JOB DESCRIPTION - JUNIOR AQUARIST

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POSITION SUMMARY:  The Junior Aquarist position is part of the Live Exhibits team that performs the routine animal care and maintenance required for marine and freshwater displays.  The Junior Aquarist is required to be capable of delivering a high standard of work performance in the areas of animal and exhibit husbandry under the direction of the Curator of Live Exhibits.

 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

• Provide daily care of animal exhibits including diet preparation, feeding and general care and maintenance of aquatic exhibits in accordance with established protocols.

• Perform water quality testing and assist in maintaining water chemistries.

• Perform routine animal care, cleaning and maintenance of aquarium exhibits by SCUBA diving where required.

• Perform routine maintenance of husbandry areas, exhibits, and aquarium life support systems ensuring a consistently high standard of animal care and displays presentation throughout all public and behind the scenes areas.

• Assist in safe animal handling and observation to ensure safety and well-being of animals. Reports concerns to Curator of Live Exhibits.

• Assist in the routine animal handling procedures needed to monitor the health and maintain the well-being of the collection, including physical exams, weights, administer medication, etc.

• Assist in the construction and care of exhibit life support systems, including routine preventative maintenance on equipment

• Assists with specimen transports, water quality testing, quarantine, diagnosis and treatment of fish disease.

• Maintains and prepares accurate daily records for aquarium systems, exhibit specimens, and dive related paperwork.

• Maintains company issued dive gear and diver areas to the standards and expectations of Shreveport Aquarium policies and protocols.

• Delivers interactive programming to guests and guest presentations involving exhibits, behind the scenes areas, and exhibit diving.

• Demonstrate flexibility in completing tasks which may extend before or after normal working hours or to include weekends and holidays.

• Participates in guest relations/interactions and perform daily public presentations as needed.

• May work on independent projects under the direction of the Curator of Live Exhibits.

 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

 

• Enrolled or recently graduated from a two-to-four-year degree in a life science related field (i.e. Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology, Aquarium Science) at an accredited academic facility.

• Preferred one year animal care or husbandry experience.

• Ability to obtain and hold open water SCUBA certification.

• Ability to obtain and hold First Aid and CPR certification.

• Ability to obtain and hold Louisiana Driver's License.

 

Skills and Knowledge 

 

• Communicate effectively with teammates and management.

• Ability to maintain a clean/organized work environment.

• Ability to work effectively with limited supervision and maintain a work ethic supporting the aquarium's mission and goals.

• Ability to effectively follow directions, observe and remember details.

• Ability to maintain friendly, polite, flexible, and service-oriented demeanor.

• Willingness to travel to and temporarily work at other company locations.

• Ability to pass a physician administered dive physical examination.

• Ability to lift and carry 50lbs, climb ladders, stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time

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Compensation

• Part time hourly

• PAY SCALE: $11.00 -$13.00/ hour depending on experience

• Opportunity for advancement