Aquarist Keeper Full Time

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is looking for a motivated individual to add to its Husbandry staff as a keeper for a diverse collection of fishes.  This is an entry-level position works with the Husbandry team to accomplish established goals aimed at excellence in animal care and guest experience.  Must have the ability to work weekends and holidays possess a valid driver’s license.   

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Keeper/ Aquarist will: 

• Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality
• Make each interaction with guests, vendors and fellow Audubon employees a positive one through hospitality and service.
• Oversee aquarists’ performance with regard to guest experience.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of exhibit improvements.
• Provide direction to aquarists in the form of goals and guidance.
• Exhibit the diversity of wildlife. 
• Provides a high standard of animal care. 
• Understanding of professional animal care and welfare standards. 
• Prioritizes preventative care and excellence in animal welfare. 
• A basic knowledge of water chemistry and the nitrogen cycle for water quality monitoring.
• Follow training (operant conditioning) and enrichment SOPs to accomplish behavior and welfare goals. 
• Administers prescribed treatments and assists with procedures as needed.
• Follows direction and act in accordance with all established protocols and procedures.
• Compliance with all AZA and USDA standards. 
• Follows all SOPs as written to facilitate good animal welfare and safety.
• Responsible for all aspects of exhibit maintenance.
• Able to accomplish daily tasks within acceptable/ established timeframe. 
• Monitors exhibit functionality, air and water parameters, identifying and communicating anomalies/ concerns in a timely fashion.
• Accurate recordkeeping for short- and long-term monitoring of health, behavior, tracking trends and advancing animal practices.
• Participation in professional development as assigned.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work with a team to provide consistency and advancement in animal care.  Assists with oversight of volunteers and interns.
• Ability to engage guests in pursuit of education and conservation goals. 
• This includes chats, tours, media appearances, ambassador animal programs, etc. 
• Able to represent Audubon Nature Institute with professionalism and in support of mission-oriented efforts.
• Educate our diverse audience about the natural world.
• Seek out opportunities to positively impact the guest experience and encourage staff to do so as well.
• Oversee and participate in public interaction including behind the scenes tours, speaking engagements, media communication and guest education.
• Assist with the development and preparation of written educational materials produced by the Husbandry Department.
• Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through research and conservation
• Facilitate and encourage the proper disposition of non- native donations to prevent the spread of invasive species. 
• Encourage and support Aquarium breeding programs aimed at decreasing the need for wild collection.
• Promote, participate in and oversee departmental research and conservation programs.
• Operate a financially self-sufficient collection of museums and parks.
• Assist with the preparation of the departmental operating budget.
• Strive to operate with budget limitations.
• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. 
• They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Keeper/Aquarist will: 

• Welcome
• Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, offer friendly phrases and greetings.
• Wear identification badge.
• Walk individual to destination instead of pointing; offer assistance to people who look confused.
• Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash).  Always have the camera-ready look.
• Share
• Maintain positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it).
• Coach coworkers on service expectations.
• Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service.
• Know when to involve management.
• Inspire
• Know the answers to questions or seek out the answers.
• Utilize proper phone etiquette (answer phone within three rings, smile before answering call, ask for permission and wait for response before placing caller on hold).
• Ensure work area is free of food, drink, socialization, and personal business.
• Follow Dress Code Policy on clothing and grooming.
• Keep unpleasant concerns behind closed doors (vent backstage).

Supervision: 

• Not a supervisory position.

Experience: 

• Minimum of one year of unpaid or paid experience in a zoological facility, public aquarium, or similar facility OR demonstrated and confirmed skill set.  
• Understanding/ experience with care of aquatic animals/ systems in a professional setting with demonstrated success.  Experience at AZA accredited public facility is preferred.
• Has understanding/ experience with the species under their care or has worked with similar taxa. 
• Has an understanding of natural history, anatomy, behavior, and environmental parameters. 

Education:   

• Bachelor of Science degree in biology or related field from a recognized, accredited institution

Licensure/Certification: 

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• SCUBA certification is preferred, but not required.
• First Aid/ CPR is preferred, but not required.
• Software Requirements:  proficiency in MS Office; ZIMS, or similar animal data management software experience is an asset.

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements: 

• Working knowledge of basic hand and power tools is preferred.
• Working knowledge of life support equipment and water chemistry science and management for both start-up and mature aquatic systems is required.
• Must have the ability to use basic office equipment. Boat handling experience is an asset.

Physical Requirements:

Heavy work: 

• lifting up to 80lbs pounds occasionally, or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. 
• Will involve standing most of the time, but may involve walking or sitting for brief periods of time.
• Walking, climbing, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to carry items weighing up to 80 pounds.
• Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.
• Ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or actions required.
• Must have cognitive and communication skills required to function within the department.
• Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.
• Must possess excellent organizational skills.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English.
• Must be safety conscious.
• Must possess advanced knowledgeable in: animal anatomy; recognition and treatment of minor animal health concerns; quarantine protocols; water chemistry; and the ability to troubleshoot life support problems for taxa in the position’s purview
• Demonstrate effective communication skills with supervisors and co-workers.
• Demonstrate the ability to make sound decisions in the absence of supervision, assume responsibility without direction and willingness to assist in achieving facility and Audubon Nature Institute goals.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Candidate must accept humane euthanasia as an accepted and responsible animal management tool.
• Working long hours between breaks or meals required.
• Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.
• Must be able to work in moderately noisy environments, dirty conditions and cramped spaces.
• Must be willing and able to handle raw seafood.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Must be able to work with potentially hazardous chemicals associated with analysis and treatment of exhibits.
• Must be able to work unsupervised and with a team.
• Affinity for animals preferred.
• Exposure to fluctuations in temperatures may be required.
• Must be able to work in all types of weather both indoors and outdoors.