Aquarist II- Aquaculture Specialist

The minimum starting pay for this role is $25.50. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

The Aquarist II is responsible for providing the highest possible quality of care to the animals in his/her care. The individual will have specialized experience with larval fish culture, jelly culture, and/or live foods. The Aquarist II also ensures that all animal dispositions are conducted in a humane and ethical manner, assists with the acquisition of specimens, and assists with field collection trips.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for the direct husbandry of various fish & invertebrates and life support systems in the Aquarium
• Maintain the highest level of cleanliness of animal enclosures
• Maintain proper water quality (temperature, pH, nutrient levels, etc.) to ensure the health of the organisms and high water clarity
• Ensure the proper care of life support equipment by adhering to a regular preventive maintenance schedule and by keeping all items clean
• Demonstrates basic plumbing skills under supervision (comfortable plumbing PVC pipe up to 2”)
• Maintain a high level of knowledge of larval animal rearing techniques
• Stays current with advances in live foods and nutrition
• Ensure optimal broodstock health and manage consistent reproduction
• Maintain a high level of biosecurity in culture areas
• Ensure that proper lighting levels (including appropriate photoperiod) are achieved and maintained
• Demonstrates proficiency in the capture, handling, transfer and acclimation of fish and invertebrates
• Complete inspection rounds at least twice daily to check status of all exhibit and holding/quarantine systems and their occupants
• Report all non-function life support equipment to the Fish and Invertebrate Management Team , or in emergency situation, Life Support department
• Assist and collaborate with Life Support department with system design and fabrication during renovations
• Prepares diets and feeds organisms
• Observe and recognizes medical conditions that may require medical treatments.
• Administer medications as needed under the direction of the Management Team.
• Maintain all established records necessary to keep track of the collection (data collection, tanks records, water quality records, etc.)
• Maintain a clean work area to facilitate a presentable and safe environment for work and behind the scene tours
• Maintain exhibits through diving if necessary
• Adhere to all established safety protocols (fire, OSHA, diving, etc.)
• Train, develop, and oversee the work of volunteers and interns assigned to work in individual’s area of responsibility
• Assist in the handling of marine mammals or birds when additional personnel are required
• Maintain supplies and equipment
• Demonstrate flexibility in completing tasks, which may extend after normal working hours or to weekends and holidays
• Occasionally provide interviews to the media under the direction of Public Relations Director
• Collaborate with other aquariums and zoos in aquarium techniques
• Presents workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs and behind-the-scenes tours
• Able to cover a system in the in the gallery in which you work

QUALIFICATIONS

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of three years’ paid progressively responsible experience caring for animals in a public aquarium or equivalent organization
• SCUBA certification
• Possess a valid drivers license
• CPR Certification

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Maintain a high level of knowledge of Aquarium species
• Maintains a high level of knowledge and expertise of the operation and theory of life support systems
• Attention to detail
• Boat handling ability
• In-depth expertise in a specialized discipline of Aquarium Sciences (e.g. fish or invertebrate breeding techniques, water chemistry, life support system design, etc.)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to balance bend, squat, climb, kneel, crawl, twist, climb ladders.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 0-75lbs.
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-100lbs.
• Ability to swim, SCUBA certification in dive aquarium habitats or open ocean.
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills

MENTAL DEMANDS

The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Flexibility and adaptability in dealing with high levels of responsibility, empathy, frustration and patience when it comes to the care of animals with basic needs.
• Resilience and ability to prioritize sometimes competing tasks and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and guests, even when differing perspectives present potential for conflict.
• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions and alternatives.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.
• Ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism.
• Ability to cope with occasional illness, injury, or loss of animals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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

• Exposure to injury from animals
• Food preparation with fish and shellfish
• Exposure to various in temperature, humidity or wetness
• Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
• Elevated platforms
• Use of special auditory, visual, and personal protective equipment
• Exposed to working with bio-hazards
• Use of hand tools, machinery and company vehicles
• Aquarium habitats and open ocean environments

INTERSTED OR QUALIFIED?

If you meet the requirements of this position, please click on the link below to “APPLY NOW.” You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required for all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:

1. You will complete a brief web application;
2. You will attach or build your resume;
3. You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.

Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration. If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks. If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise. Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!

Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.

APPLY NOW