The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for a Senior Aquarist—Diving to join the Fish and Invertebrate Temperate (FIT) team. Senior Aquarist staff act in a lead capacity, carrying out all aspects of the daily care in their assigned work area. This includes feeding, observation, training, administration of medication, medical treatment and record keeping. The position is responsible for upholding a high level of animal care and cleaning and maintaining animal habitats and back-of-house spaces.
The Aquarium’s fish and invertebrate population includes temperate and tropical water invertebrates, cartilaginous and teleost fishes. The FIT team is also responsible for the care of local and tropical plants. The Senior Aquarist furthers the Aquarium’s mission by providing oversight of and care for the animal collection and taking a leadership role on the FIT team.
Key functions:
The Temperate Team Senior Aquarist is responsible for all aspects of the care and management of the Aquarium’s fish, invertebrate, and plant population. These duties include but are not limited to:
Animal Care (75%):
- Prepare, store, and distribute food according to established amounts, types, and diets; monitor feeding habits and report any changes or abnormalities.
- Clean and perform routine maintenance and minor repair of animal exhibits and holding areas to assure the health of animals and the presentation of the species in an attractive environment. Maintain water quality to keep aquatic animals in a healthy condition. Includes work at our offsite Animal Care Center. Aquarium vehicles are available for driving between locations.
- Observe animals and evaluate behavior to determine physical and behavioral health and well-being.
- Help to lead animal care operations in designated area, delegating and assigning work as necessary.
- Maintain records and reports regarding assigned species including daily veterinary reports, exhibit maintenance, food consumption records and other reports specific to the assigned area.
- Train, coordinate, and supervise the work of animal care and dive volunteers; assigning and monitoring tasks and evaluating their work.
- Train, coordinate, and direct the work of Assistant Aquarist and Aquarist-level staff by identifying, assigning and monitoring daily husbandry related tasks.
- Oversee and assist as needed with the preparation, storage and distribution of food according to established amounts, types and diets; monitor feeding habits and report any changes or abnormalities.
- Lead and/or assist with animal acquisition, acclimation, and quarantine.
- Plan, organize, and lead appropriate off-site collecting activities including driving Aquarium vehicles.
- Lead and/or assist with administration of medications and treatments according to established procedures and veterinary instructions. Provide assistance in handling or restraining animals in accordance with established safety procedures as necessary to ensure animal welfare.
- Coordinate, plan, and execute the Life Sciences aspects of special events and represent Life Sciences in appropriate planning meetings and committees.
- Provide occasional response to animal emergencies or LSS alarm outside normally scheduled hours.
Collaboration and Engagement (15%):
- Value and prioritize the Aquarium’s commitment to advancing conversations, programs, and policies supporting our DEI and S.A.L.I.S.H. values. Participate in meaningful team discussions and support staff participation on DEI focused projects.
- Provide leadership and guidance for Assistant Aquarist and Aquarist staff.
- Support Assistant Aquarist and Aquarist level hiring.
- Serve as an area lead in the absence of Supervisory or Curatorial staff.
- Coordinate, plan, and execute the Life Sciences aspects of special events and represent Life Sciences in appropriate planning meetings and committees.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with staff throughout the Aquarium.
Diving Responsibilities (10%):
- Achieve and maintain “Aquarium Scientific Diver” status in the Aquarium’s diving program within one year of hire. The “Aquarium Scientific Diver” classification allows for participation in surface-supplied and open-circuit diving as a diver within Seattle Aquarium animal habitats only.
- Use SCUBA and surface-supplied air systems within Aquarium animal habitats to conduct animal care and exhibit maintenance tasks and interact with Aquarium guests.
- Support diving activities within the Aquarium by serving as a surface tender or Designated Person in Charge (DPIC) for staff or volunteer divers.
Required skills and experience:
The skills and abilities listed below may be demonstrated through a combination of relevant cultural and community programs, jobs, internships, volunteer experience, and/or formal or informal education. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.
- B.A./B.S. degree in biology, marine biology, or related field an advantage.
- Minimum of three years’ experience, preferably demonstrating progressive responsibilities involving animal care and team leadership in an aquarium or related environment. (AZA facility preferred).
- Must be able to obtain CPR, first aid, and AED certifications.
- Must have or be able to obtain a Washington State Driver’s License and be able to drive Aquarium and rental vehicles within 6 months of hire.
To qualify for evaluation as a Seattle Aquarium diver, candidates must meet the following general criteria:
- Possess a scuba certification to the level of rescue diver (or equivalent) from a nationally recognized certification agency.
- Possess a recent (less than 12 months) approval for recreational scuba diving signed by a physician (MD or DO).
- Successfully pass an AAUS watermanship requirements swim test.
- Pass a Seattle Aquarium scuba skills evaluation dive.
In addition, the new staff diver candidate must complete and pass the following aquarium diver physical exam, training classes and deadlines:
- Pass a Seattle Aquarium occupational diving physical exam.
- Complete emergency oxygen provider training within six months of hire.
Compensation: $29—$32/hour, dependent on experience.
Application deadline: August 9, 2024
