Aquarist

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Aquarist

Greater Cleveland Aquarium. The Greater Cleveland Aquarium energizes curiosity about aquatic life and the environment to inspire positive action. Situated in a historically registered Powerhouse that lends amazing architecture for a wide variety of exhibits, ranging up to 230,000 gallons.

• www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com
• 2000 Sycamore Street, Cleveland, Ohio; 216-862-8803
• Greater Cleveland Aquarium is seeking an enthusiastic, passionate, conservation-minded individual to join the Curation team. The Aquarist position is a high energy job that requires attention to detail, time management, strong communication skills, guest engagement and collaboration within a team. The Aquarist is required to deliver a high standard of work performance in the areas of animal and exhibit husbandry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct husbandry for a variety of animals including but not limited to freshwater and marine aquatic species, avian species, reptiles and amphibians

• Maintain quality exhibits with routine system checks and cleaning

• Determine, prepare and administer appropriate nutrition and enrichment to meet the individual animal needs

• Maintain proper water quality for aquatic exhibits and holding systems, by applying knowledge of the nitrogen cycle as it pertains to closed systems and though an understanding and manipulation of basic water chemistry parameters, such as pH, Alkalinity, and Salinity

• Ability to assess animal behavior and health and report any abnormalities

• Keep detailed records of animals and systems

• Assist with maintaining inventory of supplies necessary for the daily care of animals

• Maintain all back of house areas so that they are safe and clean

• Assist with quarantine procedures, acquisition, and animal transport

• Coordinate with veterinarian staff for diagnosis, administering treatments, and assisting with medical procedures

• Conduct routine SCUBA diving in exhibits

• Supervise, train and mentor interns

• Participate in exhibit improvement, design and other planning

• Deliver formal and informal interpretation with guests of all ages and presentations for interdepartmental guest programs

• Keep current on best practices to properly understand and maintain animals within area of responsibility

• Assist Curator in maintaining the Greater Cleveland Aquarium at the highest level of quality

• Other duties as assigned by Curator

Position Requirements

• Minimum 2 years professional work experience in a public aquarium/zoo or related facility

• Degree in Biology, Zoology, Aquarium Sciences or a related field from an accredited institution or equivalently valued experience

• Knowledge of general animal husbandry techniques, across a range of topics including but not limited to animal nutrition, breeding, behavior, training, and diseases

• Basic knowledge of life support equipment, application and operation

• Must be able to work varying shifts, weekends, evenings, and holidays

• Must be able to work on-call shifts, and be able to report to Aquarium for emergencies

• Work well as a team, and independently while providing coverage for co-workers

• Must have excellent verbal and written communication, and organization skills

• Demonstrate ability to follow all safety precautions and be willing to work with conditions associated with an animal care facility, such as venomous or poisonous species, disinfectant chemicals, potential zoonotic diseases and being wet.

• Must be able to work well under stress dealing with live animals

• Must have SCUBA certification, or the ability to acquire within an agreed upon time

• Provide medical statement with recommendation from dive physician is required

• Must be able to complete CPR, First Aid and Oxygen provider certifications

How to Apply

To apply, please submit resume and cover letter to Ray Popik, Curator, rpopik@greaterclevelandaquarium.com

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

2000 Sycamore Street

Cleveland, OH 44113