Senior Aquarist – Reptiles and Program Animals

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND 

The mission of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For more than 35 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium historically hosts nearly 500,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals. Altogether, the Aquarium is home to over 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 54,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 60 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to volunteers who contribute over 19,000 hours annually.  

 POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Senior Aquarist oversees the care of animals that fall within their assigned section, as well as manage assigned staff. This position coordinates closely with veterinarians, life support staff, and other departments to ensure optimal care and welfare of these species.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prefer four-year degree (B.S.) in biology or related field
• Five year’s paid experience in an AZA accredited zoo, aquarium or equivalent (or combination of experience and education) with reptiles, amphibians, and birds in a public aquarium, zoo, or museum setting.
• Prior experience with program/ambassador animals used in public demonstrations.
• Advanced knowledge of the operation and maintenance of aquarium and life support systems, laboratory equipment and operating procedures, and water quality testing.
• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal.
• Able to lift a minimum of 60 pounds.
• Able to negotiate stairs, climb high obstacles and maneuver easily in various behind the scenes areas.
• Able to negotiate various field conditions.
• Able to work standing up for extended periods of time.
• Valid license required with a clean driving record.
• SCUBA certification and collection experience preferred.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises a team of Aquarists, executing duties such as scheduling, performance assessments, and ordering department supplies.
• Interact with courtesy, professionalism and respect to staff, docents, volunteers and guests consistent with the organization’s mission and core values.
• Assists the Associate Director and Director in ensuring compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, as well as pertinent AZA accreditation standards.
• Responsible for assessing animal condition, identifying diseases and administering treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian. Coordinates directly with contract veterinarians to schedule routine exams and medical care as required (annual physical exams, bloodwork, et cetera).
• Oversees collection of animals, including their husbandry, exhibit maintenance, and maintaining life support systems.
• Assesses the welfare of the collection, serves on the institutional welfare committee.
• Serve as institutional representative (IR) to appropriate AZA Species Survival Plans (SSPs) and Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs).
• Coordinate with colleagues at other institutions to maintain best practices in husbandry and animal management and keep current with the state of the industry.
• Foster a “one team” mentality among the husbandry staff with no barriers between staff working with different taxa.
• Mentors their staff members and ensures a strong departmental commitment to professional development.
• Trains non-husbandry staff (educators, docents, et cetera) on the proper handling of ambassador animals for public presentations.
• Responsible for amphibian and reptile breeding programs and establishing new breeding techniques.
• Participates in daily routine and maintenance as needed.
• Performs water quality analysis and makes adjustments.
• Participates in and oversees administration of animal diets.
• Maintains inventory of supplies and dietary items, including live and frozen animals, produce, and dietary supplements.
• Maintains accurate records, reviews records and ensures compliance with animal recordkeeping. Keeps logs of animal usage in public presentations and ensures adequate rotation of animals and sufficient rest periods.
• Participates in development and implementation of training and enrichment programs as appropriate for various taxa.
• Participates in the collection of animals from Long Island Sound and other locations for display in Aquarium tanks.
• Assists in exhibit development.
• Documents and communicates
• Maintains a variety of collecting equipment.
• Able to work weekends and holidays, report in for emergencies, and travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting and animal transport duties.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.