Animal Care Specialist - Aquarium [Temporary Part-Time]
About The Position
The Animal Care Specialist in the Aquarium department performs animal husbandry and care for fish and other aquatic vertebrates, and maintains exhibits, enclosures, buildings, shelters, and service areas. The role includes preparing and distributing approved diets, cleaning and maintaining aquarium areas, observing and training animals, keeping detailed records, and providing medical treatments under Zoo Veterinarian instructions. The specialist applies species-specific enrichment and operant conditioning, assists with veterinary procedures and animal transfers, and communicates animal-related concerns to team members and management. The role also involves engaging zoo guests, supporting demonstrations and programs, and following safety procedures, company policies, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards. This is a temporary, part-time position with an immediate start and an end date on or about November 26, 2026.
Requirements
- Knowledge of freshwater and marine husbandry.
- Knowledge of water quality and chemistry.
- Familiarity with AZA accreditation standards, code of ethics, and representative husbandry standards.
- Familiarity with AZA or other captive population management programs.
- Basic computer skills and knowledge of software and applications.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment when analyzing animal behavior concerns or emergencies.
- Ability to work safely around delicate, wild, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous animals.
- Ability to carefully handle, examine, and move sick, injured, or small animals without causing harm.
- Sufficient strength, agility, and coordination to net, capture, or restrain animals of various sizes.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers.
- Availability to work days, nights, weekends, and occasional after-hours assignments.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment National Sex Offender Search, criminal background check, and drug screen.
Nice To Haves
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Associate’s degree or higher in wildlife or fisheries management, zoology, biology, or a related field.
Responsibilities
- Provide general husbandry and daily care for assigned animals, including preparing and distributing approved diets.
- Inspect, clean, and maintain exhibit and off-exhibit areas, enclosures, and service areas.
- Train animals, apply operant conditioning, and observe and evaluate animal behavior and condition.
- Maintain detailed daily animal records and report problems or concerns to appropriate managers.
- Follow safety procedures and respond appropriately to animal behavior concerns and emergencies.
- Secure animals, enclosures, and associated structures; assist with capturing, netting, restraining, and moving animals.
- Propose and perform species-specific enrichment and participate in husbandry and behavioral programs.
- Assist veterinary staff with animal treatment and procedures, including translocations and crating.
- Act as a liaison between veterinary staff, leadership, and the aquatics team.
- Communicate animal-related issues effectively to team members and management, and assist colleagues with animal-care goals and challenges.
- Engage guests, staff, volunteers, and VIPs through discussions, events, demonstrations, and shows.
- Study assigned reference materials related to animal care, behavior, and natural history.
- Uphold zoo policies, safety protocols, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards.
- Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Education Level
Associate degree
