Aquarium Biologist 1-3

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Aquarium Biologist 1-3

An Aquarium Biologist serves as an animal care taker and is responsible for the overall health, appearance, maintenance, and cleanliness of their assigned exhibits and animals. They are expected to be able to maintain all animals under their care, noting unusual behavior and health concerns, and reporting these observations to their supervisor.

This role requires a practical knowledge of animal behavior, animal husbandry, water quality, and LSS through education or commensurate experience. The Aquarium Biologist may be assigned to work at variety of locations including the Main Aquarium, offsite quarantine, or offsite exhibits.

General Duties: Animal maintenance tasks may include, but are not limited to, preparation of food (including medicated and special diets), performing water quality tests and evaluation of these tests with corrective measures if necessary, collection of specimens, conducting regular SCUBA assisted diving for exhibit maintenance and cleaning, preparation of chemicals, mixing synthetic seawater, cleaning of filters and aquarium viewing surfaces, cleaning of food preparation room, performing water changes, and gravel vacuuming.

This position will be responsible for the husbandry of a variety of animals including but not limited to fish, invertebrates, and reptiles. Other tasks not directly related to animal care may include but are not limited to include daily record keeping, maintenance of life support equipment, set up and breakdown of exhibit aquariums, participation in the exhibit development process, keeping work areas clean and equipment organized. This position may require participation in continuing education which would involve travel to out of town locations

Working Hours: Normal hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with one hour for lunch and will include weekend and holiday hours. Occasional longer daily hours or evening hours may be required to complete specific tasks.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marine Science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience Required

Experience: Employment, internship, or a substantial amount of volunteer hours in a public aquarium, zoo or related institution is required. Skills: • Perform routine tasks accurately and efficiently • Able to work well with others and be a team player • Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing • Ability to administer CPR, First Aid and DAN O2 • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access • Basic knowledge of aquarium biological processes • Basic knowledge of aquarium fish husbandry and health • Ability to navigate and utilize ZIMS for record keeping • Possess time management and organizational skills • Ability to recognize basic life support system issues • Capable of working with PVC pipe, fittings, solvent cement, epoxy and resins Physical: • Precise hand-eye coordination is required for the gentle capture and handling of animals from aquatic environments • Ability to work outside in hot and humid Florida weather conditions • Ability to spend the majority of the workday walking, standing, bending and lifting. • Capable of climbing and working from ladders • Tolerance to work around noisy machinery & equipment • Ability to work in confined spaces • Tolerance for the smell of fish and animal feces • Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs occasionally • Ability to lift 25lbs overhead occasionally • Capable of working around bleach and other sanitizing chemicals • Strength to lift a net holding 10 lbs. with one hand daily • Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes regularly

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing "2024 Aquarium Biologist, 1-3" at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm August 2, 2024.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

1600 Ken Thompson Parkway

Sarasota, FL 34236

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