Associate Aquarist - Sea Life Park FT

Roles & Responsibilities

• Participate in the daily husbandry of fish, elasmobranchs, invertebrates and sea turtles
• Perform cleaning and maintenance of enclosures including use of SCUBA and hydraulic cleaning equipment for large exhibits
• Maintain acceptable water quality parameters to ensure the health of the animals
• Recognize symptoms of fish and invertebrate disease and poor health and report to supervisor
• Ensures the proper care of life support equipment by adhering to a regular maintenance schedule and keeping all components clean
• Aid in maintaining quarantine/holding systems
• Maintain detailed and accurate records
• Interact with guests, management, veterinarians, and other individuals as required, including public presentations
• Exemplify a high standard of animal husbandry, exhibit presentation and customer service
• Mentor less experienced staff and interns on daily husbandry, feeding and exhibit maintenance protocols
• Other duties as assigned by leadership

Education & Experience

• Bachelor Degree in Biology or related field, or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 2 years experience as an aquarist working with marine life
• Experience in open/closed system husbandry, maintenance
• Working knowledge of fundamental aquarium life support systems and components
• Proven ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and multi task as necessary
• Must be SCUBA open water certified and be able to pass a dive test and physical
• Must possess, or be able to obtain, Rescue Diver SCUBA certification by a nationally recognized instructors association (e.g. PADI, NAUI).
• Must have, or be able to obtain, CPR and First Aid Certification.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Ability to work flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work for your scheduled shift
• Must possess a strong passion and unwavering commitment for exceptional animal care and welfare
• Must possess exceptional customer service skills, with an ability to resolve questions, problems, issues, and concerns in a positive and professional manner
• Must possess effective communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas and concepts to students, park guests and leadership
• Must be able to safely dive underwater and follow all SCUBA protocols
• Must be able to follow oral and written instructions and directives, as well as issue clear verbal/written instructions or directives to others

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and remain on feet for majority of the workday
• Frequent balance, stoop, twist, kneel, bend, squat, or reach above shoulders
• Frequent exposure to salt-water environment both in and out of the water, at all times of the day and/or night
• Frequent exposure to the variable outside temperatures on occasion, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, and other weather conditions
• Constant repetitive motion
• Frequent interruptions and may need to reprioritize activities

Working Conditions

• Primarily based outdoors in aquatic environments
• Physically demanding conditions and in potentially hazardous environments, including enclosed spaces, which may be in or out of the water while working with marine mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and invertebrates
• Frequent exposure to salt-water, wet most of the day, regularly entering/exiting water throughout the day regardless of the weather
• Frequent exposure to the variable outside temperatures on occasion, including high heat, cold, direct sun, humidity, dust, rain, and other weather conditions
• Subject to constant repetitive motion
• Subject to frequent interruptions and may need to reprioritize activities

Team Member Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Ability to cross-train and learn unique skills across various departments
• Free admission to Sea Life Park on your days off
• Invited to exclusive employee events throughout the season