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Under general supervision of the Aquarium Curators, responsible for the basic care and upkeep of the marine specimens and life support systems at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Primary responsibility is for the care, health, and propagation of seahorses on display and reserve tanks in support of Birch Aquarium's seahorse conservation and breeding program. Maintain clean and scientifically accurate displays. Provide proper husbandry and assist in training and providing direction of Assistant Aquarists and Volunteers as needed. Keep accurate records monitoring genealogy, specimen health, behavior, feedings, and locations. Assists in collections of specimens needed for all galleries. Regular, timely communication with curators, team members, veterinarians, and guests is critical. Coordinate seahorse breeding transfers per SSP & Population Management. Engage with guests, students and volunteers regularly.
Experience Required
Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or related field and/or equivalent experience. Demonstrated college-level knowledge of marine biology, fisheries science, ecology, and/or seahorse/syngnathid husbandry in a public aquarium or zoo. Experience with syngnathid/seahorse husbandry, breeding, disease recognition, and treatment, as well as in the propagation and rearing of various other species of fishes and invertebrates Demonstrated knowledge of fish disease diagnosis, treatment, and necropsy procedures. Proven knowledge and experience with aquarium life support systems (trickle filters, live rock, protein skimmers, phosphate reactors, calcium reactors, and chemical dosing systems) Proven organizational skills and ability to keep accurate, consistent records relating to all aspects of animal care and systems maintenance. Demonstrated consistent excellent verbal, written and body communication skills; ability to work well with others and to address issues in professional manner through management and team Demonstrated knowledge of nitrification cycle as it pertains to aquarium systems. Understanding and ability to use water chemistry analysis on a regular basis to determine optimal husbandry conditions especially in closed system aquaria. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to collect specimens using SCUBA, hook and line, seine, and tide-pooling. Demonstrated skill in working with the general public. Demonstrated ability to follow all safety precautions for equipment and procedures while working on the job. Proven knowledge and skills in maintaining aquaria with mixed phyla, specifically syngnathids and cnidaria Demonstrated knowledge in overseeing and implementing animal enrichment techniques to improve animal welfare and health Proven skills in training and providing direction to assistant aquarists, interns, and volunteers.
Further Comments
Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results. Must be able to work weekends, occasional nights, major holidays, during other staff's absence, and to respond to emergencies. SCUBA certification required. Rescue diver certification preferred. Will accept basic open water certification but must acquire AAUS Scientific Diver certification (Scripps Institution of Oceanography dive class) within 6 months. Must maintain active diver status. Must possess and maintain valid California Driver's license. Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18); completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) training will be required. Must meet CANRA compliance requirement per California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act ("CANRA," Penal Code sections 11164-11174.4).
How to Apply
Extended Deadline: Fri 2/17/2023
Apply at UCSD Jobs online only:
https://employment.ucsd.edu/aquarist-seahorse-conservation-and-care-120584/job/23259865
