Aquarist - Animal Care & Rescue Center

The National Aquarium is seeking an experienced candidate to fill the position of Aquarist on our Animal Care and Rescue team. This full-time position will report to our off-site holding/quarantine facility. Applicants must be able to work weekends and holidays as scheduled.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide assigned specimens with excellent day-to-day care through approved husbandry practices and standards.
• Keep all systems well maintained via water changes, filter backwashing, and related cleaning procedures.
• Keep work area well maintained.
• Maintain life support systems and related equipment.
• Participate in the acquisition, transport, and acclimation of specimens.
• Participate in the design, construction, and maintenance of holding systems, including life support material and equipment.
• Administer medical treatments with the guidance of the veterinarians and curatorial team.
• Be accountable for the animals and systems under care.
• Provide coverage and support for other sections
• Maintain detailed records on feeding, maintenance, and other husbandry related tasks.
• Become proficient in our animal data management software – Tracks.
• Conduct presentations and interact with visitors.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Marine Science or related field; or completed advanced college-level related coursework; or comparable work experience.
• Knowledge of water chemistry, aquatic husbandry, biology, and marine science, including detailed knowledge of the biology and taxonomy of a variety of teleosts and invertebrates.
• Knowledge of aquarium systems and life support for closed systems.
• Excellent observational, decision making, problem solving, and reporting skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, an ability to create positive workplace team partnerships, and a high regard for operating in a professional environment.
• Ability to obtain a MD driver’s license, SCUBA certification from a recognized organization, pass a dive physical examination and swim skills assessment.
• Availability to work holidays, weekends, and evening hours as needed.
• Ability to climb ladders and lift and carry 50 lbs.

The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

Recently named one of Baltimore’s Best Places to Work, the National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a nonprofit aquatic education and conservation organization, the jewel of the city’s Inner Harbor redevelopment. SmartCEO Magazine honored the National Aquarium with the Healthiest Workplace award and the Corporate Culture award in 2016. With a mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, the Aquarium is consistently ranked one of the nation’s two top aquariums and has hosted over 51 million guests since opening.

Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet.

HOW TO APPLY Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org.