Aquarist - Changing Exhibits & Interactive Exhibits

New England Aquarium•Boston, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The New England Aquarium is seeking an Aquarist to join our Changing Exhibits (CE) and Interactive Exhibits (IE) teams. These teams are responsible for a diverse and dynamic portfolio of exhibits, including shorebirds, the Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank, seahorses, live mangroves, coral reefs, sharks and rays, and jellies. They also oversee key programs such as live food culture, jelly culture, shark and ray rearing, herp ambassador programs, and headstart turtle initiatives. The level of the Aquarist position will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant. This position will provide daily husbandry of the animals in the CE/IE collections. Responsibilities also include maintaining the appearance and function of assigned exhibits and support spaces, assisting with specimen acquisition, and supporting the setup, modification, and maintenance of exhibits and holding systems, along with other related duties. This is a full-time, regular, on-site position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00am-5:00pm. Candidates must be available to work occasional holidays, and nights, and respond to emergencies during off hours.

Requirements

Animal husbandry or related experience required.
Minimum 6 months of experience to be considered for Aquarist 1.
Minimum 2 years of experience to be considered for Aquarist 2.
Minimum 5 years of experience to be considered for Senior Aquarist
Bachelor's degree with a concentration in science preferred.
Ability to obtain/maintain Medical Examiner's authorization to SCUBA dive in accordance with NEAQ Diving Program preferred.
Valid Driver's License, a good driving record, and the willingness to drive a 24' box truck required.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with a large group of peers and colleagues across departments and organizational levels, as well as work independently. Good judgment, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Ability to foster good interpersonal relationships with colleagues.
Ability to serve as a mentor and/or resource for Assistant Aquarists, apprentices, volunteers, interns, and co-ops.
Must be comfortable working in confined spaces with the ability to stoop and/or kneel for portions of each shift in low clearance exhibits. Candidates must also be able to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Internationally recognized SCUBA diving certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides daily care of assigned animals, exhibits, holding systems, support spaces, and life support systems according to the standards set forth by NEAQ as well as AZA.
Makes daily observations of animals for health assessment according to established norms of animal behavior and appearance.
Maintains written and electronic records and submits entries via NEAQ's specimen database system TRACKS©.
Performs routine Animal Welfare assessments.
In conjunction with the Environmental Quality Department and under the direction of the Area Manager, manages water quality and environmental parameters in assigned exhibits and holding tanks.
Applies responsible population management practices in making recommendations during the annual collection planning exercise, in addition to helping facilitate the acquisition and disposition of animals.
Dependent upon the level of the Aquarist, develops, executes, and adjusts, or assists with development, execution, and adjustment of strategies to effectively meet the behavioral needs of assigned animals, including enrichment and operant conditioning.
Manages life support systems and, dependent upon the level of the Aquarist, participates in or leads the design, upgrade, and installation of such systems.
May need to demonstrate competency as a SCUBA diver, collector, and transport driver.
Provides alternate coverage for other aquarists and is available for cross-training as assigned.
Depending on assignment, may be routinely expected to engage with the public through in-person or virtual presentations.
Senior Aquarist level may assume the role of acting Manager as needed, and supervise interns and volunteers, including training, scheduling, and performance management.