Bio III/Sr. Biologist- Cnidarian

Moody Gardens, Inc.•Galveston, TX

4d•$25 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

This position oversees the daily operations and growth of the Cnidarian Area in the Aquarium. This includes, but is not limited to, the Coral Lab, the Jellies Gallery, the Jelly Lab, 2 live coral exhibits, and the live food routines.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree with major course work in Biology, Zoology or related field.
Work experience may be substituted.
Must have a minimum of five years zoological experience, preferably with a variety of taxa.
Must be certified S.C.U.B.A. diver if work area requires it.
Current member of professional organizations, including AZA that support professional development and Moody Gardens’ operations.
Must have valid Texas driver’s license.
Must have working knowledge of life support systems, animal husbandry, disease prevention, treatment and control, behavioral management techniques and animal rearing techniques.
Must be prepared to work odd or unscheduled hours.
Must represent Moody Gardens in a professional manner with all guests.

Nice To Haves

Experience and proficiency in Jellyfish propagation – with many different species
Experience and proficiency in Live food production – live algae, rotifers and artemia
Experience and proficiency in Coral health assessment and treatment
Ingenuity and drive to continue the growth of the area
Previous supervisory experience preferred

Responsibilities

Maintain proficiency in all expected tasks of a Biologist 2
Be knowledgeable about natural history, behavior, and conservation of collection species in areas of responsibility, including individual specimen histories.
Be knowledgeable about Moody Gardens' accepted animal husbandry policies, procedures, and routines.
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 water quality system mechanics and maintenance.
Be knowledgeable about aquatic/marine disease diagnosis and treatment protocol.
Be knowledgeable about infant care and hand-rearing techniques.
Be able to identify disease problems, in coordination with Veterinary Technicians, Veterinarian, Curator/General Curator.
Be knowledgeable about medical treatment for animals as directed by the veterinarian.
Be knowledgeable about animal nutrition.
Be knowledgeable about pest control measures.
Perform daily routines as scheduled or when needed.
Pursue continuing education through association with various professional organizations, including AZA.
Assure animal health is a top priority
Make frequent daily rounds to evaluate animal health and exhibit condition, cleanliness and address any safety concerns.
Communicate regularly with staff through department meetings, individual meetings and written memos or instructions.
Meet with Curator to plan day’s events, projects, etc., daily or as appropriate.
Orient and train new Biologists.
Convey relevant species and specimen information to animal and education staff.
Conduct tours for guests/visitors and relate facility and animal knowledge.
Conduct public presentations.
Represent Moody Gardens and the L.S.&E.O. Department in media events.
Be able to interact with colleagues, professionals and conduct tours as directed.
Coordinate ongoing training program of routines and procedures for new and existing employees.
Maintain a staff communication tree and update as needed
Foster good relations with staff, guests, volunteers and contractors.
Ensure that appropriate animal records are maintained.
Maintain and order necessary supplies.
Organize animal movements in coordination with Curator.
Perform administrative duties with, or in absence of Curator.
Develop weekly work schedules in the absence of the Curator.
Set an example for the staff by reporting to work on time and maintaining a clean, professional appearance.
Direct Biologists in all aspects of animal care.
Train Biologists in relevant facility, animal and safety procedures.
Know and implement department and facility rules, policies and procedures.
Assist Biologists and Curator to assure exhibit readiness for opening, schedule employees, arrange for shift coverage when necessary.
Demonstrate effective leadership when onboarding new staff and with conflict resolution, team building and safety training.
Be able to interface professionally with other departments and interact with guests in a positive manner.
If applicable, organize and conduct field work as directed by Curator or General Curator.
Be organized and self-motivated to see tasks and projects through to completion.
Demonstrate sound decision-making in animal care, facility operations, and interactions with staff, volunteers, and guests.
Be able to revise daily routines to increase staff efficiency
Be able to revise food acquisitions to increase food/diet quality.
Encourage staff professional opportunities, in turn increasing productivity and morale.
Observe and help maintain areas not normally within the area of responsibility.
Be ambitious and self-motivated.
Have strong observational skills.
Have the ability to work with other employees and volunteers.