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Belle Isle Aquarium - Aquarist

The Belle Isle Conservancy has openings for aquarists at the Belle Isle Aquarium. These staff members are responsible for assisting in Aquarium animal husbandry including carrying out all work regarding the care, display, propagation and procurement of the Aquarium’s animal collection (including fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and live feed cultivation). Performs maintenance of life support systems, facilities, and equipment. Assists with implementing animal habitats, building renovations, exhibits, and signage. Supports all elements of Aquarium and Belle Isle Conservancy operations, events, contracts, projects and tasks. This includes supporting interns, volunteers, education, training, outreach, donors, and institutional partners.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Coordinate aquarists schedule, arrange coverage and work scheduled shifts as assigned.
  • Lead fellow staff in animal husbandry and Aquarium maintenance and operations.
  • Develop and enforce standards care for the entire animal collection.
  • Have a working knowledge of the ecosystems and animals represented by their exhibit themes. This includes basic knowledge of animal anatomy, behavior, environmental parameters and recognition of common health concerns.
  • Recommend animal acquisitions, dispositions, exhibits, signage, articles and programs and lead others in the research, development and implementation.
  • Arrange for and participate in veterinary procedures as needed.
  • Provide guidance on appropriate daily data collection within all animal care areas.
  • Collaborate in the production of all identification labels, signage and interpretive graphics associated with the animal collection and other educational exhibits.
  • Manage and perform daily feedings, live feed cultivation, health and behavioral observations, enrichment activities, water quality monitoring, tank and exhibit maintenance for the animal collection at the highest industry standards.
  • Maintain supplies inventory including ordering, organizing, and tracking.
  • Actively use and support facilities maintenance, collection, volunteer, event/group booking management software, and document work and provide reports.
  • Assist in training, coaching, mentoring and managing new staff, aquarists, interns and volunteers; lead by example and provide encouragement and growth opportunities.
  • Assist with facility maintenance and operation including equipment preventative maintenance, building repair, housekeeping, landscaping, rental and special events.
  • Lead collection management, special exhibits, and AZA accreditation requirements.
  • Develop and present formal educational programs, engage in media interviews, and provide content for marketing publications like the newsletter, website and articles.
  • Be a proactive self-starter in accomplishing tasks and self-managing daily work activities.
  • Follow institutional policies and procedures, which will be updated regularly.
  • Commitment to an exceptionally positive work environment that embraces change as a constant.
  • Passion and motivation for the work and mission of the Belle Isle Conservancy and Aquarium.

Experience
5+ years of professional experience (including internships) in animal husbandry preferred.
Aquarium, zoo, or museum experience preferred.


Education
Bachelor degree in biology or related field with course work in zoology/fisheries/aquatic/marine biology, or equivalent, preferred.


Certifications/Licenses
Dive certified preferred.
First aid, CPR, AED or equivalent certifications preferred.

For more information on us and this job please visit http://www.belleisleconservancy.org/career-opportunities.

To apply for this job please send your cover letter and resume to BICcareers@belleisleconservancy.org by midnight on December 18th.