Biologist II

California Academy of Sciences•San Francisco, CA

1d•$31•Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time Biologist II position that is responsible for providing general animal care, maintenance, and support for the Steinhart Aquarium’s diverse living collection. While this position will support a wide variety of taxa, freshwater and saltwater aquarium husbandry experience is preferred. This position will also support the the aquarium’s phytoplankton culture and marine fish larval rearing programs. Our biologists maintain habitats and holding areas, monitor animal and plant health, make frequent daily rounds, report suspected animal or water quality problems to a department lead, and maintain accurate records. The work schedule is either Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday and will include weekends, evenings and holidays.

Requirements

Three (3) years of paid full-time animal/plant care or related position(s) in a public aquarium or comparable institution, showing an increase in responsibility and experience.
Knowledge of marine phytoplankton culture and techniques.
Knowledge of marine larval fish culture and techniques.
Knowledge of essential animal care and welfare requirements for the living collection.
Knowledge of USDA and AZA standards for animal care and welfare.
Knowledge of public aquarium/zoo operations, maintenance, record keeping and life support systems.
Excellent observation skills.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Effective organizational and problem solving skills.
Ability to multitask, adapt, and prioritize.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as departmental protocols, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to present programs and effectively convey information to guests, the general public, the media, colleagues, and in professional meetings.
Ability to work as a member of a team and engage in a culture that promotes trust, respect and accountability.
Ability to utilize web-based communication and collaboration applications.
Willingness to seek further training in animal and plant husbandry.
Ability to complete CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
Ability to work weekends and holidays on a routine basis.
Ability to transport 50 lbs.
Ability to perform repetitive motions 75% of the time.
Requires the ability to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
Must be able to work a computer.
Must be able to climb stairs and ladders.
Must be able to swim.
Must be able to use extension poles, long-handled nets and shepherd’s hooks.
Must be able to work with, or adjacent to, venomous and dangerous animals.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine or Aquatic Biology or a related field.
SCUBA certified or able to attain SCUBA certification.
Experience with scientific research projects.

Responsibilities

Cultures various species of phytoplankton according to protocols
Participates in the marine larval rearing program including egg collection, egg sorting, feeds and maintenance
Provides daily animal and plant care and habitat maintenance including animal feedings, habitat and back of house cleaning, health monitoring and environmental sampling for one or more of the following: fresh and saltwater aquariums, terrestrial invertebrate, reptile, amphibian, bird, plant and mammal habitats and holding areas.
Actively participates in the animal welfare and behavioral husbandry programs.
Assists in animal treatments and procedures as required.
Assists in the design and preparation of new display environments and habitats.
Participates in collection of specimens, animal transportation and shipments, and travels on Aquarium business as required.
Actively seeks further training with all taxa represented in the living collection.
Maintains accurate records using the department’s standardized software programs.
Effectively communicates to the Aquarium management and staff.
Establishes and maintains positive, cooperative and effective working relations with fellow employees.
Participates in Academy committees and work groups as needed.
Presents programs to the general public, media and in professional meetings.
Interacts with professional colleagues, guests, the media and the general public in a professional manner.
Follows all Academy safety regulations.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.