JOB SUMMARY: Consistently exhibit excellent representation of the aquarium through a positive, energetic, and teamwork-focused work ethic. Hands-on supervisory responsibilities with Fish and Invertebrate staff. Responsible for animal care and welfare and may have responsibility to assist with habitat maintenance of fish, invertebrate, reptile, and amphibian collection. Oversee staff development. Develop and implement procedures for animal husbandry and habitat maintenance. Monitor and operate life support systems. Facilitate aquarium programming and act as a leader to represent the department within the Aquarium.
Minimum Job Requirements:
- Must be willing to consistently provide guest service above and beyond Mystic Aquarium’s expectations.
- Bachelor’s degree in related discipline
- Eight years related experience and/or training, or
- Equivalent combination of education and experience
- Previous supervisory experience preferred.
- Proficiency with MS Office
- Working knowledge of the husbandry and welfare of fresh and saltwater fish and invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians
- Knowledge and skills with minor carpentry, plumbing, and painting
- SCUBA certification and ability to pass a dive physical.
- Strong communication, collaboration, leadership, and teamwork skills
- Flexible schedule and ability to work evenings/weekends/holidays/overtime as assigned.
Responsibilities & Essential Functions:
- Coordinate daily operations and supervise staff, volunteers, and interns.
- Mentor and directly supervise team members, including development and evaluation.
- Develop, implement, evaluate, and refine departmental revenue generating programs including public encounters.
- Regularly evaluate habitat and animal health and ensure welfare standards are upheld.
- Develop staff proficiency standards at current level and skills necessary for development.
- Develop and implement animal training and husbandry procedures, techniques, and practices.
- Supervise area and develop and publish department schedules to ensure appropriate coverage.
- Maintain consistent professional attitude, motivation, and ability to accept feedback.
- Maintain high animal health standards and participate in procedures and necropsies.
- Maintain current up to date knowledge on biology, ecology, and husbandry of all animals being cared for.
- Actively lead the design and construction of new exhibits and associated life support systems as assigned.
- Oversee departmental volunteer and intern programs.
- Maintain appropriate written and computerized animal care records.
- Monitor acquisition and inventory of necessary departmental supplies.
- Frequent scuba diving in varying conditions. May be called upon to participate in diving activities in any Aquarium habitat.
- Be a role model for staff demonstrating positive customer service and teamwork with other departments and guests at Mystic Aquarium.
- Provide exhibit interpretation to ensure guest education and animal safety.
- Ensure all husbandry areas are kept clean, organized, and hazard free.
- Respond to emergency calls.
- Participate in Aquarium related education, PR, and membership programs including facility tours and exhibit interpretation.
- Must be available for after-hours events and on-call coverage as assigned.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
- Safety/Security
- Work in a safe manner at all times.
- Properly use and keep, in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied as protection from recognized hazards.
- Report any unsafe conditions.
- Must have a working knowledge of all Facility wide, and Department specific, safety procedures that relate to their position, including, but not limited to: Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use.
- Sea Research Foundation, Inc. (dba Mystic Aquarium) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
- It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or sexual orientation.
- Women and underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
