Aviculture/Aquarist

The North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join our team. The Aviculture/Aquarist will report to the Husbandry Curator and will be responsible for the daily husbandry, habitat, and life support system maintenance of assigned animal habitats that includes reptiles, birds, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish, with a focus on ambassador animals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Effectively monitor health and behavior of animals and communicate changes to husbandry management and veterinary collection.
• Covering additional 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.
• 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.
• 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.  

Experience Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies **To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must list the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form will not be considered for qualifying credit** In order to qualify for this position, you must meet ALL the following requirements listed below. Demonstrated experience maintaining life support systems and associated water chemistry at a public Aquarium, Zoo, Nature Center, or Museum. Demonstrated experience working with animal husbandry, including fish, invertebrates, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Demonstrated experience with any of the following: animal training, welfare enrichment, or behavioral husbandry. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lbs. Must have a valid NC Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment. Management Preferences: SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized organization. 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.

Salary

Recruitment Range $32,460 - $45,032 Annually

How to Apply

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.

Please be sure to complete the application in full.  Note the following:

• Resumes and cover letters:  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application nor will it be considered for qualifying credit.  "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will not be accepted with your application being rejected as incomplete. Cover letters are highly encouraged but not required.
• Transcripts:  Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions and a copy of your transcripts indicating the degree received can be uploaded with your application. If the position you are applying for requires verification of classes taken for the position, then your transcripts must be uploaded to be considered.  
• Veterans Preference:  To obtain veterans preference, you must scan and upload a copy of your DD-214 or discharge orders.
• Americans with Disabilities:  Applicants requesting an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are eligible to submit paper applications via mail or by fax. Please call the human resources office for assistance.
• Please refrain from submitting multiple applications, however; If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.
• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take an average of 6 – 8 weeks.
• It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).