Facility

California Science Center

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Job Description

The Aquarist, with the support and assistance of the Senior Aquarist, is responsible for providing proper husbandry for aquatic animals, including daily observations of dietary and behavioral habits, performing exhibit and system maintenance tasks, and maintaining an inventory of assigned aquatic collections.

Major Job Responsibilities:
• Work collaboratively with Husbandry team on best practices based on industry standards to fulfill these major job responsibilities.
• Responsible for the daily care and husbandry of aquatic collections which may include marine fish, freshwater fish, invertebrates, live foods, and macro-algae.
• Daily duties include but are not limited to: cleaning animal areas, prepping and feeding food, diving tanks, and completing all necessary records and paperwork accurately.
• Maintain the highest level of cleanliness of exhibits by following a regular maintenance schedule which includes but is not limited to: gravel cleaning, acrylic cleaning, water changes, filter changes, and system wipe downs.
• Ensure the work space, tools, and equipment are clean, organized, and functioning properly.
• Will assist as necessary with veterinary treatments, animal moves, and collections and be able to quickly clean and put away equipment after use while following a strict cross contamination protocol.
• Ability to troubleshoot animal issues in any and all emergency conditions.
• Complete all necessary record keeping requirements, follows department protocols, and completes procedural tasks with a high level of skill.
• Adhere to Federal, State, and Local agency laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances, as well as AZA guidelines.
• Must work independently as well as collaboratively with a team on daily routines and special projects.
• Maintain a positive attitude and set an excellent example for volunteers and colleagues.
• Contribute to the mission of the California Science Center by creating fun and memorable experiences that stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications:
• BA/BS in related field or equivalent experience with 1 year preferably at an AZA-accredited public aquarium.
• Knowledge of nutrition, behavior, and water quality as it relates to the health and husbandry of aquatic species.
• Must be able to pass an annual swim assessment and dive physical.
• Ability to perform and be certified in CPR/AED/O2.
• SCUBA experience is required in open ocean as well as aquarium diving.
• Ability to maintain an active diver status with the California Science Center Foundation.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds, kneel, bend, crouch, squat, and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in wet conditions, indoors and out, remote locations as well as in inclement weather.
• Knowledge of safe animal handling practices and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Strong organizational, computer and written communication skills, including MS Office programs (Excel, Word, and Outlook) and the ability to learn and work with a custom record-keeping software (Tracks).
• Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to take direction while contributing ideas to increase efficiency.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes weekends and holidays as required.

Salary: $16-18 per hour

Send Cover Letter, Resume and Salary History (A Must) 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. No phone calls please. EOE.

Education and Pre-requisites

Not specified.

Compensation and benefits

Not specified.

Application instructions

Not specified.