Aquarium Fish LSEO Summer Intern

Moody Gardens, Inc. • Galveston, TX

21d • $15 - $15 • Onsite

About The Position

Aquarium Fish Internship The internship will provide the applicant with an introduction into aquarium husbandry, exhibit maintenance, positive reinforcement training and environmental enrichment. At the end of the internship the applicant will have a basic knowledge of the above skills and techniques as well as a basic understanding of the biology of aquarium husbandry. Intern Benefits: Learn daily husbandry and nutrition of a diverse collection of fishes and invertebrates. Learn exhibit maintenance. Learn positive reinforcement and environmental enrichment techniques. Learn proper food preparation techniques and understand system diets. Learn common and scientific names of fishes and invertebrates. Work closely with aquarium biologists and interact with guests. POSITION AUTHORITY: The incumbent is authorized to take reasonable action necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities, provided such action is consistent with position guidelines as outlined below. POSITION GUIDELINES: Position guidelines include, but are not limited to, established company and department policies and procedures and all supervisory directives. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound, reasonable judgment and initiative, and give high priority to accuracy and details in the performance of job responsibilities.

Requirements

• Must be on-time!
• Take direction and be willing to perform tasks as assigned.
• Work well with staff, volunteers and other interns.
• Work 16-20 hours a week for at least 12 weeks in fall/spring semesters and 20-40 hours a week for 10 weeks in summer semester.
• Set schedule prior to the start of the internship with morning shifts running from 8:00am to 12:00pm and afternoon shifts running from 1:00pm to 5:00pm.
• Capability of lifting a minimum of 50 pounds, climbing ladders, stairs, and work around saltwater.
• Interactions with Moody Gardens® visitors.
• Be prepared to answer questions from the public.
• Must present to a formal presentation at the end of the internship
• Bachelor's Degree with major course work in Biology, Zoology or related field and 5 years professional animal care experience or a relevant combination of education and experience
• Must be a certified S.C.U.B.A. certified diver if required in work area
• Must have valid driver’s license, truck and van experience
• Must be reliable and responsible
• Must have working knowledge of life support systems, animal husbandry, disease prevention, treatment and control and animal rearing techniques
• Must be organized, self-motivated with eagerness to complete all projects
• Must be willing to participate in public education and interaction
• Must be prepared to work odd or unscheduled hours
• Must represent Moody Gardens in a professional manner with all guests
• Able to revise daily routines to increase staff efficiency
• Able to revise food acquisitions to increase food/diet quality while maintaining costs
• Increase staff professional opportunities, in turn increasing productivity and morale
• Observe and help maintain areas not normally within area of responsibility
• Be available to work as required
• Be ambitious and self-motivated
• Have strong observational skills
• Have ability to work with other employees, and volunteers

Nice To Haves

• Current member of professional organizations, including AZA that support professional growth and Moody Gardens’ operations

Responsibilities

• Be knowledgeable about natural history, behavior and conservation of collection species in areas of responsibility, including individual specimen histories
• Assist with animal acquisitions
• Research husbandry and natural history information on prospective acquisitions
• Be knowledgeable about animal capture, restraint and transport procedures
• Be knowledgeable about Moody Gardens accepted animal husbandry policies, procedures and routines
• Be knowledgeable about water quality system mechanics and maintenance
• Be knowledgeable about disease diagnosis and treatment protocol
• Be knowledgeable about larval/infant care and appropriate husbandry and/or hand rearing techniques
• Be knowledgeable about medical treatment as directed by the veterinarian
• Be knowledgeable about animal nutrition & pest control measures
• Be knowledgeable about pest control measures
• Perform daily routines as scheduled or when needed
• Demonstrate staff development through hands on training and mentoring
• Demonstrate personal professional development within and outside Moody Gardens (professional organizations, networks, etc.)
• Communicate regularly with staff through department meetings, individual meetings and written memos or instructions
• Meet with Assistant Curator to plan day’s events, projects, etc., daily or as appropriate.
• Maintain animal records
• Conduct tours for guests/visitors and relate facility and animal knowledge
• Conduct public presentations
• Orient and train new Biologists
• Convey relevant species and specimen information to animal and education staff
• Represent the Moody Gardens and the L.S. &E.O. Department in media events
• Direct Biologists in all aspects of animal care
• Train Biologists in relevant facility, animal and safety procedures
• Know department and facility rules, policies and procedures, instruct employees, implement policies and procedures
• Coordinate with Assistant Curator to assure exhibit readiness for opening, schedule employees, and arrange for shift coverage when necessary
• Set example for Biologists by reporting to work on time and maintaining a clean, professional appearance
• Maintain all facilities, exhibits and equipment within area of responsibility.
• Maintain supplies necessary for all aspects of exhibit maintenance.
• Demonstrate knowledge about work order processes, ordering/requisition processes, price agreements and petty cash procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge about cleaning/disinfection procedures.
• Be knowledgeable about basic exhibit landscape maintenance and exhibit decoration
• Any and all other duties as assigned; duties are subject to change as management deems necessary to best serve the needs of Moody Gardens

Benefits

• Learn daily husbandry and nutrition of a diverse collection of fishes and invertebrates.
• Learn exhibit maintenance.
• Learn positive reinforcement and environmental enrichment techniques.
• Learn proper food preparation techniques and understand system diets.
• Learn common and scientific names of fishes and invertebrates.
• Work closely with aquarium biologists and interact with guests.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern