Zoological Specialist, Sr.

SeaWorld•Orlando, FL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

At Discovery Cove Orlando, the Zoological Specialist, Sr. maintains the husbandry of fish and other aquatic life in aquarium exhibits. Duties include preparing food and feeding animals, maintaining aquariums, removing algae, diving in displays, decorating aquariums, performing preventive maintenance, and replacing pumps. The role also involves water-quality testing and treatment, monitoring animal health, assisting with animal collection and filtration-system repairs, answering guest questions, and transporting animals in and out of the park. The position requires adherence to park safety protocols and effective communication with Ambassadors, vendors, and guests. Work locations and schedules may vary based on business needs and career development opportunities. The role operates year-round and requires flexible availability for opening, mid-day, and closing shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Work may take place indoors or outdoors in varying weather, including extreme heat, and may involve exposure to fumes, dust, odors, cleaning chemicals, and temperature extremes.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age.
High school diploma.
At least 18 months of experience in a similar public aquarium setting.
Knowledge of food preparation and feeding techniques.
SCUBA certification.
Valid driver's license.
Strong communication, math, guest service, and multitasking skills.
Able to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
Able to walk and stand extensively throughout the work shift and climb or ascend heights if needed.
Able to kneel, squat, bend from floor-to-waist and waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, and perform simple grasping and fine hand manipulation tasks, including using tools, a keyboard, or writing.
Able to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather, including extreme heat, and tolerate possible exposure to fumes, dust, odors, temperature extremes, and cleaning chemicals.
Flexible availability for year-round operating needs, including opening, mid-day, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in marine science or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain husbandry of fish and other aquatic life in aquarium exhibits.
Prepare food and feed animals.
Perform aquarium maintenance, including algae removal, display diving, aquarium decorating, preventive maintenance, and pump replacement.
Conduct basic water-quality testing and chemical additions, prepare salt water, and test pH and temperature.
Use aquarium husbandry techniques, including taxonomy, record keeping, aquarium filtration, aquarium theory, and emergency procedures.
Monitor aquarium health issues, including identifying and treating parasites, and perform area quarantine procedures as needed.
Assist with animal collecting and repairs to aquarium filtration systems.
Answer guest questions about aquarium animals.
Transport animals within and outside the park.
Follow park safety protocols and perform safety checks.
Communicate professionally and effectively with Ambassadors, vendors, and guests.
Perform other duties as assigned.