Aquarist Multi-Site

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Role & Level/Grade: P1/3

Department:
Aquarium

Reports to:

Curator of Animal Husbandry

Work Location:

This role is primarily based at Frost Science but requires scheduled rotations at BEC holding facility.

Provides assigned specimens with excellent day‑to‑day care through approved husbandry practices; keeps exhibits, reserve tanks, support equipment, and work spaces well maintained to Museum standards; responsible for monitoring animal health, water quality, and accurate record‑keeping; coordinates animal health issues with supervisors and veterinarian; administers treatments and quarantine procedures; participates in the acquisition/disposition, transport, and acclimation of specimens; participates in the design, construction, and maintenance of reserve tanks, including life support material and equipment, as assigned.

Fully accountable for animals and systems under care in assigned areas. Will be responsible for providing coverage for other areas as assigned. The aquarist works collaboratively throughout the Museum in a creative environment and contributes to the efficient operation of the department. This position works a schedule set by the supervisor and may encompass non‑traditional days and hours and may be asked to report to work for animal care emergencies.

This position is assigned to both BEC holding facility and Frost Science facility.

• Establish and maintain an environment conducive to the health and well‑being of all animals within the Museum's collection.
• Completes inspection rounds of specimens and reserve tanks to check the status and identify and report potential problems. Resolve problems independently where possible.
• Prepares food and feeds assigned fish, as well as cross coverage for birds in accordance with dietary needs. Cleans and provides daily maintenance to food preparation areas, equipment, and utensils.
• Prepares diets and diet supplements according to established protocols to maintain nutrition and vitamin content to keep specimens at peak health.
• Follows established feeding schedules and feeds appropriate amounts to maintain specimens at a healthy weight. Develop strategies to get in appetent specimens to feed. Monitors weights of specimens.
• Utilizes various feeding techniques and develops new strategies to overcome the challenges of getting the correct diet to all specimens in exhibits and reserve tanks housing multiple specimens and species.
• Observes and recognizes medical conditions that may require attention and reports observations. Discusses the best course of therapy with veterinary and Curatorial staff.
• Administers medications and implements routine quarantine procedures as needed.
• Maintains detailed, daily husbandry records and reviews records regularly to identify important trends.
• Maintains current knowledge of all specimens under their care and their natural history (biology and environmental needs) and husbandry requirements through hands‑on experience, upkeep with current literature, keeper exchange programs, and symposium participation (as approved).
• Research species to determine established or new husbandry techniques; conducts literature review or hands‑on research.
• Assists with animal physicals of specimens as needed.
• Participates in field collection trips using appropriate equipment (scuba gear, nets, seines, hook, and line).
• Maintaining the holding tanks cleanliness and through cleaning acrylic, scrubbing algae, and removing debris to meet established Museum standards.
• Performs hydro‑cleaning, water changes, back‑washing, and other procedures and provides necessary maintenance for pumps and filters.
• Maintains water quality standards and adjusts parameters as needed, determines appropriate schedules for maintenance.
• Performs water quality tests on a rotational basis.
• Cleans backup areas, including scrubbing, mopping, vacuuming water, and pest control.
• Participates in and presents at workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs, and tours.
• Responds to diver, life‑support, and animal‑related emergencies, sometimes after hours.
• Coordinates daily activities through effective…