The Biologist 2 is responsible for the husbandry in the area(s) to which they are assigned. This specific position is expected to play a primary role in caring for and managing The Florida Aquarium’s (TFA) Wetlands collections. This includes the care and maintenance of terrestrial and aquatic exhibits, disease recognition and treatment, life support system operation, and species identification and knowledge. They are expected to operate with minimal supervision and serve as a mentor to their coworkers, specifically regarding reptile and amphibian husbandry.
Essential Position Functions
- Performs husbandry duties of daily animal care including but not limited to maintaining life support systems, preparing food, feeding animals, and cleaning animal habitats at a high level of quality and does so with minimal supervision
- Exhibit, maintain, and further develop a broad knowledge base on the proper husbandry for birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians
- Experience working with large, dangerous reptiles in both free and protected contact settings
- Plan and execute behavioral training and environmental enrichment with terrestrial and aquatic species
- Serves as a resource and mentor for Biologists, Interns, and Volunteers in the development of job skills relating to general husbandry functions, exhibit and life support systems design, construction and maintenance, aquatic and terrestrial organism, disease recognition and treatment, collecting techniques and species identification
- Prioritizes human and animal safety foremost when handling large terrestrial and/or aquatic animals
- Ensures accurate animal record keeping through consistent utilization of electronic record keeping systems
- Applies knowledge and identifies issues with terrestrial and/or aquatic habitat and life supportsystems
- Maintain AZA inspection readiness for exhibit, service, holding, and backup areas
- Interacts with aquarium guests, donors and team members in a positive and professional manner
- Assures behavior consistently meets the TFA values of Respect, Trust and Excellence
- Initiates and executes exhibit improvements and modifications independently
- Initiates and executes behavior shaping plans for aquatic and terrestrial animals with proficiency
- Identifies and solves obstacles with projects and tasks in a team setting
- Conducts complex work processes without supervision
Secondary Functions
- Maintains tools and equipment necessary for the care of the collection
- Assists in maintaining husbandry SOPs
- Works with volunteers and interns within scope of position
- Participates in meetings with curators, biologists and other aquarium departments
- Represents the aquarium at selected professional development opportunities
- Initiates and executes presentations and reports independently
- All other duties as required
Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills
- Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a facility working with aquatic and terrestrial organisms, including but not limited to birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fishes, and plants
- Four-year degree in biology or related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered
- Knowledge of habitat requirements, including life support systems and water quality parameters for aquatic and terrestrial species
- Knowledge of animal record keeping systems (Tracks) preferred
- Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
- SCUBA certification required
- Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License
- Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays
Competencies
- Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation, and friendliness with staff, volunteers, and customers.
- Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork — Support, facilitate, and participate in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrate sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and support team goals.
- Professional and Technical Knowledge- Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies.
- Judgment — Decide on and commit to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; find creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; take strategic risks when necessary.
- Communication (oral and written) — Effectively express ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listen to individuals and groups; prepare and focus presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; express ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
Typical Physical Requirements
- Standing (up to 2 hours per day)
- Walking (up to 4 hours per day)
- Bending/Stooping/Squatting/Kneeling/Balancing — Frequently
- Crouching/Crawling — Occasionally
- Sitting (up to 2 hours per day)
- Climbing heights (12’) — Frequently
- Reaching above shoulders — Frequently
- Pushing/Pulling — Frequently
- Carrying (up to 70 lbs.) — Occasionally
- Lifting (up to 70 lbs.) — Occasionally
- Using hands for repetitive movements — fine manipulating
- Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
- Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained
Operating machinery
- Ability to travel as needed — locally and/or nationally
- Ability to operate in the field
- Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate
Perks
- Medical, Vision, Dental, Retirement Savings, EAP and more!
