Facility

The Florida Aquarium

Closing Date

Description

Position Summary
Responsible for caring for a diverse, aquatic animal collection and exhibits which includes a wide variety of marine fish, reptiles and invertebrates.

Leads other biologists, volunteers, and interns to achieve The Florida Aquarium’s mission to entertain, educate, and inspire stewardship about our natural environment by exemplifying the Aquarium’s values of Respect, Trust, and Excellence.

Cares for the Aquarium’s living collection and performs all duties professionally and in accordance with guidelines set and approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and in compliance with all associated animal care and safety regulatory agencies.

Represent assigned galleries and the Biological Operations department as needed – including, but not limited to – guest interactions, media based public relations activities, specialized tours and presentations, and participation on committees and other inter and intra departmental initiatives. Advanced working knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry and life support systems is required.

Essential Position Duties
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Demonstrates commitment to The Florida Aquarium’s vision, mission and values.
• Oversees daily animal husbandry duties including, but not limited to, accurate daily record keeping, food preparation, proper animal feeding techniques, training and enrichment.
• Works directly with Animal Health, Life Support, and other disciplines to provide optimal animal care.
• Ensures the highest quality of standards with a keen attention to detail for creating and maintaining exhibits and programming.
• Advances training for staff, volunteers and interns to improve the quality of the Aquarium’s exhibits with a keen attention to detail.
• Advances animal care, husbandry, and collection management techniques including development of breeding programs, novel display opportunities, etc.
• Works as part of the senior biologist team in assigned galleries to provide strong and effective leadership for area staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Assists with planning and implementing efficient operating plans for assigned galleries.
• Coaches team to demonstrate the interpersonal skills that embody The Florida Aquarium’s values of trust, respect and excellence with professionalism at all times.
• Assists in recruitment, organization, training, supervising, and scheduling of area staff, interns and volunteers including volunteer divers.
• Assists in fulfilling managerial/administrative roles; including but not limited to setting goals, performance evaluations, leading meetings, ordering supplies and equipment, planning simple projects, and acting as Point of Contact .
• Ensures clean exhibits as well as service, holding, and behind the scenes areas.
• Ensures compliance for all applicable AZA standards on a daily basis.
• Develops and implements standard operating procedures in compliance with Aquarium and industry standards for best practices.
• Assists with the design and/or enhancements of exhibits and their support areas.
• Assists to ensure compliance with all applicable safety and security procedures and protocols throughout the Aquarium as appropriate.
• Assists with the development and area management of animal records using ZIMS.
• Supports the department in fulfilling requests for other departmental programing, content review, guest interactions, public relations, development activities and special requests as needed and assigned.
• Participates on Aquarium committees and taskforces as needed.
• Coordinates projects as assigned.
• Participates in collection planning.
• Actively involved in sustainable specimen acquisition and disposition processes including collecting in the field.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a facility working with a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a supervisory role of staff, volunteers, and/or interns at a museum, zoo, aquarium, or related facility.
• BS or higher degree in a biological science or related field. Additional experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• Extensive knowledge of the multifaceted and advanced husbandry needs of a wide variety of freshwater and marine fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and invertebrates.
• Thorough knowledge of life support systems and water quality parameters for aquatic species is required
• Working knowledge of electronic Animal Record Keeping systems preferred.
• Working knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
• SCUBA certification required with ability to advance to Open Water Scientific Diver/Rescue Diver level within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to give and follow directions effectively.
• Effective use of strong leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and in a team setting
• Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays; available to be on-call after hours

Compensation and benefits

Negotiable.
Benefits offered Include: PTO, Health insurance, dental, discounts, and more!

Application instructions

For more information and to apply please go to: https://www.flaquarium.org/careers