Aquarist

About the role

Aquarists at Liberty Science Center are responsible for the ongoing care and exhibition of the live animal population. They implement professional husbandry protocols in regards to animal care and exhibit maintenance. They provide all aspects of daily care for the animals, including feeding, maintenance of enclosures and associated life support, enrichment, and health maintenance and treatment.

Responsibilities

• Provide and oversee care of the aquatic animal population, totaling 20,000 gallons, with individual aquaria as large as 7,000 gallons
• Perform daily cleaning, diet preparation, feedings, enrichment, training & observations of animals, and maintenance of exhibits and life support systems
• Assist with ongoing care for the remainder of the live animal population, including invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals
• Maintain an intimate knowledge of animal health, exhibits, life support system operation, inventory, animal transport, quarantine procedures, species id and compatibility, disease recognition and animal ambassador protocols consistent with the highest standards of animal welfare
• Input and maintain accurate records of daily observations and animal care data into databases
• Repair and maintenance of life support equipment, including pumps, UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, sand filters, plumbing, etc.
• Participate in programs and public activities as directed
• Perform lab work, such as regular water quality testing and necropsy as needed
• Collaborate on ideating, developing and producing creative solutions that serve to strengthen LSC’s brand, mission, and revenue
• Train, supervise, and evaluate interns and volunteers

Requirements

You have a strong interest in animals of all kinds, ecology, and informal education. You have the ability and disposition to handle the demands of caring for live animals in a highly public-facing environment and can demonstrate a strong knowledge of husbandry practices. You are detail-oriented, a team player, and a skilled observer who excels at both written and oral communication. You take pride in your work, maintaining high standards of care and providing a rich guest experience through the display and maintenance of live animal exhibits. You are proactive, exercise sound judgment, and respond quickly in emergency situations with appropriate action. You are comfortable working with a wide range of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, birds, and mammals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological or life sciences, or equivalent training and experience
• 1+ years of full-time experience caring for animals in a professional setting
• Valid driver’s license in good standing
• SCUBA certification

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of animal husbandry practices, keeper safety, and exhibit and life support system maintenance
• Familiarity with aquarium systems including life support systems, aquatic animal husbandry, maintenance needs, and quarantine protocols
• Knowledge of water chemistry, biological processes, and water quality analysis
• Knowledge of animal care, common health concerns, and treatment
• Effective team-oriented workplace and public engagement skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities
• Plumbing experience

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life, vision, and pet insurance
• 403(b) defined contribution retirement plan with an outstanding employer match
• Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts (pre-tax income for eligible health and/or dependent care expenses)
• Commuter benefits (pre-tax income for parking or mass transit expenses)
• Free parking
• 25% discount in the on-site store
• 15% discount in on-site cafeteria
• LSC family membership

Pay

The budget compensation for this position is $47,000-$52,000.

Schedule

This role is a regular full-time, non-exempt position, meaning you are eligible for overtime. This role is eligible for full benefits. Your regular weekly schedule will always include one weekend day. The ideal candidate must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes emergency response, and occasional early mornings, evenings, and holidays. This position is considered an essential service position and will be required to provide services onsite during emergency situations.

Physical Demands

• Significant physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping, climbing ladders, reaching above the head, repetitive motions, lifting and carrying heavy objects (up to 60 pounds), or standing for long periods
• Ability to effectively perform dive procedures in LSC’s aquaria
• Ability to withstand exposure to nuts, legumes, and high levels of noises and crowds
• Exposure to potentially dangerous animals, including venomous animals
• Exposure to wet or humid environments, from heights, or in confined spaces
• Exposure to potentially dangerous animals, including venomous animals
• Exposure to potentially dangerous animals, including venomous animals

Special Job-Related Requirements

• Passing a TB screening

Supervisory Responsibilities

The aquarist will share supervisory responsibilities of interns and volunteers with other Animal Husbandry Department staff.

Location, Classification and Schedule

This role will work onsite at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ. It is a regular full-time, non-exempt position, meaning you are eligible for overtime. This role is eligible for full benefits. Your regular weekly schedule will always include one weekend day. The ideal candidate must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes emergency response, and occasional early mornings, evenings, and holidays. This position is considered an essential service position and will be required to provide services onsite during emergency situations.

Physical Demands

• Significant physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping, climbing ladders, reaching above the head, repetitive motions, lifting and carrying heavy objects (up to 60 pounds), or standing for long periods
• Ability to effectively perform dive procedures in LSC’s aquaria
• Ability to withstand exposure to nuts, legumes, and high levels of noises and crowds
• Exposure to potentially dangerous animals, including venomous animals
• Exposure to wet or humid environments, from heights, or in confined spaces
• Exposure to potentially dangerous animals, including venomous animals
• Exposure to potentially dangerous animals, including venomous animals

Work Culture

LSC prides itself on fostering a culture that enables all employees to experience a sense of pleasure, passion, and purpose while in the workplace. We believe in embracing and driving change, inspiring fun and learning, and creating a positive and family friendly team spirit. Our differences as individuals (race, gender, age, cultural heritage, physical ability, education and lifestyle) are an asset and contribute to our ability to drive innovation.

Travel

This position requires occasional travel.