Aquarist I

Aquatic Animal Care Specialist

Position Summary:

As part of the Butterfly Wonderland curatorial team, this position works with a variety of saltwater and freshwater fish and aquatic invertebrates. The primary responsibility is to perform and assist with animal husbandry, exhibit maintenance, off-exhibit maintenance, and related projects for the assigned aquatic collection. The position works under the direction of the Director of Animal Care to maintain a professional workspace, support aquatic programming, and promote animal health, exhibit excellence, visitor experience, and a positive team environment.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

- Support the curatorial team by demonstrating patience, respect, honesty, professionalism, teamwork, and commitment when interacting with coworkers and guests.

- Perform excellent animal husbandry, including regular feeding, animal enrichment, animal censuses, and assistance with medical procedures as needed.

- Maintain clean, safe, and organized back-of-house areas, including regular cleaning of surfaces and floors, laundry, and proper waste disposal.

- Communicate effectively with team members and management regarding equipment, husbandry, and animal care concerns.

- Attend weekly meetings with OA staff to discuss equipment and husbandry issues.

- Meet weekly with the Director of Animal Care to provide updates on assigned responsibilities and animal care activities.

- Complete daily End of Day reports and maintain accurate records.

- Participate in public programming, including public feeding of the Observation Pool and other aquatic-related activities.

- Follow all safety, security, facility, animal care, and operational policies and procedures.

- Assist with other animal care, exhibit, education, conservation, and facility projects as assigned.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field preferred, or currently working toward a relevant degree.

- Strong interest in working in a professional animal care, education, and conservation environment.

- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team in a constantly changing environment.

- Ability to work independently and complete responsibilities with minimal supervision.

- Strong commitment to animal welfare, husbandry, conservation, guest experience, and workplace professionalism.

Physical and Medical Requirements:

- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays when required.

- Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.

- Successful completion of required pre-employment screening and ability to perform strenuous and heavy physical work.

- Ability to work around animals and plants without allergies that interfere with job responsibilities.

- Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.

- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

- Ability to use hands for handling and reaching activities.

- Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, and crawl when required.

- Ability to frequently communicate verbally and hear effectively.

- Ability to work in loud environments and in varying weather conditions, including hot, cold, wet, and humid conditions.

- Ability to receive and follow direct or indirect instructions and directional cues.

- Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Employee Expectations:

Employees are expected to take ownership of opportunities to exceed expectations, anticipate guest needs, maintain attention to detail, and treat internal and external customers with respect. Team members should maintain a positive and professional attitude, provide accurate service, act ethically, offer alternative solutions, and continuously learn about the organization's products and services. Employees are expected to acknowledge and greet guests courteously, use name recognition when appropriate, take responsibility for their surroundings, remain accountable for tools and resources, and value the contributions of every team member.

The organization is committed to inclusion and diversity and values the varied perspectives, ideas, experiences, and cultural backgrounds that team members bring to the workplace. A diverse and inclusive culture supports innovation, collaboration, and long-term success.