Aquarist - Full-time Temporary

This is a full-time, temporary position not to exceed 90 days.

This position is non-exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

OREGON COAST AQUARIUM, INC.

POSITION TITLE: Temporary Aquarist

REPORTS TO: Curator of Fish and Invertebrates.

JOB SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Curator the Aquarist is directly responsible for all activities relating to the daily care of one or more animal galleries. The Aquarist is responsible for all aspects of animal care including feeding, health assessment, exhibit and/or system design, construction, and maintenance. He or she is also responsible for animal collection in the natural environment using acceptable methods.

FLSA Status: Non-exempt.

Working Hours Not to exceed 90 days. Full-time, non-exempt. Scheduled days and hours based on business need.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Participates in the daily cleaning, feeding, and husbandry of the animals under their care in accordance with standards set by the Curator. Assures normal operation and maintenance of exhibit and holding life support systems.

2. Participates in specimen collection and transport as needed. Assists in safe boating operations.

3. Reports unusual conditions or illnesses in the animals and assists, when trained and appropriate, in their treatment.

4. Monitors exhibit water quality and performs water quality analysis as necessary and appropriate.

5. Maintains all written and computer records relating to gallery inventories.

6. Works with other Aquarium functions as needed and appropriate, such as volunteer training, assisting with promotional events, and writing newsletter articles. Positively and accurately represents the Aquarium in presentations and tours given to media, staff, and visitors.

7. Demonstrates a continued interest in advancements in the aquarists field

8. Performs other duties as assigned. The above accountabilities represent work performed by this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific accountability will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related to or a logical extension of the position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities over paid staff, but will supervise and/or coordinate the activities of students (ex: job shadows and OCCC Practicum).

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Minimum levels):

• A degree in biology or zoology related field is preferred.
• The incumbent must have substantive experience working with captive fish and invertebrates or fisheries biology.
• Knowledge of Northwest aquatic life is preferred.
• A scuba diving certification with cold water experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of aquarium systems, biology, and health assessment and subsequent treatment are required.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computers and standard, commonly accepted computer programs are required.
• Ability to work under limited supervision, both independently and in a team environment is essential.
• Good communication skills and the ability to make short presentations to visitor and volunteer groups is required.
• A valid Oregon Driver’s License is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work involves considerable standing and moving about on surfaces that are often wet and slippery. The incumbent must be able to work with their arms immersed in cold water for long periods of time. The ability to ascend and descend steep ladders/steps is required. The ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds is required. The incumbent, when trained appropriately, may use or be near strong magnets.

MENTAL, HEARING, AND VISUAL DEMANDS:

The work involves continuous mental and visual attention involving reading, analyzing, visualizing, or otherwise performing very involved, comprehensive work. The incumbent must be able to differentiate the sounds of various motors, compressors, and other machinery.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work is typically performed working in and around tanks of cold sea water, as well as diving in cold sea water with poor visibility. Some sedentary work is required when performing record keeping duties at a computer station.

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Compliance with appropriate company standards is required.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person