Minimum starting pay for this role is $24.50. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience. The Aquarist is responsible for the daily husbandry and maintenance of marine organisms and their habitats. Primary duties include food preparation, feeding, exhibit and life support maintenance, diving, collecting, and supervising volunteers/interns.
The Aquarist I Will:
- Responsible for the husbandry of various fish & invertebrates, their habitats, and life support systems
- Maintains the highest level of cleanliness and artistic quality of the displays, including the window, background and décor
- Maintains exhibits through diving when necessary
- Maintains acceptable water quality parameters to ensure the health of the organisms and excellent water clarity; tests water quality parameters when needed
- Ensures the proper care of life support equipment by adhering to a regular maintenance schedule and keeping all components clean
- Prepares diets using a diversity of high quality foods and supplements; diet composition simulates natural diets as much as possible
- Feeds organisms appropriately and maintains correct weight
- Recognizes medical conditions and administers medications as needed under the direction of the Veterinarian or Curator
- Maintains quarantine/holding systems, if assigned; adheres to accepted quarantine schedule and makes changes only with the approval of the Curator or Veterinarian
- Reports all medical or behavioral matters to Asst. Curator/Curator and Veterinarian
- Completes all necessary records and keeps them current; records detailed daily notes and notes observations
- Assists with the acquisition, transfer, and disposition of specimens; may be required to travel long distances under harsh conditions during animal transfers
- Assists with field collection trips
- Trains, directs and oversees the work of volunteers and interns assigned to work in individual’s area of responsibility
- Assists with system design and fabrication during renovations
- Completes inspection rounds at least twice daily to check status of all exhibit and holding/quarantine systems and their occupants
- Reports all non-functional life support equipment to the Assistant Curator or Life Support department
- Proper maintenance and usage of all equipment, supplies and tools assigned to him/her (including radios)
- Maintains appropriate stocking levels in exhibits
- Maintains a clean behind-the-scenes area to facilitate a professional and safe work environment
- Adheres to all established safety protocols (fire, OSHA, diving, etc.)
- Assists in the handling of marine mammals or birds when additional personnel are required
- Demonstrates flexibility in completing tasks, which may extend after normal working hours or to weekends and holidays
- Occasionally provides interviews to the media under the direction of the Public Relations Department
- Collaborates with other aquariums and zoos in aquarium techniques when necessary
- Presents workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs and behind-the-scenes tours, if requested
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field, or equivalent experience
- One (1) year experience caring for animals in a public aquarium
- SCUBA certification
- Possess a valid CA driver’s license (minimum of 3 years driving experience).
- CPR Certification
- Knowledge and Skills
- Maintains a high level of knowledge of species under care
- Maintains a high level of knowledge of the operation and theory of life support systems and marine aquarium water chemistry
- Attention to detail
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
Physical Demands
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time
- Ability to balance bend, squat, climb, kneel, crawl, twist
- Ability to lift and carry up to 0-75 lbs
- Ability to pull and push up to 0-100 lbs
- Ability to swim, SCUBA certification in dive aquarium habitats or open ocean
- Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills
- Willingness to travel long distances under harsh conditions, if necessary
- Mental Demands
- The mental and emotional demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Flexibility and adaptability in dealing with high levels of responsibility, empathy, frustration and patience when it comes to the care of animals with basic needs.
- Resilience and ability to prioritize sometimes competing tasks and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and guests, even when differing perspectives present potential for conflict.
- Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions and alternatives.
- Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
- Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
- Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.
- Ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism.
- Ability to cope with occasional illness, injury, or loss of animals.
Work Environment
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to respond to unpredictable and potentially dangerous marine mammals, birds and program animals.
- Exposure to injury from animals.
- Food preparation with fish and shellfish
- Exposure to various in temperature, humidity or wetness
- Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
- Elevated platforms
- Use of special auditory, visual, and personal protective equipment
- Exposed to working with bio-hazards
- Use of hand tools, machinery and company vehicles
- Willingness to travel long distances under harsh conditions, if necessary
- Aquarium habitats and open ocean environments
- Interested & Qualified?
- If you meet the requirements of this position, please click on the link below to “APPLY NOW.”
- You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required for all applicants.
- There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:
- You will complete a brief web application;
- You will attach or build your resume;
- You will complete the online assessment(s).
- Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer.
- We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
