POSITION SUMMARY:
We are seeking a seasoned Live Exhibits Supervisor to lead the care maintenance and educational impact of our aquatic exhibits at a premierretail location. This pivotal role requires an expert in marine and freshwater animal husbandry who is passionate about conservation education and visitor engagement. The ideal candidate will oversee a dedicated aquarist teamensuringexemplary animal welfare standards while enhancing interactive guest experiences. Collaboration with retail education and corporate teams is essential to align exhibit operations with the aquariums mission and strategic goals. Integration of scuba diving programs will support both operational excellence and scientific research initiatives with safety as the foremost priority.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Lead comprehensive life support system (LSS) maintenance and troubleshooting ensuringoptimalwater quality and habitat conditions across diverse aquatic exhibits;maintaindetailed records using company systems and coordinate with externalvendorsas necessary.
Maintain expert knowledge of LSS technologies and industry best practices; actively support staff certifications through AALSO and other relevant organizations.
Deliver engaging public seminars on fish health behavior and conservation topicsutilizingfull facemask diving demonstrations to enhance visitor education.
Manage limited registrar duties within theOercadatabase to support animal tracking and exhibit documentation.
Oversee commissary operations related to onsite specimen collection ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Conduct laboratory analyses of exhibit water parameters tomaintainenvironmental integrity critical to animal health.
Provide direct veterinary support including performing biopsies andassistingin pathogen identification in collaboration with veterinary staff.
Prepareobjective data-driven reports on animal health and behavior trends for senior leadership to inform exhibit management decisions.
Coordinatelogisticsfor corporate training sessions animal transport supply procurement and maintenance activities supporting exhibit operations.
Develop mentor and train aquarist staff on live exhibit protocols safety procedures and conservation messaging aligned with public aquarium standards.
Manage operational inventory and supplies efficiently to support uninterrupted exhibit function.
Administer the approved operations budget with fiscal discipline while identifying opportunities for cost-effective improvements.
Coordinate routine and emergency veterinary care;maintainonsite medical equipment including ultrasound endoscope surgical and necropsy tools essential for animal health management.
Foster a culture of safety professionalism and continuous improvement within the live exhibits team.
Build andmaintainstrong partnership with retail admin as it relates to guest interaction with stingrays dive safety sharing ofcommon spaces.
Manage dive program in adherence to the dive safety manual.
UtilizeXverseplatform for dive records.
Performadditionalduties as assigned.
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelors degree in Biology Zoology Marine Science or related field; equivalent professional experience in public aquarium settings considered favorably.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing aquarist teams of three or more in a public aquarium or similar environment.
Extensiveexpertisein saltwater and freshwater animal husbandry with proven ability to manage diversespeciesincluding potentially hazardous animals safely.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and aquarium-specific software platforms; strong data management skills preferred.
Exceptional organizational skills with sound judgment in decision-making under dynamic conditions typical of live animal care environments.
Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities whilemaintainingfocus on animal welfare and visitor experience excellence.
Ability to respond promptly to emergencies or operational challenges with calm professionalism.
Experience in budget management reporting and project oversight within a public aquarium or zoological institution is highly desirable.
Advancedscuba certification or willingness to obtainhighercertification promptly; First Aid/CPR certificationor must be obtained shortly afterhire.
RescueXextraction board certification.
Physical ability to lift 100lbsregularly and navigate stairs/ladders safely as part of daily responsibilities.
Proventrack recordin staff development fostering a collaborative and knowledgeable team environment aligned with public aquarium values.
Core Competencies:
Keen observational skills to detect subtle changes in animal behavior indicative of health or environmental issues.
Adaptability to variable schedules including weekends evenings holidays consistent with public aquarium operations.
Deep understanding of animal behavior principles combined with commitment to safety protocols protecting both animals and staff.
Analytical problem-solving skills applied systematically to maintain complex life support systems critical forexhibitsuccess.
Excellent communication skills tailoredfordiverse audiences including staff visitors educators and corporate partners.
Autonomy & Decision-Making:
This role requires independent judgment within established protocols while innovating solutions that enhance exhibit operations and visitor engagement.
ProposedExhibits
-65000 Gallon Cylinder
-10000 Gallon Stingray Pool
- 9000 Gallon Casting Tank
- 4000 GallonJellyfish Exhibit
Support Systems
-Quarantine/Holding/Hospital Tanks
-Jelly Culture Lab/Phytoplankton & Rotifer Culture
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
N/A
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Position requires lifting in excess of 50 lbs. as regular part of duties.
INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT:
Performs duties within scope of general company policies procedures and objectives. Analyzes problems and performs needs assessments. Uses judgment in adapting broad guidelines to achieve desired result. Regular exercise of independent judgment within accepted practices. Makes recommendations that affect policies procedures and practices.
Full Time Benefits Summary:
Enjoy discounts on retail merchandise our restaurants world-class resorts and conservation attractions!
Bass Pro Shops is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race color creed religion sex pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity age national origin ancestry citizenship status disability veteran status genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal state or local law.
Reasonable Accommodations
Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process please visit your nearest location or contact us at
Required Experience:
Manager
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