What are the responsibilities and job description for the Exhibits Technician III position at City of Virginia Beach?
The Virginia Aquarium is seeking a Fishes, Herpetology, and Invertebrates Assistant Curator (Exhibits Technician III). Through direct involvement, this position places emphasis on the safe management of the Virginia Aquarium’s population of animals which includes jellies, cephalopods, crustaceans, reptiles, amphibians, teleosts, elasmobranchs, and the animal care staff who assist with their care, while supporting the mission of the Virginia Aquarium and the City of Virginia Beach. The population of species includes large elasmobranchs, teleosts, invertebrates, crocodilians, monitor lizards, venomous and non-venomous snakes, fishes, invertebrates (including jellies), and a variety of amphibians.
The selected candidate must have proven experience with these types of animals, and the ability to train and supervise staff to safely work with these species.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Supervise a team of section staff, divers, volunteers, and interns to ensure the welfare of live animal populations and management of assigned areas
- Lead and coordinate advanced husbandry procedures such as physical examinations with animals in the collection (some potentially dangerous)
- Conduct emergency response training and drills in the event of a dangerous animal escape or injury
- Work closely with senior curatorial staff and veterinary team to develop SOPs and collection plans
- Conduct repairs, design and build new exhibits, maintain life support systems, and assist with cost analysis of relevant exhibits
- Remain abreast of the latest animal care techniques for these unique species and seek opportunities to become involved with groups or organizations such as AZA, TAG or SSP groups where possible
- Support the guest experience by participating in visitor enhancement development and actively seek out guest engagement opportunities
Work Schedule: 40 hours/week between 7AM-6PM including weekends, rotating holidays and occasional evenings for special events
The City offers a generous benefits package which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement, and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, and holiday and paid leave.