Biologist 2

Florida Aquarium•Tampa, FL

22h

About The Position

The Biologist 2 is responsible for the husbandry in the area(s) to which they are assigned. This specific position is expected to play a primary role in caring for and managing The Florida Aquarium’s (TFA) Wetlands collections. This includes the care and maintenance of terrestrial and aquatic exhibits, disease recognition and treatment, life support system operation, and species identification and knowledge. They are expected to operate with minimal supervision and serve as a mentor to their coworkers, specifically regarding reptile and amphibian husbandry.

Requirements

Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a facility working with aquatic and terrestrial organisms, including but not limited to birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fishes, and plants
Four-year degree in biology or related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered
Knowledge of habitat requirements, including life support systems and water quality parameters for aquatic and terrestrial species
Knowledge of animal record keeping systems (Tracks) preferred
Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
SCUBA certification required
Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License
Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays

Responsibilities

Performs husbandry duties of daily animal care including but not limited to maintaining life support systems, preparing food, feeding animals, and cleaning animal habitats at a high level of quality and does so with minimal supervision
Exhibit, maintain, and further develop a broad knowledge base on the proper husbandry for birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians
Experience working with large, dangerous reptiles in both free and protected contact settings
Plan and execute behavioral training and environmental enrichment with terrestrial and aquatic species
Serves as a resource and mentor for Biologists, Interns, and Volunteers in the development of job skills relating to general husbandry functions, exhibit and life support systems design, construction and maintenance, aquatic and terrestrial organism, disease recognition and treatment, collecting techniques and species identification
Prioritizes human and animal safety foremost when handling large terrestrial and/or aquatic animals
Ensures accurate animal record keeping through consistent utilization of electronic record keeping systems
Applies knowledge and identifies issues with terrestrial and/or aquatic habitat and life supportsystems
Maintain AZA inspection readiness for exhibit, service, holding, and backup areas
Interacts with aquarium guests, donors and team members in a positive and professional manner
Assures behavior consistently meets the TFA values of Respect, Trust and Excellence
Initiates and executes exhibit improvements and modifications independently
Initiates and executes behavior shaping plans for aquatic and terrestrial animals with proficiency
Identifies and solves obstacles with projects and tasks in a team setting
Conducts complex work processes without supervision
Maintains tools and equipment necessary for the care of the collection
Assists in maintaining husbandry SOPs
Works with volunteers and interns within scope of position
Participates in meetings with curators, biologists and other aquarium departments
Represents the aquarium at selected professional development opportunities
Initiates and executes presentations and reports independently
All other duties as required