We are seeking a dynamic and experienced LEAD AQUARIST to join the Wonders of Wildlife team! This individual will work under the supervision of the Curatorial team and will ensure and promote effective and efficient care of the department’s animal collection. This individual will help train and mentor a dynamic group of Aquarists while assisting to manage their assigned gallery.
Essential Functions:
- Leads provide daily Leadership to 4 to 6 aquarist teams, averaging 16-21 exhibits.
- They assist in developing the leadership and growth of their team members by using extensive experience and knowledge to help guide best husbandry practices.
- Create and implement daily task lists (preventive maintenance, cleanings, ect…)
- First step in approval of diets, enrichment, and husbandry changes.
- Works to ensure records are up-to-date and logged appropriately in TRACKS.
- First contact when dealing with issues and problems among their team members and assigned areas.
- Strives to build and maintain a cooperative attitude and working relationships with colleagues and other departments associated with Wonders of Wildlife.
- Practice good judgment in decision-making as related to animal care, emergencies, and projects, particularly in the absence of the Curatorial Staff.
- Creates and assists with the development of departmental procedures.
- Assists with departmental hiring by developing interview questions, reviewing candidates, and performing interviews. Leads play a large role when deciding who to hire.
- Leads weekly team meetings by preparing meeting topics and following through with tasks.
- The position is tailored for growth into a Management/Leadership role (Assistant Curator, Curator, Director, etc.)
- Internship and Volunteer Management
- Responsible for all internships and volunteer involvement within their assigned area.
- Interview, hire, and manage interns and volunteers directly with support from Volunteer Services/Curatorial as needed.
- Creates and develops internship programs, with learning expectations, development opportunities, and ownership in programs.
Animal Care Experience
- Leads participate in weekly Vet Rounds and are members of our Animal Welfare committee.
- Responsible for assisting with improving welfare concerns brought by the team via verbal discussion and welfare assessments with their Assistant Curator.
- Ensures exhibits are up to the highest WOW standards each day.
- Plays an active role with acquisitions and dispositions by creating ICP’s for incoming animals.
- Maintains current collections inventory and assists in collection planning and development of new animals and exhibits in their assigned area.
- Assists with the design and layout of new exhibits and exhibit changes.
- Plans and leads large animals catch ups/moves and directs the team during these events.
- Ability to participate in various AZA programs i.e. studbook keepers, IR, Steering committees.
MINIMUM Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education:
- A bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a four-year degree at the discretion of WOW.
- Preferred six years of experience in a facility working with captive fresh and saltwater fishes, and invertebrates, supervisory experience preferred.
- Must have good communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Operant conditioning and target training experience is preferred.
- Ability to pass all required physicals and swim tests to meet dive standards, within 6 months.
- Requires walking/standing approximately 75% of the time, sitting 10% of the time, forward bending and crouching 15% of the time, lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Requires proficiency with Personal Computer (P.C.) hardware and contemporary software including Microsoft Office Products.
- Requires capability of performing essential job functions in holding areas, exhibit spaces and mechanical rooms where spaces are small and tight, and in office environments with climate control and good lighting.
- May require immunizations depending on animal collection, including TB testing.
Perks
- Full Time employees receive Store/Attraction employee discounts, Medical, Vision, Dental, LTD, 401(k), Company Paid Life Insurance and STD, and Paid Time Off.
Salary
- $20 per hour
