Jelly Biologist

The position requires a highly motivated individual who will work in a team setting and take direction from their manager(s) in carrying out the daily husbandry responsibilities for an assigned area. The position is responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position will play an integral part of establishing our upcoming new jelly gallery opening in Spring 2025.
• Applications are being accepted now with an anticipated start date of January 1, 2025, or after.
• General understanding of kreisel life support required
• Experience with culturing jellies and live foods highly preferred
• Experience with spectrum of jelly species preferred
• Coverage responsibilities will include various other aquatic galleries and species
• Provides care for all specimens in assigned area through proper husbandry protocols involving daily observations, feedings, water quality monitoring, and life support system (LSS) operations
• Ensures guest satisfaction by maintaining exhibits through daily maintenance
• Maintains all exhibit, quarantine/holding systems, and behind the scenes areas to the highest level of professional standards.
• Complies with all SOPs pertaining to daily operations and safety. 
• Exhibits good time-management skills throughout and including all daily and specially assigned tasks.
• Maintains up-to-date and accurate records in the TRACKS program.
• Provides unscheduled coverage of other biologists and areas as assigned by the management team.
• Cross-trains with other staff within the department to develop new skill sets and understanding of other areas.  Must complete, at minimum, the OJTs in the directly assigned area.
• Promotes conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks
• Pass e-quarist or other relevant course work successfully to promote continuous learning, update, and improvement in overall care.
• Identifies and resolves problems with assistance from the management team.
• Takes lead role in small construction, improvement, or new exhibit projects as assigned and mentored by management team.
• Positively presents and promotes aquarium in various forms of social media as requested by Public Relations and with approval from management team.
• Demonstrates motivation and exhibits Core Values daily
• Seeks a larger understanding of husbandry operations and animal welfare to assist husbandry management in improving those areas 
• Support WAVE volunteer and intern programs through active participation in volunteer and/or intern programs through mentoring or joint projects.
• Biologist schedules require coverage 365 days per year.
• Schedule for this position will be discussed in person in the interview process.
• It will include weekends and some holidays.
• Undertakes any other tasks or special projects as directed by Assistant Curators or General Curator.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A four-year degree in aquatic sciences, biology, or related field
• Four years of full-time husbandry experience from an accredited AZA institution or equivalent
• Detailed knowledge of the biology of a large variety of fishes, invertebrates, amphibians or reptiles as appropriate
• Demonstrated mechanical skills, basic LSS plumbing, and understanding of LSS theory and operation
• Excellent observation and communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that generate and sustain a positive team atmosphere and professional environment
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel if necessary
• Certification from a recognized S.C.U.B.A. training organization highly desired
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies when needed

REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and SCUBA dive physical (if applicable)
• In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor
• No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work
• Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infections and parasitic disease)

Note: 

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

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vison insurances
• 40 sick hours, 40 personal hours, 8 Holidays, 80 Vacation Hours annually
• Profit Sharing and 401K Plan with company match
• Free entrance for you and your dependents which extends to most Herschend Enterprises’ properties
• Earn 1 General Admission complimentary ticket, that you can give to anyone, per pay period
• Discounts at Sharky’s Café, Sweet Dreams Candy Company, and the gift shop
• Discounted tickets and annual passes for friends and family
• Training and development
• You can expect to work on projects that have never been done before – ideas that are unproven, and concepts that make people smile.
• You can expect to have fun and be treated with respect the minute you start…and through to the end. You can expect to work in an environment that is highly innovative and low in politics – truthful and filled with smart people; all while providing the

BEST GUEST EXPERIENCE IN THE NATION!

• And most of all, you can expect to work hard and make a difference in our world by helping to bring families closer together.
• Looking to pursue your education without debt? Grow U has hundreds of programs available from certifications to college prep to associates, bachelor's, and master’s degrees.
• Most of these programs are fully funded. Learn more at: https://www.newportaquarium.com/Careers/Benefits/GrowU
• Newport Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Enterprises, prides itself on creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.

Experience Required

• 4+ years animal husbandry experience