Aquarist

JOB SUMMARY:

The National Aquarium is seeking a candidate to fill the position of Aquarist on our Blue Wonders team. This individual will provide support for Blue Wonders exhibits and holding systems as needed and assigned. Applicants must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed or assigned. Please submit your application with a resume and cover letter in PDF format.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

Essential responsibilities include:

• Provide assigned animals with excellent daytoday care through approved husbandry practices and standards and be accountable for that care. In some cases this may require SCUBA diving.

• Monitor and manage water quality parameters as appropriate for each species.
• Maintain life support systems and related equipment.
• Keep exhibits and holding systems well maintained via hydrocleaning water changes filter backwashing and related cleaning procedures.
• Manage animal diets prepare diets and feed animals.
• Administer medical treatments with the guidance of the veterinarians and curatorial team.
• Maintain detailed records on feeding maintenance and other husbandry related tasks and become proficient in our animal data management software Tracks.
• Keep backup spaces and work areas well maintained.
• Participate in the acquisition transport and acclimation of animals.
• Participate in the design construction and maintenance of exhibits and holding systems including life support lighting and habitat.
• Become proficient in our animal data management software Tracks
• Provide coverage and support for other sections as assigned with longer assignments possible in cases of vacation or leave.
• Conduct presentations and interact professionally with guests.
• Support company mission.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelors degree in biology Marine Science or related field; or completed advanced collegelevel related coursework; or comparable experience.
• Ability to safely climb ladders safely lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Knowledge of water chemistry aquatic husbandry biology and marine science including detailed knowledge of the biology and taxonomy of a variety of marine fish and invertebrates.
• Knowledge of aquarium filtration and operational components.
• Excellent observational decision making problem solving and reporting skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills an ability to create positive workplace team partnerships and a high regard for operating in a professional environment.
• Possess or ability to obtain a MD drivers license

Preferred:

• SCUBA certification from a recognized organization.
• Experience working with fish and/or aquatic invertebrates in a public aquarium or other zoological setting.
• Ability to pass a dive physical examination and a diving skills assessment.

TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

$19.0022.74 per hour with hours worked over 40 per week paid as overtime holiday premium pay and extra pay for emergency call backs. National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package including four weeks paid time off six paid floating holidays up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) at the start of the month following hire date and 401(k) plan participation starts at 30 days with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.

About the National Aquarium

Established in 1981 the National Aquarium in Baltimore Maryland is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquariums awardwinning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish birds amphibians reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits and we reach far more through our sciencebased education programs and handson field conservation National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquariums missionto connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planetbegins within the walls of its buildings but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement habitat restoration animal rescue and sustainable business practices with its conservation work guided by three overarching goalsto combat climate change save wildlife and habitats and stop plastic pollution.

Our Values

At the National Aquarium our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization our colleagues and ourselves and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.

Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other our guests the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.

Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.

Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.

Service: We are in service to each other our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.

Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.

Our Commitment to Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice

National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees volunteers and interns. Our goal is to recruit develop and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity equity inclusion and justice the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.

In the selection and retention of employees volunteers and interns we do not discriminate on the basis of race color religion or belief national social or ethnic origin ancestry citizenship status age physical mental or sensory disability sex (including pregnancy or childbirth) marital status veteran status sexual orientation gender identity and/or expression genetic information arrest record family or caregiver status HIV status socioeconomic status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment including but not limited to recruitment training promotions performance management and separation and general treatment during time of employment.