Facility
California Science Center Foundation
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
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.
•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, and invertebrates.
•Daily duties include but are not limited to: cleaning animal areas, diving tanks, prepping and feeding food, treating any injured/diseased individuals as necessary, working on the collecting vessel, and completing all necessary records and paperwork thoroughly.
•Maintains 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.
•Ensures the work space, tools, and equipment are clean, organized, and functioning properly.
•May under the direction of the Husbandry Supervisor/Vet Staff/Dive Staff and other staff: identify, collect, and safely transport specimens to facility.
•Responsible for the care of all living collections in any and all emergency conditions.
•Completes all necessary record keeping requirements, follows department protocols, and completes procedural tasks with a high level of skill.
•Adheres to Federal, State, and Local agency laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances, as well as AZA guidelines.
•May assist with acquiring specimens through organization of trades/loans/purchases with other zoological institutions, suppliers.
•May assist with procurement of supplies and equipment.
•May assist in the advancement and implementation of exhibit goals by contributing to the design and management of the exhibit development.
•Must work independently as well as collaboratively with a team on daily routines and special projects.
•Contributes to the mission of the California Science Center by stimulating curiosity and inspiring science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences.
•Performs other duties as required.
Education and Pre-requisites
•Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Fisheries, Zoology or related field required or equivalent experience.
•Experience providing daily husbandry to aquatic animals, preferably at an AZA-accredited institution.
•Knowledge of nutrition, disease, and identification of fish and invertebrates. Specific knowledge of temperate Pacific and tropical ecosystems highly desirable.
•Knowledge of water quality as it relates to the health and husbandry of aquatic species.
•Must be able to swim and pass swim assessment.
•Rescue Diver certification required; AAUS Scientific Diver status preferred.
•Experience collecting animals and a history of diving in tanks and open ocean is desired.
•Ability to perform and be certified in CPR/AED/O2.
•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, as well as in inclement weather.
•Knowledge of safe animal handling practices and maintaining a safe working environment.
•Knowledge of modern principles and practices in a public aquarium setting is highly desirable.
•Ability to work with hand tools, power tools, and heavy machinery if necessary.
•Strong computer (MS Office programs such as Excel, Word, and Outlook) and organizational skills and ability to learn and work with custom record-keeping software (Tracks). Existing experience with Tracks record-keeping system highly desirable.
•Strong written and verbal communication skills.
•Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes weekends and holidays as required.
Compensation and benefits
$16.50 – $19.50 per hour.
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Retirement benefits.
Application instructions
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.