Biologist 1 (Aquarist) at Florida Aquarium

Tampa, Florida, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

26 Feb, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

28 Nov, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Aquarium Husbandry, Marine Organism Handling, Animal Quarantine, Clinical Treatments, Marine Animal Health, Life Support Systems, Exhibit Maintenance, Animal Record Keeping, SCUBA Certification, Teamwork, Communication, Customer Focus, Judgment, Problem Solving, Flexibility, Interpersonal Skills

Industry

Museums;Historical Sites;and Zoos

Description

Position Summary The Biologist 1 will be expected to execute routine husbandry in the area to which they are assigned. This position is expected to play a supportive role in caring for and managing The Florida Aquarium’s fish and invertebrate collections. This includes food preparation and feeding, habitat maintenance, LSS maintenance/ operation, and recognizing indications of illness or abnormal behavior. They will develop skillsets both independently, and as part of a team, in providing the highest level of animal care. Essential Position Functions * Performs general daily husbandry functions including the maintenance of live exhibits, holding systems and quarantine facilities at a high level of quality * Develops and demonstrates acumen in universally accepted aquarium husbandry skill areas including: 1. Marine organism handling, transport, acclimation and care 2. Animal quarantine, clinical treatments and marine animal health 3. Aquarium Life Support Systems (LSS) operation and maintenance 4. Live exhibit maintenance * Ensures accurate animal record keeping through consistent utilization of electronic record keeping system * Assure behavior meets the FLAQ values of Respect, Trust and Excellence * Interacts with aquarium guests, donors and team members in a positive and professional manner. * Maintain AZA inspection readiness for exhibit, service, holding, and backup areas * Communicates ideas for exhibit improvements and modifications independently * Executes behavior shaping plans for aquatic and terrestrial animals * Identifies and solves obstacles with projects and tasks in a team setting Secondary Functions * Maintains tools and equipment necessary for the care of the collection * Follows husbandry SOPs * Works with volunteers and interns within scope of position * Participates in meetings with curators, biologists and other aquarium departments * Initiates and executes presentations and reports independently * All other duties as required Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills * Minimum of 1 years’ experience in a facility working with aquatic and terrestrial organisms, including but not limited to birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fishes, and plants preferred * Four-year degree in biology or related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered * Knowledge of habitat requirements, including life support systems and water quality parameters for aquatic and terrestrial species preferred * Knowledge of animal record keeping systems (ZIMS/Tracks) preferred * Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) * SCUBA certification required * Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License * Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays Competencies * Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities. * Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork — Support, facilitate, and participate in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrate sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and support team goals. * Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies * Communication (oral and written) — Effectively express ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listen to individuals and groups; prepare and focus presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; express ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents. * Judgment — Decide on and commit to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; find creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; take strategic risks when necessary. Typical Physical Requirements * Standing (up to 2 hours per day) * Walking (up to 4 hours per day) * Bending/Stooping/Squatting/Kneeling/Balancing — Frequently * Crouching/Crawling — Occasionally * Sitting (up to 2 hours per day) * Climbing heights (12’) — Frequently * Reaching above shoulders — Frequently * Pushing/Pulling — Frequently * Carrying (up to 70 lbs.) — Occasionally * Lifting (up to 70 lbs.) — Occasionally * Using hands for repetitive movements — fine manipulating * Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity * Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained * Operating machinery * Ability to travel as needed — locally and/or nationally * Ability to operate in the field * Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate

Responsibilities

The Biologist 1 will execute routine husbandry tasks and support the care and management of The Florida Aquarium’s fish and invertebrate collections. This includes food preparation, habitat maintenance, and recognizing signs of illness or abnormal behavior.