Aquarist II

The minimum starting pay for this role is $28.00. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

The Aquarist II is responsible for providing general animal care for the Aquarium of the Pacific’s living collection in various work areas as assigned. Primary duties include food preparation, feeding, exhibit and life support maintenance, diving, collecting, and supervising volunteers/interns. They will maintain current on the husbandry and natural history of all fish, invertebrates, and reptiles in the aquarist’s area of responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responsible for the husbandry of various fish and invertebrates, their habitats, and life support systems in the aquarium.
• Actively participates in the animal wellbeing program.
• Maintain the highest level of cleanliness and artistic quality of the habitats.
• Maintain exhibits through diving, when necessary.
• Maintain proper water quality to ensure the health of the collection and high water clarity.
• Ensure the proper care of life support equipment by adhering to a regular preventive maintenance schedule.
• Report all non-function life support equipment to the Assistant Curator, Curator, or Life Support department.
• Develop and maintain species appropriate diets.
• Ensure that proper lighting levels are achieved and maintained.
• Complete habitat rounds at least twice daily to check status of all exhibits and holding/quarantine systems and their occupants.
• Assist and collaborate with Assistant Curator and Life Support department with system design and fabrication during renovations.
• Recognizes medical conditions and administer medications as needed under the direction of the Veterinarian or Curator.
• Maintain quarantine/holding systems. Adhere to accepted quarantine schedule. Makes changes to the schedule only with the approval of the Curator or Veterinarian.
• Maintain all established records in area of responsibility. This includes acquisition and disposition logs, animal welfare assessments, habitat records, water quality records, and animal health records.
• Maintain stocking levels for display habitats.
• Assist with the acquisition, transfer, and disposition of specimens.
• Assist with field collection trips.
• Maintain a clean work area to facilitate a presentable and safe environment for work and behind the scenes tours.
• 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 needed for department.
• 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.
• Support work on other galleries as needed

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 CA driver’s license (minimum of 3 years driving experience)
• CPR Certification

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Maintain a high level of knowledge of Aquarium species in individual’s area of responsibility.
• Maintains a high level of knowledge and expertise of the operation and theory of life support systems.
• Maintains knowledge of industry innovations and new techniques.
• Attention to detail.
• 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