Job Description

AQUARIST I (Full-Time-Grant Funded)

This position is funded by a grant with funding guaranteed through March 31, 2026. The role may be extended based on funding availability.

Role & Level/Grade: P1/3

Department: Aquarium

Reports to: Curator of Animal Husbandry/DSO

Summary: Provides assigned specimens with excellent day-to-day care through approved husbandry practices; keeps exhibits, reserve tanks, support equipment, and workspaces well maintained to Museum standards; responsible for monitoring animal health, water quality, and accurate recordkeeping; coordinates animal health issues with supervisors and veterinarian; administers treatments and quarantine procedures; interacts with guests in a positive manner ensuring they have a great experience; participates in the acquisition/disposition, transport, and acclimation of specimens; participates in the design, construction, and maintenance of exhibits and reserve tanks, including life support material and equipment, as assigned. Fully accountable for animals and systems under care in assigned areas. Will be responsible for providing coverage for other areas as assigned. The aquarist works collaboratively throughout the Museum in a creative environment and contributes to the efficient operation of the department. This position works a schedule set by the supervisor and may encompass non-traditional days and hours and may be asked to report to work for animal care emergencies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish and maintain an environment conducive to the health and well-being of all animals within the Museum's collection.
• Completes inspection rounds of specimens, exhibits, and reserve tanks to check the status and identify and report potential problems. Resolves problems independently where possible.
• Prepares food and feeds assigned fish and invertebrate collection, as well as cross coverage for birds, reptiles, and plants in accordance with dietary needs. Cleans and provides daily maintenance to food preparation areas, equipment, and utensils.
• Prepares diets and diet supplements according to established protocols to maintain nutrition and vitamin content to keep specimens at peak health.
• Follows established feeding schedules and feeds appropriate amounts to maintain specimens at a healthy weight. Develops strategies to get in appetent specimens to feed. Monitors weights of specimens.
• Utilizes various feeding techniques and develops new strategies to overcome the challenges of getting the correct diet to all specimens in exhibits and reserve tanks housing multiple specimens and species.
• Maintains live food holding tanks and cultures, as assigned.
• Observes and recognize medical conditions that may require attention and reports observations. Discusses the best course of therapy with veterinary and Curatorial staff.
• Administers medications and implements routine quarantine procedures as needed.
• Maintains detailed, daily husbandry records and reviews records regularly to identify important trends.
• Maintains current knowledge of all specimens under their care and their natural history (biology and environmental needs) and husbandry requirements through hands-on experience, upkeep with current literature, keeper exchange programs, and symposium participation (as approved).
• Research species to determine established or new husbandry techniques; Conducts literature review or hands-on research.
• Works with Curatorial staff to initiate and oversee viable breeding, husbandry, and conservation programs for particular species within the collection.
• Assists with animal physicals of specimens as needed.
• Participates in field collection trips using appropriate equipment (scuba gear, nets, seines, hook, and line).
• Maintaining the displays' cleanliness and artistic quality through cleaning acrylic and decor, scrubbing algae, and removing debris to meet established Museum standards.
• Performs hydro-cleaning, water changes, backwashing, and other procedures and provides necessary maintenance for pumps and filters.
• Maintains water quality standards and, adjusts parameters as needed, determines appropriate schedules for maintenance.
• Performs water quality tests on a rotational basis.
• Cleans backup areas, including scrubbing, mopping, vacuuming water, and pest control.
• Participates in system design and fabrication in keeping with animal behavior and biological needs.
• Participates in and presents at workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs, and tours.
• Responds to diver, life-support, and animal-related emergencies, sometimes after hours.
• Coordinates daily activities through effective communication with staff and volunteers.
• Provides backup support to other departments as needed.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ensures that goals for an excellent visitor experience are met and maintained.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of and skill in veterinary and husbandry procedures concerning fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic life.
• Knowledge of life support systems and water quality parameters for aquatic species.
• Must have keen observation skills, be highly detail-oriented, and adept at problem-solving.
• Skill in organizing resources and maintaining priorities.
• Skill in database management.
• Ability to construct and operate aquatic Life Support Systems, including plumbing and carpentry.
• Ability to use hand and power tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively to implement Museum and departmental goals.
• Ability to manage and impart information to a range of clientele, staff members, and/or media sources.
• Ability to follow laws and regulations relating to wildlife care in accordance with the Museum and industry best practices.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials using basic computer skills in Word, Excel, internet navigation, e-mail, and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot problems.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
• Ability to decide when to act independently and when to seek the consultation of the curatorial staff.
• Able to work well with supervisors and staff.
• Ability to mentor and train new interns, volunteers, and staff.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional business relationships with co-workers, volunteer staff, interns, and colleagues at other facilities and outside vendors.
• Ability to work holidays, weekends, and a non-traditional work week and respond to after-hours emergencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Biological or Environmental Science is preferred.
• Previous experience in aquatic animal husbandry at an aquarium or zoo through volunteer work, internships, or a full-time position (work in an AZA-accredited facility is preferred).
• SCUBA certified.
• Driver's license or ability to get one.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical requirements stated represent those necessary for an individual to fulfill the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made for qualified individuals with disabilities, ensuring equal employment opportunities. Please let us know if you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move from 50 to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to work in high and low/ places. Work is performed both indoors and in outdoor settings. Outdoor work is subject to temperatures up to 100 degrees, rain, humidity, and sun. Work will also be conducted on a boat with the same outdoor conditions already listed.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Background clearance
• Drug screening as part of the Drug-Free Workplace Program

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