Aquarist II - Aquarium of Niagara

This position is responsible for taking an essential role in developing and providing innovative, attractive, educational, and scientifically accurate living and non-living exhibits and displays that both support and reflect the educational goals and mission statement at the Aquarium of Niagara. The Aquarist II primary objective and responsibility is to function in primary and supportive roles in all animal care and husbandry including diet preparation, facility/habitat maintenance, accurate record keeping, animal observations and husbandry staff supervision.
Essential Responsibilities
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Primary role in all functions and tasks related to the acquisition, care and public display of the living collection under the charge of the Curator of Fish and Invertebrates, including salt water and freshwater fishes, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic plants.
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Possess a strong knowledge and understanding of the specimens’ natural history, biology, behavior, and husbandry requirements in the Fish and Invertebrates departments living collection, including individual animal histories.
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Plan routine animal handling procedures needed to monitor the health and maintain the well-being of the collection under the Department’s charge, including medical exams and treatments.
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Be able to recognize emergency conditions related to animal health and safety and to implement an immediate response with a sense of urgency, regardless of the day, time, and staffing limitation.
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Assist in developing, planning, and assuring execution of sound general animal husbandry and tank maintenance procedures as well as tasks for upkeep of animal enclosures, and display/holding tanks.
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Maintain working knowledge of water chemistry and water quality parameters needed for sound aquatic animal husbandry. Perform water quality and life support procedures on all exhibits and reserve tanks, suggest corrective actions when appropriate.
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Maintain working knowledge of aquatic life support systems, their applications, operation, and upkeep.
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Possess a working knowledge of dietary and nutritional needs of the aquatic animals under Department’s charge, and assure these needs are met through the planning and procurement of satisfactory food and supplement types.
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Be aware of commonly experienced diseases, infections and parasite infestations of fishes, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles under human care. Learn to recognize symptoms, practice basic diagnostic procedures, administer medications and treatments in consultation with the veterinarians and the Animal Health Manager.
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Implement and enforce strict procedures to minimize disease manifestations, localize outbreaks and prevent accidental transfer of infections and infestations.
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Execute or assist with veterinary procedures and/or animal transports as directed by the veterinarian staff, Animal Health Manager and Curator of Fish and Invertebrates department and discuss possible health concerns and treatment options.
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Play a key role in maintaining the highest standards in the areas of animal husbandry, training, enrichment, cleanliness, diet preparation, record keeping, animal observations, and facility maintenance.

Experience Required

Experience Required • College degree in life sciences or biology or in lieu of a degree, minimum 3 years of relevant experience in a zoo/aquarium/. • Must have 2-3 years of relevant experience and progressive growth through hands-on work in aquatic animal care in husbandry, and exhibit development, with emphasis on fresh and marine fishes, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles. • Must have a current SCUBA certification by an accredited diving agency and minimum of 10 hours of logged diving. • Must be able to demonstrate a proficiency in public speaking and guest interaction. • Must be able to work on a team, as well as function individually with no supervision when necessary. Working Conditions • Must be able to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds, work on un-even and slippery surfaces, withstand temperatures of hot and cold, and sit/stand for long periods of time when necessary. • Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays

Salary

$ 17.50-$19.00 per hour