Senior Aquarist

About the role

This position is responsible for helping facilitate and supervise the day-to-day husbandry operations in the Aquarium. Primary responsibilities include the care and wellbeing of all animals under the facility’s care; maintenance of all habitats; managing daily activities of team members, and mentoring team members.

Responsibilities

• Preopening/Commissioning Phase: Participate in animal acquisitions, introductions, and acclimations; assist in development and establishment of effective exhibits and holding systems (life support, aesthetic, animal husbandry); assist in creating SOPs for welfare, safety, animal care, programming, guest interaction and associated paperwork; participate in animal transfers and quarantine processes; assist in training and onboarding of new staff prior to opening; assist in short and long term planning and project execution; assist with ordering and maintaining supplies and equipment.
• Operational Phase: Supervise staff within the Aquatics Department to ensure safety, courtesy, education, efficiency and operational readiness; manage activities to maintain positive representation to professional agencies, institutions and committees; ensure compliance with health and safety standards per local, state, federal rules; ensure animal care and habitats meet facility policies; coordinate maintenance and operation of life support and other technical systems; proactively assist in implementation of new habitats and educational opportunities to maximize revenues and guest experience; maintain up-to-date electronic records on animal health, water quality, system maintenance, system checks, and stock reports; monitor and identify effectiveness of habitats, including review and improvement of animal habitats and care standards; monitor and identify animal health concerns, disease diagnosis and water quality concerns; communicate concerns to Assistant Curator, General Curator, veterinary and water quality staff to develop and implement care/treatment plan; manage and maintain animal behaviors in line with veterinary health check requirements; assist in development and implementation of policy and procedure documents; assist in preparation of periodic reports for Life Sciences Department activities; collaborate with Guest Experience Department and Aquarium Foundation to ensure habitats and programs engage, educate and entertain diverse audiences; work closely with Aquarium Foundation to ensure volunteers and educators provide exemplary guest service; perform exhibit maintenance and husbandry diving as required; provide leadership in absence of Assistant Curator and General Curator; motivate and inspire team members through role modeling, feedback, rewards, recognition, respect and frequent communication; perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Three+ years experience in animal care field.
• Open water certification required.
• First Aid, Emergency O2, and AED certification preferred (will be provided if needed).
• Degree in wildlife/marine biology or relevant work experience required.
• Proven aptitude for developing compelling habitats preferred.
• Experienced animal biologist/aquarist with strong background in fresh and saltwater aquariums, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.
• Strong working knowledge of animal husbandry, disease prevention and treatment, breeding/rearing techniques.
• Working knowledge of operant conditioning and environmental enrichment.
• Extensive knowledge of disposition, habits, food requirements, and environmental needs of diverse animal collection.
• Experience in care of flora and fauna in a public aquarium setting.
• Experience working with relevant authorities and accrediting associations.
• Competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong teamwork, interpersonal, and organizational skills conducive to a positive work environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong listening, presentation and decision‑making skills.
• Creative problem solver who thrives when presented with a challenge.
• Energetic and eager to tackle new projects and ideas.
• Abilities: walking/standing for long periods, bending and crouching, climbing, working in small/tight spaces, lifting up to 50 lbs; may require driving aquarium vehicles, operating heavy machinery, using power tools, working around chemicals; ability to read, listen and communicate effectively in English; ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system; hearing and visual ability to observe and detect signs of emergency situations; may require immunizations including TB testing and rabies.

Pay

$21 per hour

Schedule

The leisure business operates seven days a week; due to seasonal nature, team members may be required to work varying schedules, weekends, holidays and overtime to reflect business needs; may also be required to attend group and/or department meetings in addition to the work shift as necessary.