Biologist

Downtown Aquarium in Houston, Texas is seeking a full-time Biologist I or II based on experience. This role involves overseeing all aspects of the Life Sciences Department, including maintaining protocols, adhering to policies, and fulfilling daily responsibilities for the care and maintenance of the animal collection. The position requires a high level of professional and personalized guest service aligned with the Company’s core values: Kindness, Engagement, Empathy, and Positivity.

Responsibilities

• Professional Animal Care
  • Responsible for all aspects of animal husbandry pertaining to freshwater and marine fishes, elasmobranchs, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians.
  • Perform daily routines as scheduled.
  • Maintain accurate and informative daily animal records in ZIMS Species 360.
  • Prepare daily diets and nutritional needs for the animal collection.
  • Perform daily water quality testing of all exhibits and water features.
  • Perform minor life support system maintenance as needed.
  • Assist curatorial staff with medical treatments and husbandry procedures as needed.
• Communication
  • Conduct yourself in a helpful and respectful manner during all guest interactions.
  • Participate in various public presentations, with or without animals.
  • Communicate any animal-related or other concerns to Curators.
  • Interact with dignitaries, professionals, special guests, VIPs, students, and tour groups as directed.
• Department Management
  • Observe and help maintain department areas as directed.
  • Report supply needs to Curators.
  • Assure exhibit "readiness" for opening daily.
  • Make frequent daily rounds to evaluate cleanliness of work areas/equipment, animal welfare, and safety concerns.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with major coursework in Biology, Zoology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working in a public aquarium; experience with an AZA-accredited institution is preferred.
• Basic working knowledge of life support systems, animal husbandry, disease prevention, treatment and control, and animal rearing techniques.
• Experience with corals is a plus.
• Able to complete a diving assessment on-site once hired and can SCUBA dive daily; advanced certifications are a plus.
• Able to be medically cleared by a physician for SCUBA upon hire.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, administrative, multi-tasking, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), fluent in English, and articulate.
• Work efficiently, independently, and consistently produce quality results.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Able to work a variable schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment both individually and with a team (including other departments).

Benefits

• Unparalleled training and development programs.
• Generous employee discounts on dining, retail, amusements, and hotels.
• Flexible schedules.
• Multiple benefit plans to suit your needs.
• Paid time off or paid sick leave (based on location).
• Opportunities for advancement.
• Community volunteer opportunities with Landry’s League.
• Positive and respectful work environment where diversity is valued.

Downtown Aquarium is a six-acre entertainment and dining complex featuring a 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland, home to over 300 species of aquatic life from around the globe. The facility includes a full-service restaurant, an upscale bar, a fully equipped ballroom, aquatic and terrestrial exhibits, shopping, and a variety of amusements.