Job Description

Do you believe in a better future for all living things? We believe in a world where all people respect, value and conserve wildlife and wild places. Join our team of animal care professionals in our mission to create memories worth repeating for our guests by inspiring connections to our amazing animals that will create meaningful and lasting change in our world.

SUMMARY:

If you are passionate about animal health, education, and/or conservation this could be the perfect position for you! As a quarantine-focused Biologist II, you advance your work and expertise with marine life and their health. You will have the unique mixed experience of managing both the husbandry and veterinary-supervised care of our collection of marine life. You can expect to maintain the on- & off-site quarantine spaces, have the opportunity to assist with veterinary procedures, and provide animal nutritional upkeep through our commissary.

This mid-level position requires a highly motivated individual who will work in a team setting, take a lead role in the medical care of our collection, take direction from their manager(s) in carrying out the daily animal care responsibilities for your area, and assist others in daily care of our total collection in all areas. The position is responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards.

Newport Aquarium offers amazing perks for all team members. Visit the aquarium whenever you want, share complimentary tickets with friends and family, enjoy discounts on food and beverage, merchandise from our gift shop, and candy from Sweet Dreams Candy Company.

Looking to further your education without the debt? Grow U has hundreds of online programs available from certifications to college prep to associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Many of these programs are fully-funded. Learn more at: https://www.newportaquarium.com/Careers/Benefits/GrowU

Newport Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, prides itself on creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.

Required Skills

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides care for all specimens in assigned area through proper husbandry protocols involving daily observations, feedings, water quality monitoring, and life support system (LSS) operations
• Ensures guest satisfaction by maintaining exhibits through daily maintenance
• Maintains all exhibit, quarantine/holding systems, and behind the scenes areas to the highest level of professional standards.
• Complies with all SOPs pertaining to daily operations and
• Exhibits good time-management skills throughout and including all daily and specially-assigned tasks.
• Maintains up-to-date and accurate records in the TRACKS program.
• Provides unscheduled coverage of other biologists and areas as assigned by management team.
• Cross-trains with other staff within the department to develop new skill sets and understanding of other areas. Must complete, at minimum, the OJT’s in the directly assigned area.
• Promotes conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks
• Pass e-quarist or other relevant course work successfully to promote continuous learning, update, and improvement in overall care.
• Identifies and resolves problems with assistance from management team.
• Takes lead role in small construction, improvement, or new exhibit projects as assigned and mentored by management team.
• Positively presents and promotes aquarium in various forms of social media as requested by Public Relations and with approval from management team.
• Demonstrates motivation and exhibits Core Values on a daily basis
• Seeks a larger understanding of husbandry operations and animal welfare to assist husbandry management in improving those areas
• Support WAVE volunteer and intern programs through active participation in volunteer and/or intern programs through mentoring or joint projects.
• Undertakes any other tasks or special projects as directed by Assistant Curators or General Curator.

Required Experience

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A four-year degree in aquatic sciences, biology, or related field
• Three to four years of full-time husbandry experience from an accredited AZA institution or equivalent
• Experience in aquatic quarantine environment preferred.
• Ability to identify diseases or signs of health concerns in aquatic species highly valued
• Detailed knowledge of the biology of a large variety of fishes, invertebrates, amphibians or reptiles as appropriate
• Demonstrated mechanical skills, basic LSS plumbing, and understanding of LSS theory and operation
• Excellent observation and communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that generate and sustain a positive team atmosphere and professional environment
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel if necessary
• Certification from a recognized S.C.U.B.A. training organization or the ability to obtain certification within one year from hire date
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies when needed

REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and SCUBA dive physical
• In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor
• No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work
• Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infections and parasitic disease)

Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potential dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g. goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.

YOU CAN EXPECT:

You can expect to work on projects that have never been done before – ideas that are unproven, and concepts that make people smile. You can expect to have fun and be treated with respect the minute you start…and through to the end. You can expect to work in an environment that is highly innovative and low in politics – truthful and filled with smart people!

And most of all, you can expect to work hard and make a difference in our world by helping to bring families closer together.

Tagged as: Husbandry/Zoological