(Sr.) Aquarist, Aquarium Sustainability

Shedd Aquarium•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Aquarist is responsible for the daily husbandry, care, and welfare of a diverse collection of marine animals and live food cultures, including marine teleosts, cnidarians, syngnathids, sea jellies, sea dragons, and cold-water invertebrates. As part of a collaborative team, the role supports specialized marine habitats, live food production, and larval development programs. A key focus is caring for and producing live food cultures and supporting larval development initiatives, including invertebrate culture and teleost rearing through early life stages. The position contributes to animal welfare and species sustainability through collaboration with internal teams and AZA sustainability partnerships. The employer is open to hiring at either the Aquarist or Senior Aquarist level. Placement depends on demonstrated experience, the scope of past work, leadership, and the ability to independently manage complex creative projects. Senior-level duties include taking primary ownership of designated habitats, collections, cultures, programs, or operational responsibilities; providing technical guidance and mentorship; troubleshooting complex husbandry and culture challenges; and leading projects to develop or refine husbandry, culture, and larval care practices. This is a full-time, non-exempt, onsite position in Chicago. Orientation is Monday through Friday during the first week; onboarding and training are Thursday through Monday for at least one month; the ongoing schedule is Sunday through Thursday.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field, or demonstrated equivalent knowledge.
At least 1 year of experience providing aquatic animal care in an accredited zoo or aquarium.
At least 1 year of experience caring for marine teleosts and sea jellies.
At least 1 year of experience maintaining and managing live food cultures.
Knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry, training, enrichment, and collection planning.
Working knowledge of water chemistry and water quality management for marine systems.
Demonstrated ability to safely care for and handle aquatic animals.
Must possess a valid driver's license or obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
Must possess a valid passport or obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
Must possess a minimum of open water SCUBA certification.
Employment is contingent upon passing a dive physical and check-out swim test protocol administered by Shedd Aquarium's Dive Operations.
Senior consideration: At least 3 years of experience providing aquatic animal care in an accredited zoo or aquarium.
Senior consideration: Advanced experience in marine animal husbandry and live food culture management, including troubleshooting and improving production practices.
Senior consideration: Experience supporting larval development, propagation, or rearing programs.
Senior consideration: Ability to independently manage complex animal care responsibilities and lead projects or operational initiatives.
Senior consideration: Experience developing or improving husbandry practices, culture protocols, or larval rearing methodologies.
Senior consideration: Experience mentoring, coaching, or providing technical guidance to team members.
Senior consideration: Strong judgment, initiative, and ability to balance animal care, team, and organizational priorities.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate commitment to Shedd Aquarium's vision, mission, and values.
Provide high-quality husbandry, including diet preparation, feeding, enrichment, behavioral observations, recordkeeping, and habitat maintenance.
Maintain accurate animal records using TRACKS and communicate animal care observations and concerns in a timely manner.
Care for specialized marine habitats and animal collections, including sea jellies, sea dragons, marine teleosts, and cold-water invertebrates.
Prepare, maintain, monitor, and harvest live food cultures, including phytoplankton, rotifers, copepods, and brine shrimp.
Support larval development and rearing programs through husbandry, monitoring, and care of animals through early life stages.
Monitor culture performance and animal development, using critical thinking to identify challenges and improve outcomes.
Support species sustainability initiatives, including collaborative projects and AZA partnerships.
Maintain front-of-house habitats and back-of-house areas at inspection-ready standards.
Collaborate with Animal Health to support preventative care, assessments, and treatments.
Perform routine equipment and habitat maintenance and identify and report larger repair needs.
Provide daily direction, coaching, and feedback to interns and volunteers.
Collaborate across Animal Care and other divisions to support animal welfare, departmental goals, and institutional priorities.
Evaluate husbandry practices and recommend improvements that advance animal care and operational effectiveness.
Maintain compliance with applicable safety, legal, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards.
Participate in required meetings, organizational initiatives, and Shedd's DEAI commitments.
Participate in dive operations as needed and comply with policies and protocols established by Shedd's Dive Control and Safety Team.
At the Senior level, take primary ownership of designated habitats, collections, live food cultures, larval programs, or operational responsibilities.
At the Senior level, model excellence in animal care, professionalism, collaboration, and safety.
At the Senior level, provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentorship to Aquarists, interns, and volunteers.
At the Senior level, apply advanced technical knowledge to troubleshoot complex husbandry and culture challenges and improve larval rearing practices and outcomes.
At the Senior level, lead assigned projects and initiatives, including developing and refining husbandry practices, culture protocols, and larval care methodologies.
At the Senior level, contribute expertise and leadership to species sustainability initiatives, AZA partnerships, and cross-functional projects.
Perform other duties as assigned.