Aquarist

AQUARIST

Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park located in Richmond Virginia with many unique experiences for all to enjoy including the historic Maymont Mansion The Robins Nature Center arboretum formal gardens and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. With seasonal events programs and rental spaces over 800000 guests enjoy Maymont yearly. Since 1975 Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation committed to creating experiences that delight educate and inspire its guests.

The Maymont Foundation is seeking an Aquarist who will care for and maintain the health and appearance of fish and other taxa in the Robins Nature Center maintain support areas including water testing lab and life support systems and engage with guests through programming and education efforts. This role will provide support to Maymonts other animal care teams as needed. This position reports to the Senior manager of Zoology.

Essential Functions include:

• Maintains health and appearance of all animals within the Robins Nature Center such as fish amphibians reptiles (including venomous) raptors and mammals. These duties include (but not limited to) making diets feeding cleaning observation enrichment and animal training using operant conditioning and positive reinforcement.
• Maintains exhibit appearance by working independently as well as with other animal care staff.
• Maintains troubleshoots and repairs life support systems (LSS).
• Maintains daily records including (but not limited to) inventory animal health and water quality data.
• Educates and informs individuals and groups through answering questions programs guiding behind-the-scenes tours teaching workshops supervising interns volunteers and students.
• Analyzes water samples for dissolved gases nutrients heavy metals pH salinity temperature and medications to assure adequate water quality for animal health
• Researches data to properly understand and maintain the animals within area of responsibility.
• Participates in exhibit improvement design and other planning.
• Participates in Maymont Tent Pole Events as needed which may be outside of regular work schedule.
• Supports other animal care teams such as the Childrens Farm and Habitats as needed.
• Assists with other duties and tasks as assigned.

Competencies:

• Ability to work in inclement weather throughout the year.
• Must be flexible in schedule availability; weekends and some holidays will be required.
• Will be required to pass scheduled Basic First Aid and CPR employer-provided training.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers and Maymont visitors.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum requirement: Associates degree in Zoo Animal Technology or equivalent accepted education and one year of professional experience in a public aquarium zoo or related facility utilizing life support systems.
• Bachelors degree in biology ichthyology marine science zoology or related natural science field is preferred with a good knowledge of native freshwater fauna.
• SCUBA certification within six months employment. SCUBA certification prior to employment is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of electricity plumbing and mechanical aspects of aquarium life support systems is preferred.
• Knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry to include disease and parasite control animal nutrition animal breeding animal behavior and animal training.
• Additional skills and abilities preferred: experience in animal restraint and handling use of operant conditioning techniques use of hand and gardening tools power tools personal computer microscope first aid equipment.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check
• Valid drivers license with reliable transportation to/from Maymont

Physical Demands:

• Frequent sitting standing walking and talking for extended periods
• Frequent climbing bending stooping and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work inside and outside in all-weather conditions throughout the year
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision distance vision depth perception and the ability to adjust focus

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid-time-off and health dental vision disability and life insurance.

FLSA Status: Full-Time Hourly

** Ability to pass a background check needed