Purpose:

The Junior Aquarist is part of a core team responsible for the maintenance and husbandry of living exhibits and assists with a range of activities associated with The National Aquarium.

Responsibilities:
 

• Perform daily monitoring and assessment of animals, their health, treatment, and management to ensure the highest level of quality throughout the aquarium facility.

• Prepare daily feeds to satisfy the proper nutritional needs of the livestock. 

• Diving as required on a day-to-day basis and perform maintenance and feedings.

• Understand and follow SOPs, husbandry manuals and exhibit record keeping.

• Learn how to handle live animal shipments and acclimation processes.

• Learn basic understanding of aquarium systems and daily upkeep.

• Assist the aquarist team in any required tasks.

• Undertake necessary animal training with various birds, mammals, and reptiles.

• Learn to monitor water quality and act appropriately to the needs of the collection.

• Assist with collection of daily data for husbandry protocols.

• Communicate to the public as needed.

• Support and collaborate with Front of House personnel as needed.

• Assist in the animal encounters and feeding shows.

Qualifications & Experience:

Required:
 

• A higher school degree in Biology or similar relevant experience.

• SCUBA certification from a recognized training agency.

• Must feel comfortable working in closed spaces or when surrounded by wild animals. 

• Must be able to lift 25Kg.

Desirable:

• Work experience with some or all the following taxa: reptiles, birds, rodents, primates, mustelids, manatees, amphibians, freshwater fish.

• Basic knowledge and understanding of freshwater Life Support Systems.

• Animal training experience.