Newport Aquarium Zoological Operations Coordinator

Newport Aquarium • Newport, KY

4d • $40,000 - $50,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Zoological Operations Coordinator maintains the institution’s animal records and associated databases, serving as the expert user of record-keeping software. This role involves leading training for staff on software use, executing permit applications and maintenance, and preparing acquisition and disposition reports. The position also assists with AZA documents and reporting, performs basic chemistry tests for water quality, and provides administrative support to the Zoological Team leadership. Compliance with safety and security directives is essential. The role requires participation in weekend/holiday rotations and performing other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree is required
• Five years of experience at a public aquarium, zoo or similar institution and a demonstrated knowledge of aquarium operations, husbandry and taxonomy
• Knowledge of Microsoft Access, Windows, Excel, PPT
• Knowledge of TRACKS database; experience maintaining databases of similar complexity
• Knowledge of AZA accreditation and other AZA industry, state/federal compliance
• Strong interest in conservation
• Anticipation of and fulfillment of staff administration needs
• A person that possess strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Maintaining appropriate professional contacts relevant to the position
• This position is considered Safety Critical with authorized operator requirements. Must possess valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and the ability to travel if necessary
• This position will cover the water quality lab on Saturdays and must have the ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and holidays as needs dictate.
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, background check, and dive physical
• In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor
• No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work
• Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infections and parasitic disease)

Nice To Haves

• Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g. goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the institution’s animal records and associated databases
• Is the expert user of record-keeping software for our property and will be expected to attend annual conferences and maintain direct communication with software programming team to keep up to date with most recent trends
• Leads onboarding and training for Hosts across departments in record-keeping software use.
• Executes the annual application and maintenance of the institution’s possession, transport, and collecting permits
• Prepares monthly and quarterly acquisition and disposition reports for internal use as well as for submission to required regulatory authorities
• Assist in organization of AZA documents and reports. Heavily involved in the accumulation of records during accreditation periods and annual edARC annual reporting.
• Take direction from Water Quality Lab Manager to perform and report basic chemistry tests as needed to maintain consistent water quality records throughout the week.
• Assist Zoological Team leadership with all administrative needs for the department
• Comply with all safety and security directives, policies and procedures
• Work schedule will be Tuesday to Saturday 7:30AM to 4:30PM
• Participate in the weekend/holiday rotation as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vison insurances
• 40 sick hours, 40 personal hours, 8 Holidays, 80 Vacation Hours annually
• Profit Sharing and 401K Plan with company match
• Free entrance for you and your dependents which extends to most Herschend Enterprises’ properties
• Earn 1 General Admission complimentary ticket, that you can give to anyone, per pay period
• Discounts at Sharky’s Café, Sweet Dreams Candy Company, and the gift shop
• Discounted tickets and annual passes for friends and family
• Training and development
• Hundreds of programs available from certifications to college prep to associates, bachelor's, and master’s degrees. Most of these programs are fully funded.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level