Great Lakes Aquarium is seeking an Aquarist to join our team. This new position is a permanent, part time position working 30 hours per week. We are increasing our aquatic collection with a new gallery opening in 2025.
Position: Aquarist Pay Rate: $15 per hour
Job Description: As an Aquarist, you will be an integral part of our aquarium's operations, with a primary focus on the care and maintenance of both freshwater and marine exhibits. Your responsibilities will include:
- Animal Husbandry: Provide exceptional care for a diverse range of aquatic species. Ensure their health, nutrition, and overall well-being are maintained at the highest level. This position will be directly responsible for 2-3 aquatic systems. This position will also help with coverage of a variety of exhibits and animals during primary keepers’ scheduled days off. Coverage care may include fresh and saltwater systems, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
- Aquatic food preparation: Prepare diets for aquatic systems, pull and label appropriate amounts of frozen food for use the following day, and clean the food preparation kitchen as needed.
- Water Quality Maintenance: Monitor and maintain optimal water conditions for exhibits under your care, including temperature, ph, DO, NH3, NO2, NO3.
- SCUBA Diving Operations: Utilize your scuba certification to perform underwater tasks, such as cleaning exhibits, feeding aquatic life, and conducting regular health checks in both freshwater and marine exhibits.
Requirements:
- SCUBA certification (Open Water Diver level or higher) or ability to become certified within 90 days of hire is mandatory (GLA can provide required training and certification).
- Ability to pass a swim test within the 90 days of hire, and dive in temperate and tropical conditions.
- Experience in aquatic animal husbandry, preferably with both freshwater and marine species, in an aquarium or equivalent setting.
- Passion for conservation and environmental stewardship.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse audiences.
- Flexibility to work some holidays and occasional evenings.
- The ability to lift 50 pounds.
Work Schedule: 30 hours per week, consistent schedule with shifts starting at 7:30am. Saturdays required.
Start Date: January, 2025
Benefits:
- Earned paid Sick and Safe time
- Unpaid time off up to 12 days per calendar year
Don't miss this chance to be part of a passionate and caring team, providing quality care to the animal collection, and creating memorable experiences for visitors. We can't wait to welcome you aboard as our newest Aquarist!
EOAA Statement:
Great Lakes Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer. Great Lakes Aquarium shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Great Lakes Aquarium aims to be a supportive community for all people. If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this position, please connect with our Access and Inclusion Coordinator, Annie Thors athors@glaquarium.org.
