Biologist II ( Coral Conservation)

Work on the Center for Conservation (CFC) Coral Conservation Program team to achieve The Florida Aquarium’s mission to protect and restore our blue planet. This is a mid-level position in coral care. Primary responsibilities include husbandry of the CFC’s collection of Western Atlantic coral species and other marine invertebrates. Interface regularly with staff from partner organizations including the University of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Tampa Electric Company. Perform essential and secondary job functions in accordance with guidelines set and approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and other safety regulatory agencies.  

Essential Position Functions

• Maintains high standards of animal care for the living collection in assigned areas under the supervision of a Senior Biologist. Applies existing knowledge and experience in coral husbandry, biology, life history, and life support technology.
• Conducts daily duties as a primary keeper on live coral aquaria, including but not limited to cleaning aquariums, performing water changes, maintaining life support systems, diet formulation and feeding, and adjusting water quality parameters
• Identifies ways to improve operational procedures and animals care. Implements changes independently with approval of senior staff.
• Ensures accurate and detailed daily record keeping and inventory. 
• Administers medications or treatments as needed and works with senior husbandry staff to ensure timely identification and resolution of problems
• Identifies, investigates and resolves issues with life support systems for live coral aquaria
• Oversee and collect data on animal health required for permit reporting and research objectives. Manage and organize data in spreadsheets and databases. 
• Maintains facilities and equipment in a clean and organized fashion
• Assists with design and installation of ongoing CFC expansion projects 
• Participate in coral spawning and larval rearing activities, including night and weekend work. Develop advanced skills in coral assisted reproduction and cryopreservation. 
• Care for coral recruits and collect data on coral settlement and survival, including extended hours using dissecting microscopes.
• Delivers extraordinary customer service to all CFC guests
• Assures behavior consistently meets the FLAQ values of Respect, Trust and Excellence 
• Identifies and solves obstacles with projects and tasks in a team setting
• Coordinates, schedules, trains, and oversees the work of volunteers and interns
• Perform all other duties as required

Secondary Functions

• Initiates and executes husbandry improvements and modifications independently 
• Conducts tours, media, and presentations independently 
• Maintains tools and equipment necessary for the care of the collection
• Represents the aquarium at selected professional development opportunities 
• Participates in meetings with curators, biologists and other aquarium departments
• Participate in fieldwork activities as needed including SCUBA diving, coral gamete collection, and coral restoration activities 

Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills

• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in husbandry of aquatic organisms, including direct responsibility for care of live coral aquaria
• BS or higher degree in a biological science or related field
• Strong understanding of life support systems and water quality parameters for marine invertebrates, including stony corals and the ability to recognize and resolve problems 
• Knowledge of Animal Record Keeping systems (ZIMS/ISIS) preferred
• Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) 
• SCUBA certification required with ability to advance to Open Water Scientific Diver/Rescue Diver level within 6 months of hire; AAUS scientific diving experience preferred.
• Previous experience with coral spawning or larval propagation highly desired
• Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays

Competencies

• Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork – Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments for organizational success.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and initiative, seeks to understand before being understood.
• Fosters a positive, supportive and encouraging work environment.
• Demonstrates respect for other’s opinions, trusts in their abilities and recognizes their contributions.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies.
• Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers.
• Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.
• Planning and Organizing — Establish a course of action with specific long-range goals for the aquarium; set priorities among competing requirements and allocate resources in the most efficient and effective way; develop contingency plans that anticipate changes in the work environment. 
• 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.
• Information Gathering and Monitoring — Effectively collect relevant data using questioning or research techniques to monitor and manage projects and people
• Initiative — Taking actions to achieve goals; self-starting and proactive; asserting oneself to support others in the achievement of their goals; originating action rather than responding only to the actions of others; anticipating the needs of both internal and external constituencies.

Typical Physical Requirements

• Sitting (2 hours per day)
• Standing (2 hours per day)
• Walking (4 hours per day)
• Bending/Stooping — Frequently
• Squatting — Frequently
• Crawling — Occasionally
• Climbing heights (12’) — Frequently
• Reaching above shoulders — Frequently
• Crouching — Occasionally
• Kneeling — Frequently
• Balancing — 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
• Typing on a computer keyboard
• Excellent vision for proofing and detail work
• 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 and boats
• Ability to travel (car) as needed — locally and/or nationally
• Ability to travel (air) as needed
• Ability to conduct field work in collection and research
• Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate
• Available for on-call emergencies

Perks

• Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• EAP,
• Memberships,
• and more!