Aquarist- AQM60034920

State of North Carolina•Carteret, NC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Aquarist. Reporting to the Aquarium Curator, this position will be responsible for the daily care of all animals in the display, holding and quarantine systems. This individual is also required to maintain life support systems as well as habitat and behind the scenes aesthetics.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Art History, Biology, Botany, Conservation, Education, History or Zoology from an appropriately accredited institution AND two years of museum or related work; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Weekend, evening, and holiday work will be required.
Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Must be able to climb ladders and traverse stairs.
Must be capable of working in hot, humid, and wet conditions.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with aquatic and terrestrial animal husbandry, including fresh and saltwater fish, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds in a public Aquarium, Zoo, Museum, Hatchery, Aquaculture Facility, or nature center.
Experience maintaining life support systems and associated water chemistry at a public Aquarium, Zoo, Museum, Hatchery, Aquaculture Facility, or nature center.
Experience with operant conditioning, training, and behavioral enrichment of animals in a public Aquarium, Zoo, Museum, or comparable setting.
SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized organization or have the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

Maintaining the Aquarium's terrestrial and aquatic animal collection and associated quarantine area
Assisting with the care and collection planning of the education program animals.
Recognizing symptoms of disease and poor animal health and administering appropriate treatments, including quarantine of newly acquired specimens.
An understanding of operant conditioning, and implementation of behavior training
Maintaining life support systems.
Maintaining water chemistry in all assigned systems.
Managing effective quarantine of newly acquired specimens.
Ability to work within permitting guidelines of protected species
Maintaining accurate data bases.
Designing and creating new exhibits.
Conducting SCUBA assisted diving to maintain clean habitats and life support systems, performing educational dive programs, and collecting new specimens.
Acquiring and collecting new animals for display
Responding to animal strandings and rehabilitation.