Aquarist l - Temporary Position

Job Title/Position: Aquarist l (Temporary Position)

• Reports to: General Aquarium Curator
• Schedule: Full-Time, Tuesday - Saturday
  • This is a seasonal position running the months of June - September
  • Availability to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours subject to change
• Pay Rate: $17.00-18.50 per hour plus benefits

JOB SUMMARY

Facilitate the day-to-day operations of the Reiman Aquarium within Discovery World Science Technology Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned.

• Work with an assortment of fish, elasmobranchs, aquatic invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, and freshwater plants.
• Prepare diets for the animals and perform routine feedings.
• Ensure optimal care for Aquarium or Terrarium animals and plants by testing water quality, performing water changes/changing out substrates, making saltwater as needed, and monitoring temperature and humidity levels.
• Monitor and maintain multiple exhibits and their life support systems; conduct backwashes, water changes, protein skimmer and pump maintenance.
• Assist with animal acquisition and transport as needed.
• Assist with aquaculture, quarantine, and treatment procedures as directed by the Curator and the Quarantine Specialist - Aquarist lll.
• Dive for routine maintenance in warm and cold-water temperatures.
• Work individually but also collaborate and coordinate with coworkers and Curator to complete shared responsibilities such as daily opening and closing checklists, monthly/weekly checklists, and any other team projects.
• Perform biopsies, necropsies and administer medication under supervision of the Curator, Quarantine Specialist - Aquarist lll or the Veterinarian, as needed.
• Fill out appropriate checklists and logs for animal acquisition, health, relocation, mortality, and routine maintenance.
• Acquire knowledge continuously of all animals, life support, and husbandry tasks in the Aquarium.
• Keep back of house and Aquarium work areas clean and organized.
• Work in partnership with the Guest Services Team, Education Department, Maintenance Shop, Public Relations Team, and other Discovery World Departments to ensure an excellent visitor experience.
• Mentor new Interns and Volunteers on day-to-day operations.
• Participate in weekly Aquarium, and monthly All-Staff meetings.
• Ability to network within the Aquarium, Zoo, and/or other science and technology industries.
• Be able to spontaneously adapt and be flexible as every day is different.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and the work environment of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  The normal setting for this job is in the Aquarium or in a quarantine space.

• Physical effort in handling objects over 50lbs and repetitively carrying and lifting heavier items.
• Physical occupational risk exposure (such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, animal bites, envenomation risk, etc.).
• Frequent walking, bending, kneeling, climbing ladders and stairs, etc.
• Exposure to environments which involve fresh and saltwater, dirt, odors, noise, a variance in hot and cold room temperatures, as well as diving in saltwater and freshwater exhibits of temperatures between 60°F – 84°F.
• Motor coordination with finger dexterity most of the workday.
• Ability to fit into smaller spaces when needed.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications necessary to perform the job.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree is desired; in a Marine or Freshwater science related field, such as Biology, Ecology, Zoology, etc.

• A desired minimum of 1 year, paid or unpaid, work experience in an Aquarium and/or Zoo setting.
• Open Water SCUBA Certification.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Strongly Desired

• Some knowledge of basic hand tools and plumbing with PVC.
• Life Support Operations and the ability to perform maintenance on the following:
  • Bead, sand, and glass media filters, smaller filtration systems.
  • Ozone in relation to life support and water quality.
  • Protein skimmers.
  • Pumps and plumbing.
• Water quality and the ability to perform the following:
  • Knowledge of the Nitrogen Cycle as it relates to Aquaria.
  • Basic testing knowledge of Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate, Chlorine, dissolved oxygen, pH, and other water quality standards and testing.
• Experience with Terrariums and Aquariums and working with fish, elasmobranchs, aquatic invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, and freshwater plants.

Other Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Desired

• Advanced and Rescue SCUBA Diver Certification.

• Current CPR/First Aid/AED Training.
• DAN Emergency Oxygen Provider Certification.
• Bilingual.
• Coral propagation and care.
• Aquaculture and fish fry rearing/Cold-water Moon Jellyfish aquaculture.
• Live insect culture breeding and care experience.

Salary : $17 - $19