Senior Biologist - Fish and Invertebrates

As a senior biologist you will be part of the husbandry leadership team and work closely with the assistant curator, general curator and fellow senior biologists in assisting in coordinating, training, and implementing professional husbandry protocols and upholding AZA accreditation standards for the entire collection of fish and invertebrates.  This position requires an individual with a high degree of professional experience in a broad range of specialty areas, including an extensive knowledge in the care of live corals within closed systems and a proven leader, trainer, and team member. The priorities for this position include fostering a positive work team atmosphere, attention to animal health, exhibit, and visitor experience excellence.

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:

• Lead by example by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest, and committed when interacting with one another and guests.
• Provide care for a collection of Florida rescue corals that the institution is holding and caring for in conjunction with the Florida Coral Reef Rescue Project.
• Help train new Husbandry Department employees to ensure compliance with established standards and protocols.
• Assist in recruitment, evaluation, and selection of new Husbandry staff when needed.
• Interacts with Animal Health Services and Engineering to affect repairs of critical life support equipment and complete joint projects.
• Participate in guest-facing shows/presentations.
• Participate in animal care and exhibit maintenance activities.
• Interact with veterinarians and animal health services in carrying out prescribed medical procedures and protocols.
• Assure that appropriate records are kept on all husbandry, training, enrichment and water testing activities, including daily care, animal health, acquisition/disposition, and mortalities.
• Assist in recruitment, evaluation, and selection of new husbandry staff when needed.
• Mentor staff; prepare and deliver annual evaluations and goals.
• Help train new husbandry department employees to ensure compliance with established standards and protocols.
• Participate in long and short-range departmental planning.
• Aid the assistant Curator in overseeing general maintenance of all related work areas and equipment. Maintenance may include off-exhibit areas. Areas should be clean, neat, and well-organized.
• Notify the engineering department regarding the needs and repairs of critical life support equipment and joint projects.
• Cross-train with other staff within husbandry and animal health services.
• Ensure that animal food, maintenance equipment, and supplies are ordered and stocked in appropriate amounts, given the needs of the aquarium and the availability of resources.
• At the direction of supervisors, interact with and respond to public/media requests for information.  Participates in Aquarium education, public relations, and passport programs, including tours and lectures.
• Comply with safety and security directives, 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
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology is preferred; may be substituted by 5 years of professional husbandry experience
• A minimum of five years of professional experience at a public aquarium, zoo, or similar institution and a demonstrated knowledge of aquarium operations.
• Operational experience accepted is related to fish, invertebrates, birds, reptiles, and amphibian husbandry.
• This experience should include an increasing degree of responsibility over time with a broad base of technical knowledge, skills, and specialization.
• 4 years of coral experience preferred. 
• Experience with the Florida Reef Track Program preferred 
• 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 drive small – medium-size trucks and tow trailer is required.
• 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  Comprehensive benefits plan through Cigna. 
• 401(k) plan eligible after 90 days. 
• Profit sharing is available after 1000 hours. 
• Up to 100% paid tuition through GROW U program 
• 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

• $56,000 - $62,000 annually