Facility

California Science Center Foundation

Closing Date

Description

Are you looking to work in a fun, teamwork-oriented environment that encourages a positive work/life balance? Do you thrive on performing a variety of job duties that support animal husbandry & welfare and a team environment? If you would love to work in an animal focused environment that encourages curiosity and inspires science learning by creating fun, memorable experiences, then the Living Collections department at the California Science Center may be the perfect workplace for you.

The Aquatic Husbandry Team is responsible for all of the aquatic animals that are displayed at the California Science Center. The majority of the collection is temperate marine species, however, we are responsible for tropical marine, fresh water, and brackish water environments as well.

The Aquarist, under the supervision of the Husbandry Manager, is primarily responsible for providing top-notch husbandry to the aquatic animals, including daily observations of dietary and behavioral habits, cleaning and maintaining assigned exhibit and holding areas, and keeping accurate and up-to-date records. The Aquarist uses independent judgment and critical thinking to problem solve when necessary, while understanding that an individual animal’s ability to exert meaningful choice and control is central to excellent welfare. The Aquarist practices great communication skills and models positive, encouraging behaviors to nurture the team-oriented environment. The Aquarist also demonstrates a commitment to reaching the goals and objectives of the department and mission of the California Science Center Foundation.

Education and Pre-requisites

Major Job Responsibilities:
Works collaboratively with Husbandry Manager and the Senior Aquarists to meet or exceed the highest standards of animal care to fulfill these major job responsibilities.
Responsible for the daily husbandry of aquatic collections, which includes teleost and elasmobranch fish, mobile invertebrates, and corals.
Daily duties include but are not limited to: cleaning work areas, prepping and feeding food, scuba diving, treating any injured/diseased individuals as prescribed by the veterinarian, making observations and recognizing abnormal animal behavior/appearance, acting upon/reporting such observations in a timely manner, and completing all necessary records and paperwork thoroughly.
Assists with collecting trips, which can include, but are not limited to boat operation, SCUBA collection, line fishing, and shore collection.
Contributes to the strategic goals of the Living Collections department by promoting, supporting, and engaging in a positive, fun, and compassionate working environment.
Works independently as well as collaboratively with a team on daily routines and special projects.
Ensures the workspace, tools, and equipment are clean, organized, and functioning properly.
Ensures that strict cross contamination protocols are followed and any breaches of those protocols are documented.
Practices good judgment in decision-making as related to animal care, emergency situations, and projects, and communicates efficiently to the Husbandry Manager and the Senior Aquarists when their involvement is necessary.
May provide care and husbandry of other living collections as needed, including terrestrial animals.
Adheres to and abides by Federal, State, and local agency laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances, as well as AZA standards.
Assists with acquiring specimens through organization of trades/loans/purchases with other zoological institutions, suppliers, and when required by participation in collecting trips.
Trains, develops, and oversees the work of aquatic Husbandry volunteers.
Ability to represent the California Science Center Foundation in a professional manner.
Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Biology, or a related field required OR equivalent experience.
1+ year experience providing daily husbandry to aquatic animals, preferably at an AZA accredited institution.
Specific knowledge of temperate Pacific and tropical ecosystems preferred. Specific knowledge of other aquatic environments also helpful.
Knowledge of modern principles of animal care and welfare, including behavioral enrichment, medical treatments, exhibitry, nutrition, disease, transport, and training
Must have at least 50 logged dives and Rescue Diver Certification or the ability to get the certification within 4 months of hire, the ability to pass annual dive physical requirements, and the ability to maintain active diver status with the California Science Center. Experience diving in both the open ocean and aquarium settings is preferred.
Must possess strong observational skills to ensure animal health and safety.
Must possess sound judgment and ability to use common sense for effective decision-making.
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds, kneel, bend, crouch, squat, and stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to work effectively in wet conditions, mostly indoors, but with the potential for outdoors and in inclement weather as well.
Knowledge of safe animal handling practices and maintaining a safe working environment.
Working knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances as applicable to possessing native and exotic wild animals, as well as AZA standards guiding animal care protocols.
Ability to train and work alongside volunteers while setting a positive example.
Strong computer (MS Office programs such as Excel, Word, and Outlook) and organizational skills. Experience with Tracks record-keeping system highly preferred.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently as well as within a team environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends and holidays as required.

Compensation and benefits

$18.50 an hour. California Science Center Foundation employees receive excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement package; free science center membership, group term life insurance, and 11 paid holidays.

Application instructions

Send Cover Letter, Resume, Salary Target and Job Application to the HR Dept. via fax at 213-744-2673, email to HR@cscmail.org, or mail to the California Science Center Foundation, H. R. Dept, 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037. Only applications that include a cover letter, resume, salary target and completed job application will be considered. No phone calls please. EOE.