Supervisor, Aquarium Fresh/ Salt Water Habitats

Shedd Aquarium is committed to the highest standards of animal care and welfare, fostering meaningful public engagement through an "animals-first" approach. We create complex environments and use innovative training to promote natural behaviors.

ROLE SUMMARY

• This Supervisor oversees the daily care and welfare of a diverse collection of aquatic animals.
• Reporting to the Manager, Aquarium Habitats, this role involves spending most of the time in hands-on husbandry tasks while learning to manage people, ensuring the well-being of the collection and supporting the aquarist team.

• This posting is looking for candidates to fill five (5) open positions within our Aquarium Team. These supervisory positions focus on the following operations.
• Tropical Marine Fishes
• Tropical Marine Invertebrates
• Aquaculture and Sustainability
• Temperate Marine Fishes and Invertebrates
• Freshwater Rivers and Lake

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 
• The requirements listed below are representative of the necessary knowledge, skill and/or ability to perform the job. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Hands-on Animal Husbandry (32-36 hours per week):

• Perform daily feedings, health checks, and behavioral observations on all species to ensure their health and well-being.
• Conduct routine cleaning, water quality monitoring, and life support system adjustments to maintain optimal habitat conditions.
• Implement and document animal training programs using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage natural behaviors and mental stimulation.
• Maintain accurate logs of animal health, training sessions, feedings, and habitat conditions using Shedd’s animal management software.
• Perform scheduled dives for habitat cleaning, maintenance, and animal care within exhibits.
• Assist with animal transports, acclimations, and habitat introductions, following established protocols.
• Conduct feeding demonstrations, assist in educational presentations, and provide behind-the-scenes tours as needed to enhance guest experiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory (4-8 hours per week):

• Support the onboarding, training, and development of aquarist team members; guide daily tasks and ensure best practices in animal care.
• Conduct bi-weekly 1:1 check-in with aquarists, document performance, and assist in creating professional development plans.
• Prepares Performance Assessments for their direct reports to be completed and delivered in collaboration with the Manger.
• Assist the Manager with supply orders, inventory tracking, and departmental reporting.
• Ensure adherence to accreditation standards and regulatory requirements in collaboration with the Manager.
• Support initiatives involving Conservation, Research, Animal Health, Facilities, and Guest Relations teams to align with Shedd’s mission.
• Participate in daily team meetings and bi-weekly meetings with the Manager to discuss operational updates and project needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, zoology, animal science, related field — or demonstrated equivalent knowledge.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in animal husbandry.
• Proven track record in the care, handling, and behavioral training of animals.
• Familiarity with life support systems, water quality management, and veterinary protocols.
• Familiarity with collection planning, sustainability initiatives, and conservation priorities in an aquarium setting.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards for animal care, including transport and accreditation requirements.

Key Competencies:

• Proficient in record-keeping and animal management software.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a focus on critical thinking in a dynamic environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Proficient in using animal management software for accurate record-keeping and reporting.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and adjust schedules as needed.
• Commitment to Shedd's mission, vision, and values, with a passion for conservation.

Certifications:

• Must possess a valid driver's license or can obtain one within 6 months from start of employment.
• Must possess a valid passport or can obtain one within 6 months from start of employment.
• Must possess a minimum of open water SCUBA certification.
• Employment contingent upon passing a dive physical and check out protocol administered by Shedd Aquarium's Dive Operations.

Language and communication skills:

• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English fluently.
• Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions given from written and oral sources. 
• Ability to write professional business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information to all One Shedd team members.
• Ability to lead, inspire, and manage people.
• Ability to execute department planning and strategy.

Mathematical skills:

• Ability to understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas.
• Ability to understand and employ intermediate level accounting mathematics.

Reasoning skills:

• Ability to work with little or no supervision.
• Ability to work within a team environment.
• Ability to use common sense techniques in solving problems.
• Ability to solve complex logical problems.
• Ability to use diplomacy and tact when dealing with problems.
• Ability to identify problems and determine the best course of action for their resolution.
• Ability to critically evaluate information for accuracy and usefulness in solving problems.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in a variety of situations.
• Ability to evaluate and recommend behavioral solutions for optimal welfare and sustainability of animals in Shedd’s care.
• Ability to plan for development of animals in Shedd’s care for public engagement, sustainability, and research.
• Ability to develop and manage a department budget.

Computer skills:

• Proficiency of Microsoft Office programs.
• Proficiency in the use animal management software such as TRACKs.
• Ability to learn multiple software applications for accounting, employee management, and interdepartmental business operations.

Physical readiness:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Lift up to 40 pounds
• Sit
• Stand
• Stoop
• Kneel
• Walk
• Swim
• Hear

Working environment:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This person may be exposed to:

• Water
• Heat
• Cold
• Hazardous Chemicals
• Low noise
• Moderate Noise
• Loud Noise
• We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply.
• Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.
• If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).