Biologist II - Fish and Invertebrates

You will work closely with the Fish and Invertebrate leadership team in carrying out the operations of the department at Adventure Aquarium; this includes all aspects of animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, enrichment, and holding system management. As a Biologist II, your priorities include fostering a positive team atmosphere, attention to animal health, exhibit and guest excellence. In this role, you will participate in and assist with public encounter programs. Additionally, you will be responsible for maintaining organized written records about health, feeding, water quality, and behavioral observations.

About us:

• As a Herschend Family Entertainment property, Adventure Aquarium is in the business of creating memories worth repeating by greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and seeking constant improvement.
• Stewardship, guest satisfaction, and team member satisfaction are our core areas of focus.
• We aim to be a great place to work for great people by leading with patience, kindness, humility, respect, unselfishness, forgiveness, truthfulness, and trust.
• Together, we will create emotional connections that will last a lifetime!

What you’ll do:

• As a team member of AAQ, you will be patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest, and committed when interacting with one another and guests.
• Provide for the needs of all animals in assigned areas by doing regular daily feedings, maintaining water quality through the operation of individual life support systems, and administering treatments as directed by supervisors.
• Maintain records about feedings, water quality analysis, behavioral observations, training activities, and medical procedures.
• Under the direction of supervisors, help develop public program demonstration strategies and training procedures that will lead to the development of entertaining and educational encounter programs for our guests.
• Keep the work area clean and organized and promptly report mechanical failures to supervisors.
• Collaborate with Animal Health Services staff for animal care health issues, including veterinary procedures, as a regular part of the training program.
• At the direction of managers, interact with and respond to public/media requests for information.
• Participate in Aquarium-related education, public relations, and membership programs, including facility tours and lectures.
• Assist in collecting and other Husbandry department activities when needed.
• Cross-train with other staff within Husbandry and Animal Health Services.
• Comply with safety and security policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• This position has been identified as Safety Critical with authorized operator requirements.

Experience Required

What you’ll bring:

• Three years of professional fish and invertebrate husbandry, training, and performance experience at a public aquarium, zoo, or related institution, with an emphasis on animal care and maintenance of exhibit and holding areas.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology or related field.
• A proven track record of consistently high performance.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• A valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Ability to travel when necessary, usually not to exceed 2-4 weeks at a time.
• Ability to drive small – medium-size trucks.
• Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.
• A certification from a recognized S.C.U.B.A. training organization is preferred

Further Comments

Special Requirements:

• Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screening.
• Capable of performing strenuous and heavy physical labor.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods, climb stairs, bend, and stoop.
• Allergies related to animals or plants, which might interfere with the ability to work, must be controlled by medications or protective equipment
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to safely perform the job.

Note:

• This position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially hazardous machinery, restraint devices, and toxic chemicals and drugs.
• Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required. (e.g., Goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns)

Perks

• What you’ll get
• Annual salary: $45k – 50K
• Comprehensive benefits plan through Cigna.
• 401(k) and Profit-Sharing Plan after 3 months of service
• Eligibility to participate in GROW U – our fully-funded and tuition assistance education programs.
• 2 weeks’ vacation, 1-week personal time, 1-week sick time, 8 paid holidays; all based on a full calendar year
• Free admission and 24 General Admission tickets annually, to be used by family and friends
• Complimentary tickets to local attractions when available
• 30% Discount at our Retail and Photo areas, as well as in-house food vendors
• Training and development

Salary

• 45k - 50k per year