Senor Aquarist

Job Details

Care for and maintain our fish, invertebrate, and herptile live animal collection. This includes responsibilities for overall animal health and well-being, water quality, routine maintenance of assigned habitats and associated back areas. Continual documentation and record-keeping, animal acquisitions and population management. Serve as a leader to help manage husbandry team in daily husbandry routines. Maintain the highest animal care and habitat maintenance standards that continually meet or exceed institutional standards. Perform other duties as required. Represent the Long Island Aquarium in formal and informal presentations/activities and interact with visitors.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform daily animal husbandry duties including but not limited to diet preparation, feeding, and live habitat 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.
• Identify and recommend changes to husbandry and habitat protocols that improve standards and eliminate animal welfare concerns.
• Document husbandry tasks, animal observations, animal health records, animal welfare assessments and other animal transactions.
• Monitor and analyze water quality of habitats, and other assigned areas and determine adjustments where necessary.
• Perform habitat maintenance SCUBA/Hookah dives.
• Assist husbandry staff with daily tasks as needed.
• Training new and current staff members on new tasks.
• Under supervisor guidance, coordinate internship program and training.
• Perform routine inspection and maintenance on mechanical systems and equipment, including but not limited to, fractionators, mechanical filters, UV sterilizers, small pumps, and habitat lighting systems.
• Provide backup leadership support and oversight in the absence of supervisors/managers.
• Provides coverage for other husbandry team members as needed.
• Participate in specimen collection and transport.
• Perform exhibit maintenance SCUBA/Hookah dives.
• Reports on abnormal conditions or illnesses in live animal collection. Assists in treatment under veterinarian and curator supervision.
• Other duties as assigned or required by discretion of management.

Requirements

Knowledge and Skills

• Extensive knowledge of taxonomy of marine and freshwater fish and invertebrates.
• Advanced understanding of animal food preparation, nutrition, and feeding techniques.
• Knowledge of water quality chemistry as it pertains to aquarium systems.
• Proficient with the operation of aquarium life support systems and filtrations.
• Ability to perform chemical/medical measurements and dosing.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, attention to detail. Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working with/supervising interns.
• Must be comfortable giving educational presentations to small and large audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field or 4 years related experience (equivalent combination of education and training).
• SCUBA certification from a professionally recognized agency or must obtain certification within 6 months of employment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays. Must respond to emergency calls involving but not limited to animal related, diver related or life support.
• This position calls for physical activity throughout the day; must be able to stand, stoop, walk on possible uneven surfaces, climb ladders, and lift a minimum of 50lbs.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License and insurance, or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.
• Must be self-motivated, with the desire to provide the best care to animals under care.

Salary

• This position is hourly $25- $28, dependent on experience.

To apply please submit your resume and cover letter HERE.

Contact Information