Position Title:Keeper/ Aquarist
Department:Husbandry
Reports To:Assistant Curator of Aquatics
Location:Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium
General Summary: The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is looking for a motivated individual to add to its Husbandry staff as a keeper for a diverse collection of fishes. This is an entry-level position works with the Husbandry team to accomplish established goals aimed at excellence in animal care and guest experience. Must have the ability to work weekends and holidays possess a valid driver's license.
To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Keeper/ Aquarist will: Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality- Make each interaction with guests, vendors and fellow Audubon employees a positive one through hospitality and service.
- Oversee aquarists' performance with regard to guest experience.
- Facilitate the development and implementation of exhibit improvements.
- Provide direction to aquarists in the form of goals and guidance.
Exhibit the diversity of wildlife.- Provides a high standard of animal care. Understanding of professional animal care and welfare standards. Prioritizes preventative care and excellence in animal welfare.
- A basic knowledge of water chemistry and the nitrogen cycle for water quality monitoring.
- Follow training (operant conditioning) and enrichment SOPs to accomplish behavior and welfare goals.
- Administers prescribed treatments and assists with procedures as needed.
- Follows direction and act in accordance with all established protocols and procedures. Compliance with all AZA and USDA standards. Follows all SOPs as written to facilitate good animal welfare and safety.
- Responsible for all aspects of exhibit maintenance. Able to accomplish daily tasks within acceptable/ established timeframe.
- Monitors exhibit functionality, air and water parameters, identifying and communicating anomalies/ concerns in a timely fashion.
- Accurate recordkeeping for short- and long-term monitoring of health, behavior, tracking trends and advancing animal practices.
- Participation in professional development as assigned.
- Ability to communicate effectively and work with a team to provide consistency and advancement in animal care. Assists with oversight of volunteers and interns.
- Ability to engage guests in pursuit of education and conservation goals. This includes chats, tours, media appearances, ambassador animal programs, etc. Able to represent Audubon Nature Institute with professionalism and in support of mission-oriented efforts.
Educate our diverse audience about the natural world.- Seek out opportunities to positively impact the guest experience and encourage staff to do so as well.
- Oversee and participate in public interaction including behind the scenes tours, speaking engagements, media communication and guest education.
- Assist with the development and preparation of written educational materials produced by the Husbandry Department.
Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through research and conservation- Facilitate and encourage the proper disposition of non- native donations to prevent the spread of invasive species.
- Encourage and support Aquarium breeding programs aimed at decreasing the need for wild collection
- Promote, participate in and oversee departmental research and conservation programs.
Operate a financially self-sufficient collection of museums and parks.- Assist with the preparation of the departmental operating budget.
- Strive to operate with budget limitations.
The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.
To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Keeper/Aquarist will: Welcome- Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, offer friendly phrases and greetings.
- Wear identification badge.
- Walk individual to destination instead of pointing; offer assistance to people who look confused.
- Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash). Always have the camera-ready look.
Share- Maintain positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it).
- Coach coworkers on service expectations.
- Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service.
- Know when to involve management.
Inspire- Know the answers to questions or seek out the answers.
- Utilize proper phone etiquette (answer phone within three rings, smile before answering call, ask for permission and wait for response before placing caller on hold).
- Ensure work area is free of food, drink, socialization, and personal business.
- Follow Dress Code Policy on clothing and grooming.
- Keep unpleasant concerns behind closed doors (vent backstage).
Supervision: Not a supervisory position.
Experience: - Minimum of one year of unpaid or paid experience in a zoological facility, public aquarium, or similar facility OR demonstrated and confirmed skill set.
- Understanding/ experience with care of aquatic animals/ systems in a professional setting with demonstrated success. Experience at AZA accredited public facility is preferred.
- Has understanding/ experience with the species under their care or has worked with similar taxa. Has an understanding of natural history, anatomy, behavior, and environmental parameters.
Education: Bachelor of Science degree in biology or related field from a recognized, accredited institution
Licensure/Certification:- Must maintain a valid driver's license.
- SCUBA certification is preferred, but not required.
- First Aid/ CPR is preferred, but not required.
Software Requirements: proficiency in MS Office; ZIMS, or similar animal data management software experience is an asset.
Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements:Working knowledge of basic hand and power tools is preferred. Working knowledge of life support equipment and water chemistry science and management for both start-up and mature aquatic systems is required. Must have the ability to use basic office equipment. Boat handling experience is an asset.
Physical Requirements:- Heavy work: lifting up to 80lbs pounds occasionally, or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Will involve standing most of the time, but may involve walking or sitting for brief periods of time.
- Walking, climbing, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to carry items weighing up to 80 pounds.
- Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.
- Ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or actions required.
- Must have cognitive and communication skills required to function within the department.
- Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.
- Must possess excellent organizational skills.
- Must be able to read, write and speak English.
- Must be safety conscious.
- Must possess advanced knowledgeable in: animal anatomy; recognition and treatment of minor animal health concerns; quarantine protocols; water chemistry; and the ability to troubleshoot life support problems for taxa in the position's purview
- Demonstrate effective communication skills with supervisors and co-workers.
- Demonstrate the ability to make sound decisions in the absence of supervision, assume responsibility without direction and willingness to assist in achieving facility and Audubon Nature Institute goals.
Environmental/Working Conditions:- Candidate must accept humane euthanasia as an accepted and responsible animal management tool.
- Working long hours between breaks or meals required.
- Ability to work under and handle stress in an appropriate manner required.
- Must be able to work in moderately noisy environments, dirty conditions and cramped spaces.
- Must be willing and able to handle raw seafood.
- Must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends, evenings and holidays.
- Must be able to work with potentially hazardous chemicals associated with analysis and treatment of exhibits.
- Must be able to work unsupervised and with a team.
- Affinity for animals preferred.
- Exposure to fluctuations in temperatures may be required.
- Must be able to work in all types of weather both indoors and outdoors.
