Aquarist 1

Loggerhead Marinelife Center•Juno Beach, FL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

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 and life support emergencies.

Requirements

An 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 public aquarium setting.
Knowledge of aquatic animal food preparation and feeding techniques.
Understanding of when to act independently and when to seek consultation from 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.

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. Resolve 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 and plans 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.
Supports Hospital team by acting as a Turtle Aquarist on a rotational basis and working closely with the Hospital staff and Volunteer staff to complete tasks including prepping diets, feeding turtles, cleaning turtle tanks, backwashing, maintain records in LSS room, recognizing and reporting problems in LSS, and providing guidance to volunteers to assist with the daily tasks
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. Participates in and supports diving at the Juno Beach Pier as part of the Responsible Pier Initiative.
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 divers, life-support, and animal related emergencies, at times after hours.
Coordinates daily activities through 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.