Aquarist

The Husbandry Department is responsible for the performance of all husbandry duties of the aquarium, including the set-up, maintenance, operation, care and wellbeing of aquarium animals and exhibits, holding tanks and life support systems, food and chemistry analysis, treatment of animals for diseases and animal collections and transports. Responsible for maintaining standards and expectations for the care of assigned animals, life support systems and exhibits set by Ripley’s Aquariums. This position reports to Curatorial team within the Husbandry Department.

Overview

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following tasks:

• Performs general husbandry, utilizing aquarium maintenance tools and equipment
• Evaluates conditions of exhibit, animal health/behavior/wellbeing and life support systems with detailed daily record keeping
• Assists in the setup of aquarium exhibits, holding and/or quarantine tanks and associated life support systems
• Performs detection/diagnosis and treatment of diseases of marine organisms with supervision from Veterinarians or curatorial team.
• Performs animal food/diet preparation and feeding
• Performs water chemistry and physical parameter measurements for exhibits, holding and quarantine tanks and systems
• Performs basic location-specific technical functions, as needed, (e.g., replacing of pumps and motors, etc.)
• Assists in collection of marine animals and plants, which may involve SCUBA and specialized fishing gear
• Assists with animal transports using the truck/gooseneck transport tank trailer system
• Utilizes fishing gear, including hook and line, long lines, nets, etc.
• Utilizes Aquarists tools, siphon hoses, small pumps, long-handled nets and scrubbers
• Utilizes Water Quality Analytical Equipment (meters, D.O., refract meter, spectrophotometer)

Experience Required

•  Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or related field. 1-2 years’ experience as an aquarist in a public aquarium preferred.

Demonstrated experience in universally accepted general aquarium husbandry skill areas which include:

• Marine organism collecting, handling, transport, acclimation and care.
• Knowledge of husbandry and wellbeing of fresh and saltwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and birds.
• Animal quarantine, clinical treatments and marine animal health.
• Aquarium Life Support Systems (LSS) operation and maintenance.
• Live exhibit aesthetics and maintenance.
• SCUBA certification highly desirable or mandatory depending upon current institutional needs.