Ocean Career: St. Louis Aquarium Senior Aquarist

This position is responsible for the day-to-day husbandry operations in the St. Louis Aquarium. Primary responsibilities include the care and wellbeing of all animals under the facility’s care; maintenance of all habitats; and positive team approach within the Life Sciences Department.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Supervise and undertake daily operations within the Life Sciences Department to ensure highest level of safety, courtesy, education, efficiency, and operational readiness at all times.
  • Maintain positive representation to professional agencies, institutions, and various committees.
  • Ensure Compliance with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality, state, and federal rules and regulations.
  • Supervise assigned team members; provide coaching and expertise for their professional development.
  • Supervise animal care team to ensure habitats meet compliance of facility specific policies and procedures.
  • Perform duties in order to reduce loss/waste, control costs and accurately communicate expenses.
  • Proactively assist in the implementation of new habitats and educational opportunities in order to maximize guest experience.
  • Maintain up-to-date electronic records on animal health, water quality, system maintenance, system checks and stock reports.
  • Monitor and identify animal health concerns, disease diagnosis and water quality concerns.
  • Communicate any animal health concerns to Animal Care Manager, veterinary, and water quality staff to develop and implement a care and treatment plan.
  • Comply with all policy and procedure documents.
  • Assist in emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals, or company property.
  • In collaboration with Guest Experience Department and the Aquarium Foundation, ensure habitats and programs engage, educate, and entertain diverse audiences.
  • Work closely with the Aquarium Foundation to ensure volunteers and educators provide exemplary guest service and engagement.
  • Perform daily dive requirements.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

  • Three years + experience with animal husbandry required.
  • Open Water Dive Certification required; Rescue Diver level or equivalent preferred.
  • First Aid, Emergency O2, and AED certification required.
  • Degree in wildlife/marine biology or relevant work experience required.
  • Background in fresh and saltwater aquariums, reptiles, amphibians, birds, or small mammals required.
  • Experience in the care of flora and fauna in a public aquarium setting preferred.
  • Competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong listening, presentation, and decision-making skills.

Abilities

The individual must possess the following abilities to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some or a combination of the abilities.

  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.
  • Ability to read, listen and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system.
  • Hearing and visual ability to observe and detect signs of emergency situations.
  • Requires the ability to perform the physical, visual and hearing requirements in the working conditions below.

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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