Position Summary
The Biologist 1 (Temporary) 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 (TFA) Wetlands collection. 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
- Perform general daily husbandry functions including the maintenance of live exhibits, holding systems and quarantine facilities at a high level of quality
- Develop and demonstrate acumen in universally accepted aquarium husbandry skill areas including:
- Marine organism handling, transport, acclimation and care
- Food Preparation and Feeding
- Life Support Systems (LSS) operation and maintenance
- Live exhibit maintenance
- Ensure accurate animal record keeping through consistent utilization of electronic record keeping system
- Assure behavior meets the TFA’s values of Respect, Trust and Excellence
- Interact with aquarium guests, donors and team members in a positive and professional manner
- Maintain Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) inspection readiness for exhibit, service, holding, and backup areas
- Supports TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis
- Communicates ideas for exhibit improvements and modifications independently
- Executes behavior shaping plans for aquatic and terrestrial animals
Secondary Functions
- Maintain tools and equipment necessary for the care of the collection
- Follow Animal Care Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Work with volunteers and interns within scope of position
- Participate in meetings with curators, biologists, and other aquarium departments
- All other duties as required
Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills
- Previous experience in a facility working with terrestrial and aquatic 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, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- 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.
- Concern for Detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item.
- Judgement - 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.
- Work Standards—Applies high-performance standards to all work-related activities.
Typical Physical Requirements
- Standing (up to 4 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
- Lifting/Carrying (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
- Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate
