Aquarist

Audubon Institute•New Orleans, LA

57d•Onsite

About The Position

The Audubon Aquarium is looking for a motivated individual to add to the team at the Audubon Aquatic Center (AAC), the quarantine facility for the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium and home to the Audubon Aquarium Rescue (AAR) program. The Keeper Aquarist is a mid to high-level position within the aquarist range. Demonstrated knowledge and experience will determine placement within the Keeper level. This position is responsible for all aspects of running the AAC, including general husbandry care of a wide range of taxa, exhibit maintenance, daily water quality testing and dosing systems according to veterinary established quarantine protocols, life support maintenance and repair of all systems. Partners with AAR to support rehabilitation efforts by maintaining all rehab enclosures within proper life support and water quality parameters to meet all USWFS and NOAA regulations governing rehab animals. Completes building maintenance projects as needed.

Requirements

Minimum of two years of paid experience in a zoological facility, public aquarium, or similar facility OR demonstrated and confirmed skill set. An AZA accredited public facility is preferred.
Familiarity with executing quarantine protocols and administering treatments.
Understanding/ experience with care of aquatic LSS systems and water chemistry in a professional setting with demonstrated success.
Familiarity with using professional animal recordkeeping software, ZIMS preferred.
High School diploma (or equivalent) and a degree from a recognized college or university are required. College course work in zoology, biology, animal science or related field is preferred.
Accurate oral and written communication skills.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license
Proven competency in the application of Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint and Excel computer programs is required.
Must have the ability to use mobile devices to facilitate effective communication.
Have a general understanding of the use of basic power tools. Ability and willingness to operate power tools, lawn equipment, etc.

Nice To Haves

SCUBA certification strongly preferred.
First Aid/ CPR preferred
Basic carpentry, plumbing and horticultural skills are considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Provides a high standard of animal care. Experienced with professional animal care and wellbeing standards. Prioritizes preventative care and excellence in animal welfare.
Upkeep and preventative maintenance of LSS, including sand filter stirring, small- medium sized plumbing projects, backwashes of small and large sand filters. Responsible for all aspects of exhibit maintenance. Accomplishes daily tasks within acceptable/ established timeframe. Proposes advancements and efficiencies.
Serves as the water quality testing personnel and as life support staff for the AAC.
Responsible for carrying out veterinary prescribed quarantine plans. This includes chemical dosing, oral medications, altered water quality parameters, detailed monitoring of health and behavior in response to treatment, and input of all treatment records into ZIMS. Works with veterinary staff to schedule and administer preventative care and responsive animal health care procedures.
Serves as assistance to AAR staff for animal procedures as needed. Responsible for effective communication with AAR staff on the life support functionality and water quality parameters of rehab enclosures.
Responsible for upholding all biosecurity protocols based on quarantine acquisitions and rescued animals residing at the AAC.
Uses training (operant conditioning) and enrichment to accomplish behavior and wellbeing goals. Develops and evaluates animal enrichment based on behavioral goals. Identifies areas where training and enrichment can be used to optimize husbandry practices, reduce stress and improve welfare.
Follows direction and acts in accordance with all established protocols and procedures. Compliance with all AZA and USDA standards. Assists in recognizing areas where written protocols need to be created or advanced in pursuit of compliance, welfare and consistency in care. Compliance with all USWFS and NOAA guidelines for animal in the AAR collection.
Monitors exhibit functionality, air and water parameters, identifying and communicating anomalies/concerns promptly.
Accurate recordkeeping for short- and long-term monitoring of health, behavior, tracking trends and advancing animal practices.
Completes professional development as assigned.
Assists with tours and able to represent Audubon Nature Institute with professionalism and in support of mission-oriented efforts.
Possesses strong communication skills, including listening and thoughtful dialogue. Assumes the role as communicator for the section when needed.