Aquarist

Marriott•Longboat Key, FL

13h

About The Position

This position is responsible for the daily husbandry operations in the Aquarium. Primary responsibilities include the care and wellbeing of all animals under the facility’s care; maintenance of all habitats; and positive team approach within the Curatorial Department. Follow company policies and procedures; maintain confidentiality of proprietary information; protect company assets. Report accidents, injuries, and unsafe work conditions to manager; complete safety training and certifications. Welcome and acknowledge all guests according to company standards; anticipate and address guests’ service needs; assist individuals with disabilities; thank guests with genuine appreciation. Speak with others using clear and professional language; answer telephones using appropriate etiquette. Develop and maintain positive working relationships with others. Ensure adherence to quality expectations and standards; identify, recommend, develop, and implement new ways to increase organizational quality. Visually inspect tools, equipment, or machines; move over sloping, uneven, or slippery surfaces; stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time. Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 75 pounds without assistance. Perform other reasonable job duties as requested.

Requirements

Bachelors’ Degree in Wildlife/Marine biology or 5 years of relevant work experience required.
2 years of related work experience with animal husbandry experience required.
Background in fresh and saltwater aquariums/zoos outside of internships through school.
Customer Service or hospitality experience.
Dive Experience.
CPR Certification
First Aid Certification
Open Water Dive Certificate
AED Certification
First Aid O2 Provider
Any certification/training required by local/state agencies
Any certification/training required by local/state agencies
Open Water Dive Certificate required
First Aid, CPR, AED and First Aid O2 Provider Emergency O2 Provider required
Background in fresh and saltwater aquariums, reptiles, amphibians, birds or small mammals required.

Nice To Haves

Experienced in the care of flora and fauna in a public aquarium setting preferred.
Experience in the care of flora and fauna in a public aquarium setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Represent department in a positive manner to professional agencies, institutions and various committees.
Comply with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality, state and federal rules and regulations.
Provide animal care and verify habitats meet compliance of facility specific policies and procedures.
Assist in the implementation of new habitats and educational opportunities in order to maximize guest experience.
Maintain up-to-date electronic records on animal health, water quality, system maintenance, system checks and stock reports as described in department SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
Communicate to leadership any animal health concerns to develop and implement a care and treatment plan.
Assist in emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals or company property.
Collaborate with other departments, to validate habitats and programs engage, educate and entertain diverse audiences.
Work closely with volunteers, interns and educators to provide exemplary guest service and engagement.
Perform daily dive requirements.
Monitor recreation equipment is in functioning condition, aquarium facilities are clean and necessary.
Verify supplies are stocked and available as needed.
Perform additional duties as necessary.
Explain and promote the rules and regulations of the aquarium facility intended for the safety and welfare of guests and members.
Observe activity in the aquarium facility and respond appropriately in accordance with LSOP (Local Standard Operating Procedures) in the event of an emergency.
Be aware of possible situations where guests are not able to safely participate in an activity and inform supervisor/manager.
Follow company policy and procedures for working with children (e.g., use of waiver forms).
Assist with safety training and conduct periodic risk management checks on all programs.
Complete any certifications/training required by law or manufacturer to instruct guests/clients on the use of equipment including CPR, First Aid O2 Provider.
Welcome and acknowledge each and every guest with a smile, eye contact, and a friendly verbal greeting, using the guest's name when possible.
Anticipate guests' service needs, including asking questions of guests to better understand their needs and watching/listening to guest preferences and acting on them whenever possible.
Address guests' service needs in a professional, positive, and timely manner.
Assist other associates to verify proper coverage and prompt guest service.
Thank guests with genuine appreciation and provide a fond farewell.
Provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, including assisting visually, hearing, or physically impaired individuals within guidelines (e.g., escorting them when requested, using words to explain actions, writing directions on paper, moving objects out of the way, or offering access to Braille or TDD phones).
Provide assistance to coworkers.
Answer telephones using appropriate etiquette including answering the phone within 3 rings, answering with a smile in one's voice, using the callers' name, transferring calls to appropriate person/department, requesting permission before placing the caller on hold, taking and relaying messages, and allowing the caller to end the call.
Speak to guests and co-workers using clear, appropriate and professional language.
Communicate program scheduling needs and changes or discourse in any program/curriculum standard operating procedures to supervisor/director.
Communicate media inquiries immediately to a manager.
Develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with other employees and departments.
Partner with and assist others to promote an environment of teamwork and achieve common goals.
Listen and consider the concerns of other associates, responding appropriately and effectively.
Support all co-workers and treat them with dignity and respect.
Handle sensitive issues with associates and/or guests with tact, respect, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
Comply with quality assurance expectations and standards.
Monitor the performance of others to verify adherence to quality expectations and standards.
Identify and recommend new ideas, technologies, or processes to increase organizational efficiency, productivity, quality, safety, and/or cost-savings.
Develop and implement quality improvement or corrective action plans.
Monitor for suspicious activity and report any such activity to a supervisor or manager.
Report work related accidents, or other injuries immediately upon occurrence to supervisor/manager.
Monitor for unsafe work procedures or conditions and/or report them to management/Loss Prevention personnel.
Follow property specific procedures for handling emergency situations (e.g., evacuations, medical emergencies, natural disasters).
Maintain necessary safety training and certifications to perform work tasks.
Use proper equipment, wear appropriate personal protective clothing (PPE), and employ correct lifting procedures, as necessary, to avoid injury.
Monitor guest swimming area for potentially dangerous conditions, unusual or unsafe activities, and swimmers/divers who are struggling.
Use appropriate rescue techniques if you observe swimmers who need assistance.
Follow company and department policies and procedures.
Protect the privacy of guests and coworkers.
Maintain confidentiality of proprietary materials and information.
Verify uniform, nametags, and personal appearance are clean, hygienic, professional and in compliance with company policies and procedures.
Protect company tools, equipment, machines, or other assets in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Perform other reasonable job duties as requested.