Aquarist I - Reptiles, Birds, and Program Animals

The Maritime Aquarium • Full-time • Norwalk, Connecticut, United States • USD $21 / hour • 2w ago

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The Maritime Aquarium's mission is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 37 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.

Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 85 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to our volunteers.

Position Overview:

The Aquarist at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is responsible for living specimens and maintaining their life support systems. The hourly rate for this position is $21.13. This is a full-time position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – ALL POSITIONS:

Prefer four-year degree (B.S. or B.A.) in marine biology, biology, zoology, psychology or related field.
A two-year degree (A.S./A.A.S.) in a relevant field plus a minimum of two years' experience in a public zoo or aquarium husbandry/operations position may be substituted for formal education.
A minimum six months' experience in animal care (may be any combination of paid work, internships, or volunteer service) preferred
Basic knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, and life support systems (LSS)
General knowledge of water quality testing, medical dosing, and lab equipment
Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal
Ability to lift 60 pounds
Ability to negotiate stairs, climb high obstacles and maneuver easily in exhibit and support areas
Able to negotiate various field conditions
Ability to work standing up for extended periods of time
Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record
SCUBA certification preferred
Able to work weekends and holidays

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provide care for various species of herpetofauna, birds, insects, small mammals, and fish.
Participates in daily animal presentations, involving handling a variety of animals and speaking to the public on a microphone
Provide daily animal care, including diet prep and feeding and exhibit cleaning
Maintain exhibits and back-of-house areas and life support systems, including cleaning, backwashing, and water changes, etc.
Evaluate animal health, diets, appetite and behavior, and report findings to manager
Administer medication to animals as directed by veterinarians
Performs water quality analysis, makes adjustments, follows up with subsequent testing
Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa
Provide shadowing opportunities for aquarists, interns, and volunteers in routine animal care, safety procedures, and aquarium operation as needed
Participates in collecting trips, animal transports, and procedural tasks, following legal regulations and ethical best practices
Enter and update animal records in TRACKs; assist in research projects as necessary
Uphold AZA and USDA standards in daily work
Deliver public presentations
Work to desensitize animals for program and training and administer enrichment
Participate in public training demonstrations and/or keeper talks
Conduct welfare assessments and report findings
Interact positively and professionally with guests, animal care and veterinary staff, and volunteers, and report issues to supervisor and act in a professional manner
Follow all safety protocols and understand their role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required
Maintains a variety of collecting equipment.
This position will require the individual to work weekends and holidays, assist with after-hours emergencies, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting and transport duties.
Other duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.