Job Description
Job Summary The National Aquarium is seeking a candidate to fill the position of Aquarist on our Blue Wonders team. This individual will provide support for Blue Wonders exhibits and holding systems as needed and assigned. Applicants must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed or assigned. Please submit your application with a resume and cover letter in PDF format.
Key Requirements Essential responsibilities include:
- Provide assigned animals with excellent day-to-day care through approved husbandry practices and standards and be accountable for that care. In some cases, this may require SCUBA diving.
- Monitor and manage water quality parameters as appropriate for each species.
- Maintain life support systems and related equipment.
- Keep exhibits and holding systems well maintained via hydro-cleaning, water changes, filter backwashing, and related cleaning procedures.
- Manage animal diets, prepare diets, and feed animals.
- Administer medical treatments with the guidance of the veterinarians and curatorial team.
- Maintain detailed records on feeding, maintenance, and other husbandry related tasks, and become proficient in our animal data management software – Tracks.
- Keep back-up spaces and work areas well maintained.
- Participate in the acquisition, transport, and acclimation of animals.
- Participate in the design, construction, and maintenance of exhibits and holding systems, including life support, lighting, and habitat.
- Become proficient in our animal data management software – Tracks
- Provide coverage and support for other sections, as assigned, with longer assignments possible in cases of vacation or leave.
- Conduct presentations and interact professionally with guests.
- Support company mission.
- Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
- Other duties as assigned or required.
Required QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor’s degree in biology, Marine Science or related field; or completed advanced college-level related coursework; or comparable experience.
- Ability to safely climb ladders, safely lift and carry 50 lbs.
- Knowledge of water chemistry, aquatic husbandry, biology, and marine science, including detailed knowledge of the biology and taxonomy of a variety of marine fish and invertebrates.
- Knowledge of aquarium filtration and operational components.
- Excellent observational, decision making, problem solving, and reporting skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, an ability to create positive workplace team partnerships, and a high regard for operating in a professional environment.
- Possess or ability to obtain a MD driver’s license
Preferred - SCUBA certification from a recognized organization.
- Experience working with fish and/or aquatic invertebrates in a public aquarium or other zoological setting.
- Ability to pass a dive physical examination and a diving skills assessment.
Total Compensation Information $19.00-22.74 per hour with hours worked over 40 per week paid as overtime, holiday premium pay, and extra pay for emergency call backs. National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) at the start of the month following hire date and 401(k) plan participation starts at 30 days with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.
About The National Aquarium Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.
More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.
Our Mission and Goals The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.
Our Values At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.
Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.
In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Local area, Weekend work,