Senior Aquarist (Benthic Team)

Monterey Bay Aquarium•Monterey, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all backgrounds into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. Priority deadline for applications is June 24, 2026 at 12pm PST. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than June 24, 2026. Job Summary: Under limited supervision, care for and maintain our fish, invertebrate, and herptile collections and live animal exhibits, with responsibility for overall animal health and well-being, water quality of assigned exhibits and galleries, routine maintenance of exhibits and associated infrastructure, documentation and record-keeping, animal and plant acquisitions in the field, and population and community management. Serve as an informal leader to help guide a team of husbandry professionals in the management of a gallery of live exhibits and associated holding systems. Bring high-level expertise to the development of innovate animal care techniques and strategies. Maintain the highest animal care and exhibit maintenance standards that continually meet or exceed all AZA accreditation standards. Perform other duties as required.

Requirements

A minimum of 3 years of experience as an Aquarist II or equivalent
Ability to work with aquarium chemotherapeutics and other chemicals
Ability to perform precise chemical measurements and dosing while adhering to all safety protocols
Extensive knowledge of the taxonomy of marine fish, invertebrates, and plants
Advanced understanding of animal food preparation, nutrition, and feeding techniques
Extensive knowledge of water quality chemistry as it pertains to aquarium systems (including the nitrogen cycle, pH, dissolved gases, temperature, etc.)
Demonstrated proficiency with the operation of aquarium life support systems and various mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration components
Advanced understanding of fish and invertebrate disease, parasites, prophylaxis, medical treatment, and animal health management and welfare
SCUBA certification highly desirable; ability to pass an occupational dive physical highly desirable.
Ability to dive in specialized diving environments (blue water, black water, full face mask, surface supply, deep diving) is desirable
Small boat handling experience is highly desirable
AALSO LSS and/or WQ certifications desirable
Experience working with and supervising volunteers
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Proficiency with the Tracks animal database system or similar animal records database
Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks for large work areas and team units
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Aptitude for using basic hand and power tools
Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium's Core Values

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Responsibilities

Perform daily animal husbandry duties including but not limited to diet preparation, feeding, and live exhibit maintenance
Conduct regular observations of animal health, behavior, and welfare to include disease detection and formal animal welfare assessments.
Diagnose and respond to animal health issues or welfare concerns.
Monitor and analyze water quality of exhibit, animal holding, and quarantine systems and determine system adjustments where necessary to maintain accepted water quality parameters.
Identify and recommend changes to husbandry and gallery protocols that improve standards and eliminate animal welfare concerns.
Document husbandry tasks, animal observations, animal health records, animal welfare assessments, and other pertinent animal transactions into the Tracks software database in accordance with departmental standards.
Work with Registrar to recommend Tracks software changes to improve functionality.
Perform exhibit maintenance SCUBA dives.
Plan, lead, and execute plant and animal field collections via boat operations, shore-based activities, SCUBA dives, and/or research vessel/ROV expeditions.
Manage plant and animal communities across major exhibits/galleries, making key population management decisions and strategies.
Perform routine inspection and maintenance on critical water and mechanical systems and equipment, including but not limited to, fractionators, mechanical filters, UV sterilizers, small pumps, recirculation loops, and exhibit lighting systems.
Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical systems, equipment, and exhibitry.
Lead the design, development, and construction of exhibits, holding aquariums, and life support systems.
Provide backup leadership support and oversight in the absence of onsite managers.
Lead gallery teams through daily animal husbandry duties and management of the collection.
Lead formal animal welfare assessments and response.
Function as a team lead for iconic exhibits, galleries, and/or specific collections.
Develop and implement innovative animal care strategies, exhibit techniques, and mechanical / LSS systems.
Participate on research projects in collaboration with industry professionals, internal partners, and outside scientists to exchange and improve best practices.