Aquarist- AQM60034851

State of North Carolina•Dare County, NC

60d•Onsite

About The Position

The North Carolina Aquariums on Roanoke Island is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Aquarist. The position will function as a General Aquarist / Herpetologist for the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. This position reports directly to the Husbandry Curator and is responsible for the care of all reptiles and amphibians exhibited to the public, along with associated habitats and life support. This position will be responsible for assisting the care of aquatic animals in addition to the herpetology collection on site.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Art History, Biology, Botany, Conservation, Education, History or Zoology from an appropriately accredited institution
two years of museum or related work
OR
an equivalent combination of education and experience

Nice To Haves

Experience maintaining amphibian and reptile animal collections, including venomous animals.
Experience testing water quality at a public Aquarium, Zoo, Fish Hatchery or Museum.
SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized organization or have the ability to obtain within one year of employment.
AALSO level I certification
Previous experience working at an AZA facility.

Responsibilities

Provide excellent daily care of a variety of animals through approved husbandry standards to assure a positive visitor experience.
Maintain cleanliness and upkeep of aquarium exhibits, holding systems, and all accompanying life support equipment of assigned areas, primarily amphibian and reptile collections.
Participates and conducts acquisitions, dispositions, transports, and acclimation of animals for the Aquarium collection.
Coordinate with staff in multiple departments to complete routine assigned responsibilities that meet the Aquariums' mission
Participates in and coordinates in special projects, as assigned
Trains and mentors interns, volunteers, and temporary employees as assigned
Responsible for the record keeping of aquariums' animal collection as assigned, primarily amphibians and reptiles, in TRACKS software of diet, behavioral management, maintenance, and veterinary updates
Thorough understanding of quarantine procedures and operations
Ownership of venomous animal handling program; this includes maintaining supplies, maintaining updated safety standards, and training supporting staff
Operate, maintain, and repair aquatic life support equipment including but not limited to filters, pumps, protein fractionators, ultraviolet sterilizers, , and other instrumentation.
Observe and recognize symptoms of poor animal health, diagnosing diseases and parasites, and medicalissues and discuss treatment options with Husbandry Curator and Veterinary staff.
Administers appropriate medications, chemotherapeutics, and injections for medical treatments.
Provide enrichment and implement training techniques to improve animal wellbeing
Assist with developing and implementing systems and standard operating procedures.
Conduct SCUBA assisted diving to clean tanks, perform educational programs, and collect specimens.
Conduct all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards, and standards that ensure animal welfare.
Assess animal welfare on a routine basis.
Provide support and coverage to the rest of the husbandry department as needed.
Attend meetings and developmental seminars and maintains contact with other herpetology professionals.
Must be available for emergencies and able to adjust work schedule to fulfill responsibilities.