Aquarist - larval fish culture

Primary Purpose of the Position:

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to work at an Aquarium? The North Carolina Aquariums on Roanoke Island is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join our Husbandry department as an Aquarist!  The Aquarist position will have the principal responsibilities for live foods and larval fish culturing as well as a small number of display habitats. This position reports directly to the Husbandry Curator and is responsible for the daily care of all animals in the assigned displays, holding and quarantine systems, and maintains life support systems as well as the aesthetics of the displays.

Key Responsibilities:

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Being responsible for the care, conditioning, and maintenance of brood stock species spawning and egg collection as well as the care and maintenance of all aquaculture species during the hatchery, nursery, and grow-out phases of development.
• Rearing live foods for larval fish and invertebrates
• Covering responsibilities for the husbandry of additional aquatic and terrestrial animals and/or habitats in the absence of their primary aquarist on a rotating basis 
• Providing animal behavioral training and enrichment programs for various collection animals
• Determining individual animal nutritional needs, securing, culturing, preparing, and feeding the terrestrial and aquatic animals
• Recognizing symptoms of disease and poor animal health and administering appropriate treatments, including quarantine of newly acquired specimens.
• Focus on animal welfare, including conducting welfare assessments and improvements.
• Meeting USDA and AZA requirements for keeping animals in human care such as, but not limited to, food storage and preparation, providing a high standard of cleanliness, and providing quality mental health.
• Working with large, dangerous, or venomous aquatic and terrestrial species
• Designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting life support systems
• Maintaining accurate databases and records
• Performing water quality testing, interpreting results, and making necessary adjustments to water quality parameters
• Participate in educational programs as required.
• Conducting SCUBA assisted diving to clean tanks, perform educational programs, and collect specimens.
• Acquiring and collecting new animals for display; responding to animal stranding and rehabilitation needs 
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds
• Weekend, evening and holiday work required.  Occasional travel is also required for Aquarium meetings.
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.
• If selected for hire, a background check will be completed prior to first day of work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

Qualified candidates must have or be able to do all of the following: 

• Demonstrated experience maintaining life support systems and associated water chemistry at a public Aquarium, Zoo, Fish Hatchery or Museum.
• Experience with live food cultures.
• Experience with care, conditioning, and maintenance of brood stocks.
• SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized organization or have the ability to obtain for employment. 
• Valid NC driver's license or have the ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.
•  Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs.
• Requires evening, weekend, and holiday work with occasional travel.

Experience Required

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor's degree in Art History, Biology, Botany, Conservation, Education, History or Zoology from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of museum or related work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Further Comments

This is a reposted vacancy announcement. Previous applicants are still being considered and do not need to reapply.