Aquatic Biologist PT

Clearwater Marine Aquarium•Clearwater, FL

6d•$0 - $14•Onsite

About The Position

This is a part-time temporary position funded by an annual grant that must be awarded year over year to continue. The Associate Aquatic Biologist will demonstrate the ability to learn all aspects of the Aquatic Biology Department to support the goals and objectives as identified by the CMA management teams in accordance with federal policy. The primary responsibility will be to assist in providing daily healthcare to the CMA sea turtle and aquatic species population as outlined by FWC regulations, CMA policies, and standard operating procedures. In line with the mission of CMA, this position will maintain various programs, activities, and events that promote marine animal stewardship, increase community awareness and involvement in conservation-based activities. Regular tasks required of the Associate Aquatic Biologist may also include administrative tasks, educating internal and external customers, public speaking, PR, internal and external correspondence, shift coverage and overnight observations, operation of vehicles and vessels, collection of data, and maintenance and storage of equipment. These job responsibilities will require the Associate Aquatic Biologist to maintain flexible working hours, be amenable to shifting priorities and other changes, and be able to adjust accordingly.

Requirements

BS degree with emphasis on Biology, Environmental Science or Zoology preferred.
Current SCUBA and CPR certifications.
Must hold a valid driver’s license.
Minimum Open Water Diver certification from an internationally recognized diver training organization or ability to achieve within 90-day probationary period.
Complete training in safety programs including but not limited to: CPR certification, First Aid and dive safety.
Pass an annual swim test.
Strong communication skills with clear, friendly, and effective verbal and nonverbal communication; able to interact with a variety of people from guests to co-workers to donors, all in a positive manner.
Demonstrate a team-oriented attitude.
Participate in education efforts with the public, using proper showmanship skills and media tactics, to impress the importance of the impacts from human interaction as it relates to the conservation of the sea turtle population during tours, educational programming, PR and media, marketing efforts, etc.
Work towards possessing great time management skills with the ability to plan, organize and multi-task.
Be able to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrate the ability to be self-motivated, confident and disciplined with excellent work ethic.

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to candidate that has previously been on a FWC marine turtle permit.
Preference will be given to current CPR and First Aid certifications.

Responsibilities

Assist in providing daily healthcare to the CMA sea turtle and aquatic species population as outlined by FWC regulations, CMA policies, and standard operating procedures.
Maintain various programs, activities, and events that promote marine animal stewardship, increase community awareness and involvement in conservation-based activities.
Perform administrative tasks, educate internal and external customers, public speaking, PR, internal and external correspondence.
Provide shift coverage and overnight observations.
Operate vehicles and vessels.
Collect data and maintain and store equipment.
Learn a comprehensive knowledge of CMA’s Aquatic Biology Department and its function as it relates to the requirements outlined by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), while demonstrating the ability to follow all requirements for permitting and reporting in regards to resident Sea Turtles.
Understand health and anatomy, natural history, and environmental enrichment through provided reading material, observation and department training about Aquatic animals that include but not limited to Sea Turtles, fresh and saltwater fish, elasmobranchs and reptiles.
Assist in the execution efforts for routine husbandry veterinary procedures.
Participate in diet preparation, exhibit maintenance, water quality and life support systems, routine medical care, animal records, water parameter testing etc.
Learn and demonstrate required comprehension about vitamins and prescribed medications and administration techniques and timelines.
Ensure the cleanliness, organization, and upkeep of all animal exhibits, and associated areas of care.
Enter the water to scan and remove any foreign objects that could injure our resident animals or team members – this may include standing on the pool ledge/rocks or diving.
Perform unsupervised execution of various shifts for department.
Learn and execute appropriate use of behavioral logs, and any other record keeping processes, in compliance with FFWCC regulations (water quality, etc.), quarterly and annual reporting and annual refresher training.
Assume an “on call” status as deemed necessary.
Drive and assist in the maintenance all vehicles assigned to the department as outlined by the company SOP’s.
Assist with the training of the Aquatic Biology department volunteer and intern programs.
Follow safe policies and provide a safe working environment for animals, team members and guests.
Have flexibility with scheduling during a time of need (hurricane, cold stun or red tide events, animal husbandry concerns, etc.).
Learn/have a basic understanding of best practices in the field.
Assist with maintaining all inventory and ordering for all equipment and supplies for departmental needs.
Demonstrate complete comprehension of departmental and assigned facility SOP manuals, MSDS documents, FWC Handbook regulations, etc.
Work with your team and management team to provide CMA departments with information about the department for the various communication outlets such as staff meeting minutes, social media, in house newsletters, nightly end of day (EOD) reports, etc.
Bring ideas to your management team about the development and implementation of money generating programs involving aspects of marine animal care, education and conservation efforts.
Perform other duties as workload necessitates.
Possess the ability to support all Animal Care departments as needed.
Provide unsupervised support during conservational education and outreach events.
Participate in some or all aspects of various types of research projects as directed by the management and approved by the CMA Research Committee.
Assist Sea Turtle and Aquatic Biology Supervisor and management in writing employee evaluations.
Assist with grant writing as needed.
Perform basic water quality testing, chemical additions, salt water make up, pH and temperature testing.
Utilize knowledge of aquarium husbandry techniques, including taxonomy, record keeping, aquarium filtration, aquarium theory, and emergency procedures.
Assist with animal collecting and basic repairs to aquarium filtration systems.