Shedd Aquarium is committed to the highest standards of animal care and welfare, fostering meaningful public engagement through an "animals-first" approach. We create complex environments and use innovative training to promote natural behaviors.
ROLE SUMMARY
This Supervisor oversees the daily care and welfare of a diverse collection of Fresh Water Animals. Reporting to the Manager, Aquarium Fresh Water Habitats, this role involves spending the majority of the time in hands-on husbandry tasks while learning to manage people, ensuring the well-being of the collection and supporting the aquarist team.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the necessary knowledge, skill and/or ability to perform the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Hands-on Animal Husbandry (32-36 hours per week):
- Perform daily feedings, health checks, and behavioral observations on all species to ensure their health and well-being.
- Conduct routine cleaning, water quality monitoring, and life support system adjustments to maintain optimal habitat conditions.
- Implement and document animal training programs using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage natural behaviors and mental stimulation.
- Maintain accurate logs of animal health, training sessions, feedings, and habitat conditions using Shedd’s animal management software.
- Perform scheduled dives for habitat cleaning, maintenance, and animal care within exhibits.
- Assist with animal transports, acclimations, and habitat introductions, following established protocols.
- Conduct feeding demonstrations, assist in educational presentations, and provide behind-the-scenes tours as needed to enhance guest experiences.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory (4-8 hours per week)
- Support the onboarding, training, and development of aquarist team members; guide daily tasks and ensure best practices in animal care.
- Conduct bi-weekly 1:1 check-in with aquarists, document performance, and assist in creating professional development plans.
- Prepares Performance Assessments for their direct reports to be completed and delivered in collaboration with the Manger.
- Assist the Manager with supply orders, inventory tracking, and departmental reporting.
- Ensure adherence to accreditation standards and regulatory requirements in collaboration with the Manager.
- Support initiatives involving Conservation, Research, Animal Health, Facilities, and Guest Relations teams to align with Shedd’s mission.
- Participate in daily team meetings and bi-weekly meetings with the Manager to discuss operational updates and project needs.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, zoology, animal science, related field — or demonstrated equivalent knowledge.
- Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in animal husbandry.
- Proven track record in the care, handling, and behavioral training of animals.
- Familiarity with life support systems, water quality management, and veterinary protocols.
- Familiarity with collection planning, sustainability initiatives, and conservation priorities in an aquarium setting.
- Familiarity with regulatory standards for animal care, including transport and accreditation requirements.
Key Competencies:
- Proficient in record-keeping and animal management software.
- Strong problem-solving abilities with a focus on critical thinking in a dynamic environment.
- Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
- Proficient in using animal management software for accurate record-keeping and reporting.
- Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and adjust schedules as needed.
- Commitment to Shedd's mission, vision, and values, with a passion for conservation.
Certifications:
- Must possess a valid driver's license or can obtain one within 6 months from start of employment.
- Must possess a valid passport or can obtain one within 6 months from start of employment.
- Must possess a minimum of open water SCUBA certification. Employment contingent upon passing a dive physical and check out protocol administered by Shedd Aquarium's Dive Operations.
Language and communication skills:
- Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend English fluently.
- Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions given from written and oral sources.
- Ability to write professional business correspondence.
- Ability to effectively present information to all One Shedd team members.
- Ability to lead, inspire, and manage people.
- Ability to execute department planning and strategy.
Mathematical skills:
- Ability to understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas.
- Ability to understand and employ intermediate level accounting mathematics.
Reasoning skills:
- Ability to work with little or no supervision.
- Ability to work within a team environment.
- Ability to use common sense techniques in solving problems.
- Ability to solve complex logical problems.
- Ability to use diplomacy and tact when dealing with problems.
- Ability to identify problems and determine the best course of action for their resolution.
- Ability to critically evaluate information for accuracy and usefulness in solving problems.
- Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in a variety of situations.
- Ability to evaluate and recommend behavioral solutions for optimal welfare and sustainability of animals in Shedd’s care.
- Ability to plan for development of animals in Shedd’s care for public engagement, sustainability, and research.
- Ability to develop and manage a department budget.
Computer skills:
- Proficiency of Microsoft Office programs.
- Proficiency in the use animal management software such as TRACKs.
- Ability to learn multiple software applications for accounting, employee management, and interdepartmental business operations.
Physical readiness:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Lift up to 40 pounds
- Sit
- Stand
- Stoop
- Kneel
- Walk
- Swim
- Hear
Working environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This person may be exposed to:
- Water
- Heat
- Cold
- Hazardous Chemicals
- Low noise
- Moderate Noise
- Loud Noise
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.
If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).
