Aquarist

Job Summary

Provides assigned specimens with excellent day-to-day care through approved husbandry practices; keeps exhibits, reserve tanks, support equipment, and workspaces well maintained to Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) standards; responsible for monitoring animal health, water quality and accurate recordkeeping; coordinates animal health issues with supervisors and veterinarian; administers treatments and quarantine procedures; interacts with guests in a positive manner ensuring they have a great experience; participates in transport and acclimation of specimens, as assigned.  Fully accountable for animals and systems under care in assigned areas. Will be responsible for providing coverage for other areas as assigned. The aquarist works collaboratively throughout LMC in a creative environment and contributes to the efficient operation of the department.  This position works a schedule set by the supervisor and may encompass non-traditional days and hours and may be asked to report to work for animal care emergencies.

Core Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain an environment conducive to the health and well-being of all animals within LMC’s collection.

• Completes inspection rounds of specimens, exhibits and reserve tanks to check status and identify and report potential problems. Resolves problems independently where possible.

• Prepares food and feeds assigned fish and invertebrate collection as well as cross coverage for sea turtles in accordance with dietary needs. Cleans and provides daily maintenance to food preparation areas, food preparation equipment and utensils.

• Prepares diets and diet supplements according to established protocols to ensure nutrition and vitamin content are maintained to keep specimens at peak health.

• Follows established feeding schedules and feeds appropriate amounts to maintain specimens at a healthy weight.

• Utilizes various feeding techniques and develops new strategies to overcome the challenges of getting the correct diet to all specimens in exhibits and reserve tanks housing multiple specimens and species.

• Observes and recognizes medical conditions that may require attention and reports observations. Discusses best course of therapy with veterinary and supervisory staff.

• Administers medications and implements routine quarantine procedures as needed.

• Maintains detailed, daily husbandry records and reviews records regularly.

• Maintains current knowledge of all specimens under their care and their natural history (biology and environmental needs) and husbandry requirements through hands-on experience, upkeep with current literature, keeper exchange programs, and symposium participation (as approved).

• Assists with animal physicals of specimens as needed.

• Maintains cleanliness and artistic quality of the displays through cleaning acrylic and decor, scrubbing algae and removing debris including cleaning done by SCUBA diving to meet established LMC standards.

• Performs hydro-cleaning, water changes, backwashing, and other procedures.

• Maintains water quality standards and adjusts parameters as needed, determines appropriate schedules for maintenance.

• Performs water quality tests on a rotational basis as needed.

• Cleans back-up areas including scrubbing, mopping, vacuuming water and pest control.

• Participates in and presents at workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs and tours.

• Responds to diver, life-support, and animal related emergencies, at times after hours.

• Coordinates daily activities though effective communication with staff and volunteers.

• Provides back-up support to other departments as needed.

• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

• Ensures that goals for an excellent visitor experience are met and maintained.

• Other duties as assigned or required.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in Marine Biology or related field preferred.
• SCUBA certification through recognized training agency.
• Driver’s license.
• Minimum 6 months of experience in a similar aquarium setting.
• Knowledge of aquatic animal food preparation and feeding techniques.
• Understanding of when to act independently and when to seek consultation of supervisory staff.
• Basic understanding of aquarium systems, functions, and maintenance.
• Skill in database management.
• Ability to work holidays, weekends and a non-traditional work week as well as respond to after-hours emergencies.
• Ability to follow laws and regulations relating to the care of wildlife in accordance with LMC and industry best practices.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials using basic computer skills in Word, Excel, internet navigation, e-mail, and spreadsheet programs.
• Ability to use hand and power tools.

About Us

Founded in 1983, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a leading cultural attraction in South Florida that provides open access to all guests. Today the Center is a global leader in the research, rehabilitation, and protection of sea turtles, serving our broader mission to promote ocean ecosystem conservation. Annually we reach 900,000 guests with our transformational education programs and partner with nearly 100 organizations across six continents and 16 countries in ocean conservation. In early 2022, we will open a new 27,500 square-foot campus that greatly expands our exhibition, education, and convening space and doubles our medical facilities.

Physical Demands + Work Environment 

The physical demands described herein 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. Successful applicants must be comfortable in a highly dynamic environment in an active and busy office or outdoor setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This position may involve working outdoors in Florida, often in hot and humid conditions, and at events that extend into evening and weekend hours. Must be willing and able to travel for offsite programming and possess a valid driver’s license.

Notes 

This is an hourly and non-exempt full-time position. The successful incumbent may be required to perform tasks beyond the scope of this job description as requested by the supervisor. This recruitment may be used to select candidates for additional open positions. It is our policy that all team members, including newly hired, transferred, and promoted team members, will be carefully monitored and evaluated for an initial introductory 3 month period on the job. After satisfactory completion of the introductory evaluation, such team members will be evaluated on an annual basis.