Aquarist

Organization Background

Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 38 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.  

   Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its approximately 97 full-time and 78 part-time employees, seasonal staff, and our volunteers.  

Position Overview

The Aquarist at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is responsible for living specimens and maintaining their life support systems. 

Compensation

This is a part-time position with an hourly rate of $21.13.

Schedule

The schedule for this position will vary, but will not exceed 28 hours per week.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Provide care for various species of herpetofauna, birds, insects, small mammals, and fish.
• Participates in daily animal presentations, involving handling a variety of animals and speaking to the public on a microphone
• Provide daily animal care, including diet prep and feeding and exhibit cleaning
• Maintain exhibits and back-of-house areas and life support systems, including cleaning, backwashing, and water changes, etc.
• Evaluate animal health, diets, appetite and behavior, and report findings to manager
• Administer medication to animals as directed by veterinarians
• Performs water quality analysis, makes adjustments, follows up with subsequent testing
• Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa
• Provide shadowing opportunities for aquarists, interns, and volunteers in routine animal care, safety procedures, and aquarium operation as needed
• Participates in collecting trips, animal transports, and procedural tasks, following legal regulations and ethical best practices
• Enter and update animal records in TRACKs; assist in research projects as necessary
• Uphold AZA and USDA standards in daily work
• Deliver public presentations
• Work to desensitize animals for program and training and administer enrichment
• Participate in public training demonstrations and/or keeper talks
• Conduct welfare assessments and report findings
• Interact positively and professionally with guests, animal care and veterinary staff, and volunteers, and report issues to supervisor and act in a professional manner
• Follow all safety protocols and understand their role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required
• Maintains a variety of collecting equipment.
• This position will require the individual to work weekends and holidays, assist with after-hours emergencies, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting and transport duties.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Prefer four-year degree (B.S. or B.A.) in marine biology, biology, zoology, psychology or related field.
• A two-year degree (A.S./A.A.S.) in a relevant field plus a minimum of two years’ experience in a public zoo or aquarium husbandry/operations position may be substituted for formal education.
• A minimum six months’ experience in animal care (may be any combination of paid work, internships, or volunteer service) preferred
• Basic knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, and life support systems (LSS)
• General knowledge of water quality testing, medical dosing, and lab equipment
• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal
• Ability to lift 60 pounds
• Ability to negotiate stairs, climb high obstacles and maneuver easily in exhibit and support areas
• Able to negotiate various field conditions
• Ability to work standing up for extended periods of time
• Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record
• SCUBA certification preferred
• Able to work weekends and holidays

Benefits

• Retirement Benefits and Plans 
• Paid Leave (Sick Time)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free Single Membership to The Maritime Aquarium

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.