Senior Aquarist

County of Mecklenburg, NC•Huntersville, NC

5d•$52,132 - $68,423•Onsite

About The Position

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is seeking an experienced Sr Aquarist to join our team! The Sr Aquarist will be responsible for managing two large freshwater aquariums and invertebrate, amphibian and reptile exhibits at four separate Nature Centers within Mecklenburg County. Maintaining the life support and safety of the collections at four centers requires an independent individual who can appropriately schedule their time, be a liaison to each center’s animal care staff, and make decisions for the well-being of the animals without reliance of supervision. The preferred candidate would be comfortable engaging with the public as this position will be asked to conduction presentations and interact with visitors at our Nature Centers Since animals are unpredictable, the selected candidate must be able to accommodate an “on-call” schedule for emergencies. By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!

Requirements

Four (4) years of experience with fish and invertebrates with strong background in reptiles and amphibian husbandry, preferably in an AZA accredited aquarium or zoo setting
Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related science
Requires a North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges
Must possess a valid open water dive certification (PADI, SSI, NAUI)
Knowledge of aquarium LSS, plumbing, and water chemistry as it relates to maintaining a freshwater aquatic habitat, and water quality analysis
Must be flexible, able to follow instructions and protocols, and possess a positive attitude
Must have good observation skills and be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 65lbs, with or without reasonable accommodations
Must be able to work holidays and weekends
Minor repair of Life Safety Systems including plumbing and filtration
Using a computer and related software applications
Maintaining monitoring and data equipment
Conducting observations
Preparing reports
Collecting samples
Organizing, evaluating, and acting upon observations identified
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.
Building Partnerships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, units or organizations to help achieve business goals.
Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an aquarium or zoo setting highly preferred
Environmental education experience
Aptitude in science and art/design is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide exceptional care to all assigned animals and exhibits including daily cleaning, water quality, maintenance, diving, diet preparation and feeding, and health assessments.
Manage the collection as a whole including acquisitions, dispositions and population management
Maintain public display exhibits and back-of-house areas to the highest standards.
Work with the veterinary team to maintain high animal health standards including participating in procedures and necropsies.
Maintain current up to date knowledge on biology, ecology and husbandry of all animals within their care.
Research care and dietary needs of new or incoming plants and animals.
Ensure care of exhibit life support systems, including routine preventative maintenance on equipment.
Direct the development and implementation of husbandry procedures, techniques and practices in an Animal Care Manual.
Determine and make budgetary recommendations as to annual animal care budget for equipment, maintenance and diets
Maintain appropriate written and computerized animal care records including state permits
Mentor assigned departmental staff, volunteers or interns.
Ensure all husbandry areas are kept clean, organized and hazard free.
Respond to emergency calls.
Assist with design, fabrication and install of new animal enclosures and exhibits.
Participate in related education, Public Relations and membership programs including facility tours.

Benefits

medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance
dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts
health savings account
paid holiday, vacation and sick days
near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses
an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more
an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling
access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities
paid family leave
tuition reimbursement
a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions
a defined benefit plan for retirement