Message from the New York Aquarium on Teen Volunteer and Employment Opportunities

I am so pleased to share with you the news about our Bridging the Gap program for teens. Bridging the Gap is a new initiative from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) that seeks to connect 10th and 11th grade high school students that have an interest in pursuing a career in conservation science, zoology, marine science, ecology, or biology, directly with professionals in those fields. In addition to receiving hands-on experience and mentoring, students will obtain information in areas including educational planning, financial aid options, effective job search methods, resume building, networking, job referral, and more. The teens can work at either the New York Aquarium or the Prospect Park, Queens, Central Park or Bronx Zoos. We are currently recruiting program participants through March 19. If you have any specific questions about Bridging the Gap, please call (718) 741-1671. If you are interested in having the program director speak at any upcoming community meetings, please let me know. 

In addition to Bridging the Gap, we are also recruiting new participants for our Summer Teen Docent Program. For more than 40 years, Docents have aided in furthering the mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society to “save wildlife and wild places” by inspiring thousands of people who visit our facility to not just appreciate the diversity of life on earth, but to inspire them to take a more active role in conserving our natural resources. Docents are specially trained to discuss the biology of the wildlife on exhibit, in addition to basic anatomy, behavior, adaptations, habitat requirements, current conservation issues, and the efforts of the WCS to protect wildlife and wild places. Collectively, the volunteers in the Docent Program speak more than 13 languages, are diverse ethnically, and come from all areas of New York City. While serving their community, teens in the program acquire strong speaking and public presentation skills, a solid work ethic, and leadership skills, all of which are vital to academic and professional success.

Summer Teen Docent program runs from July 2, 2014 through September 1, 2014 and is open to high school students, ages 15–18. Participants must volunteer two full days (6½ hours/day) per week at minimum, in order to complete a total of 120 service hours and 5 education hours. Docent application and teacher recommendations are attached. We will be accepting applications through May 1, 2014. If you have any questions about the Teen Docent Program, please call the volunteer office at (718) 265-3450, Saturday through Thursday, between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email nyadocent@wcs.org.

We have also begun recruitment for new seasonal employees for the Spring and Summer. Positions include: Parking Associate, Merchandise Sales Associate, Admissions Sales Associate, Crowd Control Attendant (security), Park Services Associate and Restaurant Associate. All applications must be completed via our website: www.wcs.org/careers and click the tab NYC Seasonal.