Biologist Assistant

The primary focus for the Biologist Assistant position is supporting the work of the biologists and the curator. This position demonstrates exceptional animal care to support public education goals. Duties include all aspects of daily care, including feeding, cleaning, animal training and enrichment, and related record keeping. This position will also interact with Aquarium visitors, help provide proper life support maintenance and improvements, and help provide oversight of ambassador animal care.

Essential Functions:

• Assist in providing care to all non-fish animals such as reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds to AZA standards.
• Evaluate and provide all aspects of excellent animal health and welfare for assigned animals
• Prepare and distribute a proper nutritional diet
• Work closely with veterinary staff to administer medications, quarantine and handle animals during veterinary procedures
• Work closely with the Biologists & Curator on the conditioning and enrichment of all assigned animals
• Assist Herpetologist in venomous snake handling. Train to become primary backup with venomous snakes.
• Assist Horticulturist with the care of live plants around the facility and at our offsite nursery.
• Assist in the monitoring of ambassador animal use.
• Help produce Animal art and innovate new animal art ideas.
• Assist in the design, construct and maintain animal enclosures and exhibit aesthetics, including periodic renovations
• Demonstrate a high level of organization and daily backup area cleanliness
• Interact with Aquarium guests in impromptu daily and special programs, providing education and conservation information
• Track inventory of supplies to notify Biologist when orders need to be placed.
• Maintain accurate animal and enclosure records to support the daily use and advanced development of animal information software, TRACKS
• Maintain regulatory compliance for all assigned animals
• Provide coverage for all non-fish, and possibly fish Husbandry positions as required.
• Be flexible with work schedule, being able to work weekends, holidays and evenings. Specifically, cover weekends when no other non-fish biologists is working.
• Work unsupervised and make decisions consistent with the team philosophy
• Assist in the supervision of volunteers and interns, providing mentorship and support for the Aquarium's internship program
• Adhere to all South Carolina Aquarium policies and procedures
• Assist aquarium staff and visitors as needed in a pleasant, professional and courteous manner

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist Education team with Animal programs when necessary, such as with animal art.
• Participate in field collection/research as needed
• Support the mission by participating in Aquarium sponsored programs and events on a regular basis, such as daily education programs, membership programs and fundraising activities.
• Assist in the continual development of exhibits and educational programs that align with Aquarium goals
• Other responsibilities as assigned (including meeting attendance, committee service, social media content development)
• Assist with Animal Welfare assessments.
• Participation on the Ride Out Team may be required with short notice.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Hands-on experience with Southeastern birds and small mammals and knowledge of AZA and USDA care requirements
• Hands-on experience with Southeastern native reptiles and amphibians and knowledge of their care requirements.
• Knowledge of Southeastern U.S. fauna, flora and habitats
• Ability to recognize, treat and prevent animal disease
• Previous experience exhibiting animals in zoological display
• Familiarity with AZA policies, husbandry manuals and animal exchanges
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work with others in a team environment
• Knowledge and skill of minor plumbing, carpentry and electrical work
• Proficient in all MS Office Products including: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook

Licenses & Certifications Required:​​​​​​​

• Valid Driver's License

Supervision of Others:

• NA

Physical Requirements:

• Requires average walking, standing, bending, stooping, and crouching, climbing ladders, sitting, kneeling, balancing, pushing and pulling, crawling, working with tools, computer tasks and phone usage; should be able to lift/carry at least 50 lbs.; requires driving Aquarium vehicles.

Hazardous Conditions:

• Average exposure to minor or severe cuts; falls; falling objects; hazards to eyesight, hearing and sense of smell; and tight spaces.
• Often requires use of personal protective equipment due to exposure to chemicals, hazardous materials, ozone and handling of animals.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires works in both an office environment and outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather including both hot and cold; requires weekend and late night work as needed; requires contact with customers, the general public and outside vendors; requires carrying a cell phone and radio; requires occasional travel.

Experience Required

• Education and Experience Required: Bachelor's degree in biology, a closely related field, and/or equivalent experience

Perks

• Robust benefits,
• generous PTO,
• reciprocity pass program,
• amazing culture (for real)!

Salary

• $34,000 - $36,000