Biologist 1 (Aquarist)

Florida Aquarium • Full-time • Tampa, Florida • 1w ago

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