experience and knowledge towards disease and treatment of animals along with performing necropsy
- Knowledge of collection planning processes
- Ability to give directions effectively
- Strong interpersonal skills, communicates clearly and on point
- Ability to work under pressure and execute projects as assigned
- Good organizational and electronic record keeping skills
- Proficient computer skills
- Ability to maintain professional relationships with co-workers across departments
- Knowledge of current industry trends
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and in a team setting
- Ability to work effectively in dynamic and changing work environment
- Working knowledge of the use of SCUBA to maintain aquatic animals and habitats
- Efficient use of SCUBA for exhibit maintenance and/or open water diving
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and passport
- Must possess current SCUBA certification from a professionally recognized SCUBA certifying agency
- Must possess strong swimming skills
- Must be able to walk, bend, kneel, and climb stairs and ladders while in dive gear
- Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required
- Must have cognitive and communication skills required to function within the department
- Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds
- Must be able to read, write and speak English
- Must be safety conscious
- Demonstrate effective communication skills with supervisors, co-workers, and visitors in a variety of settings
- Must have good organizational and time management skills
- Reports to the Executive Director and oversees the day-to-day management of a team focused on providing an exceptional guest experience in the aquarium through engaging experiences.
- The Curator also works with other departments including Guest Services, Education, Events, etc. to provide access to animals and systems for public engagement. Provides full support of the aquarium’s SCUBA diving program. Serves in a leadership role in the Animal Care department, inter-departmental planning and implementation of strategies to meet institutional objectives and initiatives requiring support of the Aquarium department and serves as an aquarium spokesperson as needed
- Demonstrate commitment to Long Island Aquariums vision, mission, and values
- Direct staff to achieve goals and objectives for short- and long-term operations
- Manage direct reports including evaluating performance, coaching, advancement, hiring and accountability resulting in high-performance maintenance, growth and/or dismissal
- Work effectively with Aquarium management in achieving the goals and objectives of the combined Animal Care division sections and institution
- Manage other Aquarium teams when direct manager is unavailable, as requested
- Direct staff training for the advancement of care and welfare, and professional growth
- Partner with other managers and the assistant director to develop budgets that support institutional priorities and implement those budgets
- Demonstrate knowledge of all the primary animal groups cared for by the Aquarium team, an understanding of modern husbandry techniques and a thorough understanding of the use of emerging science to advance animal care and welfare
- Evaluates effectiveness of practices and procedures and recommends improvements
- Aware of employees’ strengths and delegates tasks appropriately
- Empower employees to make decisions and provide ongoing assistance after empowering
- Vet vendors to maintain sustainable access to animals, animal food and supplies
- Implement legal compliance measures such as tracking of respirator use, adherence to OSHA standards, etc
- Assess animal welfare and apply knowledge to improve and monitor through
- Work effectively with other departments contributing to the well-being and exhibition of the living collection
- Participate in annual, strategic, and master planning processes
- Build morale, provide recognition and feedback for direct reports and others
- Acts as a leader and role model among peers and junior staff
- Behavior is consistent with values of the organization
- Develop future leaders in the department through teaching classes to members from other teams.
- Work with other departments throughout the aquarium to meet organizational goals and objectives
- Liaise with professional colleagues as a representative of the aquarium
- Other projects and duties as assigned
Email Resume and Cover Letter to: ttilkin@amwny.com and bdeluca@amwny.com
Position Title: Assistant Bird and Reptile Keeper- Part time:
This position is a part-time, permanent position – approximately 30 hours per week. Under the supervision of our Senior Curator of Mammals, Birds and Reptiles and Assistant Curator of Penguins and Reptiles, the Assistant Bird and Reptile keeper is responsible for providing daily husbandry to our collection of birds and reptiles. This could include one or more of the following species: African Black Footed Penguins, Green Aracaris, Green Iguanas, Argentine Tegu, Burmese Python, Mantella frogs, and assorted smaller lizard species. This includes but is not limited to daily observations, preparing and feeding diets, ensuring animal health, providing enrichment, cleaning and maintaining both public viewable habitats and behind the scenes areas, record keeping, narrating public presentations, as well as interacting with and educating guests.
The employee will assist senior staff in one or more animal areas as needed and as directed by the Senior Curator and Assistant Curator.
The employee will perform additional duties as needed to ensure the welfare of all animals under the care of the Long Island Aquarium and as directed by the Senior Curator and Assistant Curator.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field or equivalent experience preferred.
- Ability to work independently and as a team.
- Previous animal care internship experience at a zoological facility preferred.
- Open water SCUBA certification preferred.
- Strong public speaking skills.
- Must be able to walk, stand, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to work in and around cold water.
- Must be able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Must be willing to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Must be able to work with chemicals and follow MSDS protocols.
- Must be able to read, write and speak in English and be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
- Must possess quick reflexes and be able to react quickly to changing animal situations.
Essential Duties:
- Maintain communication with Supervisors, other Team Members, and Veterinarians.
- Observe animals and report health or behavioral related issues to Supervisors and Veterinarians.
- Open and Close areas and habitats daily.
- Perform habitat maintenance and cleaning.
- Prepare animal diets and medications.
- Feed and administer medications to collection animals.
- Interpret animal behavior and make decisions appropriately with supervision of director and senior staff.
- Create and provide daily enrichment
- Keep records of daily animal husbandry
- Participate in animal restraint, moves, and transport operations.
- Perform presentations as well as host educational lectures, tours, and programs as assigned.
- Represent the Animal Department and Long Island Aquarium in a positive manner.
- Adhere to all USDA regulations and guidelines.
- Follow all policies and procedures of the Long Island Aquarium.
- Work as a team to manage and provide for all animals under our care, and to represent the aquarium in a positive and educational manner.
- Help educate the public about animals in nature, and how to help conserve and protect these populations.
- Help to provide the best quality of life for all the animals in our care through husbandry, training, and enrichment.
Please send cover letter, resume, and one letter of recommendation to the Assistant Curator of Penguins and Reptiles, Maggie Seiler, at mseiler@amwny.com .
Position Title: Animal Training Department Assistant – Part-Time
Job Description:
This position is a part-time, entry-level position (under 30 hours/week). The individual will spend most of their time in the fish/diet preparation kitchens, preparing the daily diets for the mammals and owls under the care of the department, and ensuring these areas are clean and sanitary at all times. When needed, this position will also help the animal trainers to clean habitats, provide enrichment, assist in animal training sessions, complete water quality tests on animal pools, and other duties and tasks as required by managers. This position will work four days per week. Additional time might be requested on an as-needed basis.
Qualifications:
- A B.S. in Biology, Psychology or a related science; or in the process of completing their B.S. (You may be considered for employment with an Associate’s degree or equivalent skills and experience in the field).
- Volunteer experience or internship experience at a formal animal care facility is preferred.
- Must be able to work in a kitchen set up and practice good hygiene and good food preparation skills to ensure the health of the facilities’ animal ambassadors.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and endure a fast-paced schedule and physical labor.
- Must be able to lead and give guidance to volunteers and interns.
- The ability to talk to small and large crowds about conservation and our animals is preferred.
- Public speaking experience/the ability to use a microphone in front of large crowds is preferred.
- Must be able to work as part of a team to manage and provide for all animals under the care of the department.
- Must represent the aquarium in a professional, positive and educational manner.
- Must adhere to all rules and laws set forth by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Must adhere and uphold all requirements of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums.
Please send a cover letter, resume and one letter of recommendation to Candyce Paparo, Senior Curator- Mammals, Birds & Reptiles, at cpaparo@amwny.com.
Position Title: Retail Team Member
Job Description: Friendly, energetic and out going individuals are needed for available part time positions in assisting guests in all retail areas of the Aquarium. Only individual comfortable approaching and conversing with Aquarium guests in this fast paced environment need apply for this position.
Responsibilities
- Helping our guests find that special gift or souvenir to remember their visit to Long Island Aquarium
- Includes but is not limited to assisting the guests with all retail transactions in all areas.
- Ensuring area you are assigned to is clean, organized and well stocked.
- Working a cash register quickly and efficiently.
- Interacting with children and adults in a fun and professional manner.
Qualifications
- Minimum age of 14.
- Must be able to stand on your feet for the length of a shift (typically 6-8 hours).
- Ability to do basic math skill, such as counting back change, simple multiplication and the ability to figure out tax rates.
- Must be able and willing to accommodate a flexible schedule during peak season (June-September).
- Ability to memorize and explain concisely Aquarium information.
- Ability to work with others in a friendly and efficient manner.
Position Title: Server
Job Description: Responsible for sales, servicing the guest, guest relations, and sanitation functions related to the serving of food and beverages.
Responsibilities:
- Has complete knowledge of the menu, including the price of each item, preparation time, portion size, plating, and garnishment procedures to ensure that food orders are properly prepared when served.
- Has complete knowledge of the beverage menu, including price of each time, preparation time, ingredients, and garnishment procedures to ensure that beverage orders are properly prepared when served.
- Uses suggestive selling techniques when serving each customer.
- Responds to guest complaints in a friendly, courteous manner and takes appropriate action to remedy guest complaints.
- Attentive to the guest’s needs, such as ready to order, refills, or payment of check.
- Assures that the dining room and service work areas are maintained in an attractive, sanitary manner by performing sidework duties, such as table setup, floor cleaning, supply stocking, equipment cleaning, dishwashing, trash removal, etc.
- Maintains a well-groomed professional appearance. Recognizes and greets guests. Responds appropriately to information requests.
- Provides security by reporting suspicious activities, controlling guest checks, following specified procedures for employee parking, storage of personal items, employee food purchases, and complying with other safety procedures (proper lifting, floor cleanliness, handling hot foods).
- Performs any additional duties or responsibilities delegated by his/her supervisor.
Qualifications:
Experience serving in hotel or resort, street side restaurant, hospital food and beverage operations, or banquet facility. Ability to lift 50-75 pounds. Ability to read, write, and understand English. Ability to work complete register transactions. Must be able to pass and maintain all Food Service related training. Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
Position Title: Line/Prep Cook
Associate is responsible for ensuring that all meals coming from the kitchen are well-prepared and presented, and that all food safety procedures are followed.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare food by: using knives to cut, chop and slice, lifting packaged food items, food preparation such as roasting meats, grilling chicken and making sauces, checking in, separating, and stocking food deliveries, producing orders according to standards.
- Cleaning up by: wiping down equipment, cleaning grill, moving equipment and sweeping and mopping.
- Complete all tasks as directed by management.
- Follow all Resort policies and procedures.
Job Requirements:
- 1-2 years of cooking experience
- Ability to work broiler, use fry and sauté stations.
- Basic knowledge of soups and sauces and the ability to prepare items.
- Must be able to follow directions well while under pressure.
- Must assist in keeping food costs low by minimizing waste.
- Must have good knowledge of all sanitation and safety regulations by the date and the company.
- Must be able to provide guest service delivery according to company standards.
- Must be able to understand English by hearing and in writing.
