Aquarist ll - Springfield, United States - Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Description

Job Description

Aquarist ll - Corals

Department: Life Sciences

Reports to: Curatorial Staff and Lead Aquarists

Status: Full Time, Hourly

Job Overview: We are seeking a dynamic CORALAQUARIST ll to join our team This person will work under the supervision of the Lead Aquarist and Curatorial Staff. This individual will ensure and promote effective and efficient care of the department's animal collection. This position will be the primary aquarist for our coral exhibit in our Marvels of the Deep Gallery.

Essential Functions for a Level ll Aquarist:

• Responsible for the daily husbandry and ensuring proper care of all animals; including preparation of diets, medical care, and maintenance of animal exhibit space.
• Assist vet staff with creation and implementation of animal diets.
• Assists Lead Aquarist and Curatorial staff in conservation programs.
• Oversee training and education of volunteers and interns; provide mentorship for less experienced staff.
• Completes daily activities though effective communication with staff and volunteers.
• Responsible for daily record keeping and observations.
• Participates in educational talks and feeding demonstrations throughout the Museum.
• Assists life support, water quality, dive staff, maintenance, and veterinary staff monitoring water quality and life support systems, as required.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned to achieve the goals and mission of the museum.
• Participate as an active member of professional affiliations such as AZA, ZAA, or AAZK.

MINIMUM Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field is preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a four-year degree at the discretion of Life Sciences leadership.
• Preferred four years' experience in a facility working with captive fresh and saltwater fishes, and invertebrates.
• Preferred three or more years' experience with working with corals, fresh and saltwater fishes, and invertebrates in a public aquarium, zoo or equivalent facility.
• Strong understanding of life support systems and water quality parameters for marine invertebrates including corals, and the ability to recognize and resolve problems.
• Must have good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• SCUBA certified or will be within the first year of employment.
• Ability to pass all required physicals and swim test to meet dive standards, within 1 year.
• Requires walking/standing approximately 75% of the time, sitting 10% of the time, forward bending and crouching 15% of the time, lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Requires proficiency with Personal Computer (P.C.) hardware and contemporary software including Microsoft Office Products.
• Requires capability of performing essential job functions in holding areas, exhibit spaces and mechanical rooms where spaces are small and tight, and in office environments with climate control and good lighting.
• May require immunizations depending on animal collection, this could include TB testing.

We offer the following benefits by joining our team:

• Store/Attraction employee discounts
• Medical, Vision, Dental, Company Paid Life Insurance, LTD, STD, 401(k)
• Paid Time Off

About Us: Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is the largest, most-immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world. The facility consists of a 1.5-million-gallon Aquarium Adventure showcasing 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds, and immersive Wildlife Galleries sharing the story of America's most significant conservationists throughout history and today. Created by noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, the 350,000-square-foot experience celebrates people who hunt, fish, and act as stewards of the land and water. Located next to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, the campus is a centerpiece of America's Conservation Capital in Missouri's Ozark Mountains. WOW has been voted "Best New Attraction" in 2017 and "America's Best Aquarium" for a record-breaking four times by the readers of USA TODAY and received its AZA accreditation in 2022. For more information, visit