Aviculturist II

Minimum starting pay for this role is $25.00. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

The Aviculturist II is responsible for the care and behavioral management of birds and animal ambassadors. The individual is responsible for providing daily care, handling, feeding, cleaning and exhibit maintenance of all animals under their care. The Aviculturist II leads daily interactive presentations to Aquarium guests. The Aviculturist II also assists the Curator/Assistant Curator in the training of paid and unpaid staff. The individual is expected to act as a positive role model to other staff members and must carry an in-depth expertise of natural history, husbandry, and behavioral management of animals.

Essential Functions

• Provides the highest possible quality of care to the animals in his/her care
• Prepares food and feeds the animals
• Participates in the training of the animal collection by implementing training strategies and long-term training plans.
• Assists the Curator/ Asst. Curator in implementing activities and communicating changes in policy with other staff working with the animal collection
• Performs routinely in public presentations and animal behavioral demonstrations
• Performs animal encounters to VIPs and special guests when required
• Observes and recognizes medical conditions that may require treatment. Promptly reports those conditions to the Curator or Asst. Curator
• Ensures the proper care of life support equipment by adhering to a regular preventive maintenance schedule and by keeping all items clean and in good working order
• Promptly reports all non-functional life support equipment to the Curator or Asst. Curator
• Assists with system design and fabrication of holding facilities
• Maintains a clean and organized area to facilitate a presentable and safe environment for work and behind the scene tours
• May occasionally provide interviews to the media under the direction of Public Relations
• Maintains all records pertaining to the Aquarium’s collection of animals
• Adheres to all established safety protocols (fire, OSHA, diving, etc.) and reports unsafe conditions to the area Curator, Asst. Curator, or Safety Officer to be remedied
• Works closely with Life Support staff to maintain proper water and air quality (temperature, pH, chlorine, ORP levels, etc.) to ensure the health of the animals
• Gallery interpretation of exhibits in public areas. Interacting with and educating the public in a personal manner

Knowledge & Skills

• Develop and maintain a high level of knowledge and expertise of the operation and theory of all life support systems
• Presents workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs, behind the scenes tours and other interactions with guests and staff
• Proficient in public speaking
• Increased proficiency in general animal husbandry with animal collection
• Higher understanding of animal care practices such as training, quarantine, exhibit maintenance, and animal handling

Qualifications

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• Bachelors degree in Biology or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience as an animal keeper/trainer (paid) in a zoological facility
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Possess a valid CA drivers license (minimum of 3 years driving experience)
• SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized agency preferred
• Must possess demonstrated knowledge of necessary safety measures (relating to animals and exhibits) required when working around animal ambassadors and birds

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to balance bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist
• Ability to lift and carry up to 0-75lbs
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-100lbs
• Ability to swim, SCUBA certification in dive aquarium habitats or open ocean
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Exposure to injury from animals
• Food preparation with fish and shellfish
• Exposure to various in temperature, humidity or wetness
• Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
• Elevated platforms
• Use of special auditory, visual, and personal protective equipment
• Exposed to working with bio-hazards
• Use of hand tools, machinery and company vehicles
• Aquarium habitats and open ocean environments

Interested & Qualified?

If you meet the requirements of this position, please click on the link below. You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required for all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:

• You will complete a brief web application;
• You will attach or build your resume;
• You will complete the assessment(s). Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration.

Thank you for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!

Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.