Aquarist

The New England Aquarium is seeking a full-time temporary Aquarist to assist with general husbandry needs in support of increasing larval program work at our Animal Care Center in Quincy, MA. The ideal candidate will have some basic animal husbandry experience, such as food preparation, feeding, and system maintenance.

• This is a full-time, onsite, temporary position scheduled to run until June 2025.
• The schedule will be 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Friday - Tuesday.
• Candidates will be required to work holidays that fall within the schedule.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides daily care of assigned exhibits, holding systems, support spaces, and life support systems according to the standards set forth by NEAQ as well as AZA.
• May help to develop new protocols as appropriate and apply knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and animal biology to advance husbandry techniques as appropriate.
• Makes daily observations of animals for health assessments, according to established norms of animal's behavior and appearance.
• In conjunction with the Animal Health Department, learns to identify common diseases for the animals within the collection.
• Helps to establish appropriate dietary regime, and administers medications and supplements as directed.
• Maintains written and electronic records and submits entries via NEAQ's specimen database system TRACKS©. Typical entries include accessions, dispositions, moves, behaviors, mortalities, and LSS maintenance in accordance with proper husbandry practices and institutional policy.
• Performs routine Animal Welfare assessments and under the direction of the Area Supervisor, helps to develop appropriate action responses to assure the highest standards of animal care are met.
• In conjunction with the Environmental Quality Department and under the direction of the Area Supervisor, manages water quality and environmental parameters in assigned exhibits and holding tanks.
• Applies responsible population management practices in assisting with making recommendations during the annual collection planning exercise; helps facilitate acquisition and disposition of animals.
• Assists with developing, executing, and adjusting strategies to effectively meet the behavioral needs of assigned animals including enrichment and operant conditioning.
• Manages life support systems and participates in the design, upgrade, and installation of such systems.
• Provides alternate coverage for other aquarists and is available for cross-training as assigned.
• May be expected to engage with our external partners through in-person or virtual presentations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Training and Experience
• Bachelor's degree with a concentration in science, or equivalent preferred.
• 6 months of animal husbandry or related experience is required.
• Experience in aquaculture and maintaining marine plankton cultures preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to obtain Medical Examiner's Certificate in accordance with Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (49 CFR 391.41-391.49).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication and fosters good interpersonal relationships with colleagues. May be asked to represent their team on various working groups. May be required to work typical weekend days, holidays, nights, and respond to emergencies at all hours.
• Performs other position-related duties, as assigned.
• For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/
• New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
• Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion.
• We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.
• For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below.
• Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.
• https://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/3487232-11570.html

Salary

• $20.71 - $22.62/hour