Hudson Valley - Animal Care Assistant and Educator

Position Summary 

Animal Care Assistant and Educator

 

This position spans both our education and animal care programs. The Trailside Education Program seeks to bring visitors into meaningful contact with the plants, animals, geology, and history of the Hudson Highlands, specifically what can be found along the trails of Bear Mountain and Harriman State Parks. It is our goal to foster in all visitors a greater understanding, appreciation, and respect for the natural world. We achieve this goal through informal education for individuals and families; guided tours for schools and other groups; special events open to the public; and topical presentations in spring, summer, and fall. The Trailside Animal Care Program, which is integral to education and the visitor experience, provides husbandry for our local injured and non-releasable wildlife housed along Trailside’s nature trail, as well as live fish, reptiles, and amphibians (most non-releasable) in one of the museums. The animal care assistants feed, maintain, and care for the live animal collection. Given that many of the animals have permanent injuries, this care includes careful observation and monitoring of animal health. It is a shared goal of the Animal Care and Education Programs for the live animals at Trailside to serve as ambassadors for their species in our effort to educate our visitors about the natural world and our role as responsible stewards.

 

Bear Mountain State Park receives over two million visitors annually and, conservatively, 400,000 explore Trailside’s nature trail, animal exhibits, and museums. The facility is designed for a self-directed experience. Visitors are guided by directional signage through a sequence of exhibits, displays, and museums. However, this experience is greatly enhanced through direct engagement of the public by trained staff. These personal interactions and the ensuing exchange of information add tremendously to the Trailside experience. This type of interactive education resonates especially well when paired with staff conducting active animal care or demonstrations. Working with the animal care and education staff, the EE/AC is needed to expand our capacity for direct interactions with our audience, to more fully realize our educational goals.

 

Location 

Tomkins Cove, NY

 

Schedule 

March 2, 2026 - October 16, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The live animal exhibits at Trailside provide a valuable tool for engaging the public about local wildlife and nature in State Parks. The importance of the animals to Trailside patrons was made clear in visitor surveys conducted in 2012, during which they cited the animals as the most memorable part of their visit. Many also expressed a longing to know more about the animals. The Animal Care Assistant and Educator (EE/AC) position is designed to address this need. The EE/AC will learn important tools and skills for both animal care and outdoor interpretation. The EE/AC will work with the Zookeepers, Educators, and other staff to enhance the interpretive experience for patrons of Trailside. The EE/AC will directly interact with the public through small impromptu “teaching moments” at the exhibits and more formal live animal presentations. The EE/AC will receive hands-on experience in animal care, husbandry and education and interpretation. The EE/AC will also collaborate with the Education staff to conduct seasonal public programs, special events and guided tours. Additionally, the EE/AC may assist Trailside staff and other interns with ongoing volunteer projects, including restoration of the Trailside grounds to a native plant community and general upkeep of the facilities.

 

Housing is provided in a stone cottage shared with up to 2 other interns. Each intern has a private bedroom. Electric, heat, air conditioning and water utilities included. The cottage is a short walk from Trailside Museums & Zoo. You will be required to be a respectful roommate and responsible occupant of the house, including cleaning personal and common areas, light yard work, and reporting maintenance needs. You will be required to be a respectful roommate and responsible occupant of the house, including cleaning personal and common areas, light yard work, and reporting maintenance needs.

 

Goals in mind for the candidate are:

 

Goal 1: Provide interpretation at exhibits for visitors.

 

Goal 2: Become proficient in the animal care routine and handling education animals for programs.

 

Goal 3: Develop and conduct lessons for summer camp program, public programs and s