Aquarist at the Key West Aquarium

Historic Tours of America • Key West, FL

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Become a CASTmember of the Nations Storyteller ® Be a part of the original Key West Aquarium which opened in 1935 in famous Mallory Square! The Aquarist must have a good sense of fun and a desire to entertain while sharing the Aquarium’s history, informing guests on the habitat and behaviors of the Aquarium’s animals, and conservation. Assist with the care of the animals in all exhibits throughout the Aquarium, including feeding and maintaining their habitats. Prepare the Aquarium every morning for visitors and maintain appearance throughout the day leading up to the preparation for closing. When requested, participate in off-site educational programs. You tell our story to everyone you come in contact with; guests judge our company and all of our CASTmembers by your level of hospitality and job performance. The customer’s first impression should be that our company has integrity, is safe, and fun. Our mission is to be The Nation’s Storyteller ®

Requirements

• High degree of self-motivation and the ability to work independently or as a team within the scope of established rules and regulations.
• Ability to learn stage direction and memorize script and relay script in an entertaining manner.
• Ability to be heard in a clear, audible voice with or without amplification by an audience up to 30 people.
• Ability to give the scripted story in the time allowed.
• Ability to maintain safety while performing feedings of animals.
• Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking the time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Ability to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous people in a pleasant, calm, courteous manner.
• Ability to read, write and speak clear English to communicate with co-workers and the public.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record for past three years.

Nice To Haves

• Prefer at least one year in college in a Biology/Zoology, Education, or Environmental Science degree program or currently enrolled in biology-based coursework preferred, or one year of experience in a related field.
• Prior performance, tour guide, or interpretational experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Extend courtesy, friendliness, and hospitality in full measure to every guest. Pay every guest the ultimate compliment of recognition and attention.
• Study, rehearse, and deliver scripts about the Aquarium, local marine life, and conservation.
• Narrate script accurately in an entertaining and timely manner, both indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions, while conducting feedings to demonstrate feeding behaviors several times a work shift, in a clear and audible voice, with the use of a microphone, for an audience up to 30 persons or more.
• Provide in-depth Aquarium and animal information to interpret the exhibits for guests.
• Prepare food for feeding according to diet and schedule for each animal as set by the Aquarist Supervisor, and accurately log all feedings.
• Daily cleaning of the Aquarium includes but is not limited to cleaning the glass fronts of the Aquarium and exhibits, picking up litter and disposing of trash between tours, and mopping as needed.
• Participate in aquarium duties, including set-up and breakdown of aquariums and exhibits, cleaning and maintenance of exhibits which could include being partially or fully submerged underwater.
• Observe exhibits to detect disease and injuries, report the condition to the Aquarist Supervisor, and treat animals according to instructions.
• Assist with the care of a variety of permitted and non-permitted animal species: reptiles, invertebrates, elasmobranchs, and chelonians. The CASTmembers can only work with permitted animal species if authorized by the state of Florida and approved by the General Manager or Operations Manager.
• Assist with moving animals and loading and unloading supplies.
• Assist Aquarium management with curriculum design, development, and implementation.
• Represent the Aquarium by promoting education programs at community events, fairs, school presentations, expos, and other activities as needed.
• Serve as a positive role model for children and other Aquarium guests by adhering to company standards.
• Be familiar with and follow all Safety Procedures and Programs to ensure the safety of guests and CAST. Report all safety concerns immediately to a manager.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and paid training: $20 per hour
• All FT Employees are eligible for paid vacation time, as well as company sponsored health and wellness plans
• All FT, PT and Seasonal employees are eligible for: paid sick time, 401K plan with company matching, fun and upbeat work environment with various award and recognition celebrations throughout the year, First Stop Health - 24 hr. access to doctor by phone or computer for employee and their dependents (Employer pays 100%), discounts in retail stores and free admission to all company attractions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed