Aquarist

Liberty Science Center • Jersey City, NJ

9d • $47,000 - $52,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Aquarists at Liberty Science Center are responsible for the ongoing care and exhibition of the live animal population. They must implement professional husbandry protocols in regards to animal care and exhibit maintenance. They provide all aspects of daily care for the animals, including feeding, maintenance of enclosures and associated life support, enrichment, and health maintenance and treatment. This position reports to the Director of Animal Husbandry. The aquarist will enjoy benefits seldom offered at other facilities. Examples include the opportunity for design creativity with both freshwater and saltwater aquarium systems, cross-training and educational opportunities with mammals, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians, and the occasional educational and inspirational excursions and seminars. Employees work with a team of kind, helpful, motivated, and dedicated individuals.

Requirements

• Strong interest in animals of all kinds, ecology, and informal education
• Ability and disposition to handle the demands of caring for live animals in a highly public-facing environment
• Demonstrate a strong knowledge of husbandry practices
• Detail-oriented, a team player, and a skilled observer
• Excels at both written and oral communication
• Takes pride in work, maintaining high standards of care and providing a rich guest experience through the display and maintenance of live animal exhibits
• Proactive, exercises sound judgment, and responds quickly in emergency situations with appropriate action
• Comfortable working with a wide range of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, birds, and mammals
• SCUBA certification
• Final offer contingent upon the successful outcome of a TB screening
• Must be able to work effectively in a team-oriented workplace, as well as engage with the general public
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities

Nice To Haves

• Thorough knowledge of animal husbandry practices, keeper safety, and exhibit and life support system maintenance
• Familiarity with aquarium systems including life support systems, aquatic animal husbandry, maintenance needs, and quarantine protocols
• Knowledge of water chemistry, biological processes, and water quality analysis
• Knowledge of animal care, common health concerns, and treatment
• Plumbing experience
• Bachelor’s degree in biological or life sciences, or equivalent training and experience
• 1+ years of full-time experience caring for animals in a professional setting
• Possession of a valid driver’s license in good standing

Responsibilities

• Provide and oversee care of the aquatic animal population, totaling 20,000 gallons, with individual aquaria as large as 7,000 gallons
• Perform daily cleaning, diet preparation, feedings, enrichment, training & observations of animals, and maintenance of exhibits and life support systems
• Assist with ongoing care for the remainder of the live animal population, including invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals
• Maintain an intimate knowledge of animal health, exhibits, life support system operation, inventory, animal transport, quarantine procedures, species id and compatibility, disease recognition and animal ambassador protocols consistent with the highest standards of animal welfare
• Implement high quality standards for exhibits and back of house spaces, maintaining clean, well-organized, and hazard free work areas
• Input and maintain accurate records of daily observations and animal care data into databases
• Repair and maintenance of life support equipment, including pumps, UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, sand filters, plumbing, etc.
• Participate in programs and public activities as directed
• Perform lab work, such as regular water quality testing and necropsy as needed
• Assist in the planning and operation of specimen collection trips
• Collaborate on ideating, developing and producing creative solutions that serve to strengthen LSC’s brand, mission, and revenue
• Train, supervise, and evaluate interns and volunteers
• Other responsibilities, as assigned

Benefits

• Medical, dental, life, vision, and pet insurance
• 403(b) defined contribution retirement plan with an outstanding employer match
• Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts (pre-tax income for eligible health and/or dependent care expenses)
• Commuter benefits (pre-tax income for parking or mass transit expenses)
• Free parking
• 25% discount in the on-site store
• 15% discount in on-site cafeteria
• LSC family membership

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree