The Senior Aquarist is responsible for all aspects of aquarium plant and animal husbandry for the area(s) to which they are assigned.
Specifically, this includes the design, set-up, care and maintenance of live exhibits, disease recognition and treatment, life support system construction and operation, field collecting and species identification and knowledge. In addition to the Senior Aquarist’s scheduled duties, he/she is highly encouraged to work independently to contribute to various research and development projects and other investigations aimed at furthering the quality of MBA’s live exhibitions. The Senior Aquarist, when directed, will also be responsible for carrying out the daily tasks of the Curators during their absence. The Senior Aquarist assists the Curators of Fish and Invertebrates with the training and mentorship of Aquarists II, Aquarists, Aquarist Trainees, Assistant Aquarists, Interns, and Volunteers as needed or directed.
Core Responsibilities
- Performs general daily husbandry functions, including the maintenance of live exhibits, holding systems, and quarantine facilities at a high level of quality as defined in our Husbandry Exhibit Protocols; does so without direct supervision
- Performs the duties and maintains the skills of an Aquarist II, Aquarist, Aquarist Trainee and Assistant Aquarist, as necessary
- Directly responsible for advanced aquarium husbandry duties such as animal quarantine protocols, exhibit and life support system design, leading collecting trips and records keeping
- Serves as a resource and mentor for Aquarists II, Aquarists, Aquarist Trainees, Assistant Aquarists, Interns and Volunteers in the development of job skills relating to general husbandry functions, exhibit and life support systems design, construction and maintenance, aquatic organism (marine & freshwater fishes, invertebrates and plants) disease recognition and treatment, collecting techniques and species identification
- Assumes responsibility for the oversight of daily operations within Husbandry Operations in the absence of the Curators
- If serving in the absence of a Curator, performs a daily inspection of all live exhibits to assess exhibit quality, animal health and life support systems status
- Ability to serve as a Husbandry Operations Team Leader, responsible for the coordination and maintenance of an effective, creative and productive aquarist team
- If serving as a Team Leader, responsible for scheduling, daily oversight and feedback to team members
Required Skills, Knowledge, Ability, Experience or Education
- Bachelor’s degree in biology preferred or equivalent experience
- A minimum of 3 years’ experience as an Aquarist II or equivalent experience
- Demonstrated experience in universally accepted aquarium husbandry skill areas including:
- Marine organism collecting, handling, transport, acclimation, and captive care
- Animal quarantine, clinical treatments, and marine animal health
- Aquarium Life Support Systems (LSS) design, construction, operation, and maintenance
- Live exhibit aesthetic design, construction, and maintenance
- Ability to maintain high standards of proficiency in above areas with an emphasis on teaching and mentoring Aquarist II, Aquarists, Aquarist Trainees and Assistant Aquarists
- Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
- Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Leadership Competencies
- Working knowledge of all Monterey Bay Aquarium live animal exhibit and holding systems, or comparable experience
- SCUBA certification highly desired
- Ability to pass an occupational/scientific dive physical examination (if applicable)
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, and ability to give and receive both positive and negative feedback and to resolve interpersonal professional concerns
- Familiarity with electronic animal record keeping software systems (i.e. Tracks, ZIMS, etc.)
- May be asked to serve as a liaison between Husbandry Operations staff, other Husbandry Division departments, and between other Monterey Bay Aquarium Divisions (i.e., Applied Research, Facilities, Systems Operators, Guest Experience, Public Relations, etc.)
- Working knowledge of the marine flora and fauna of the Central California Coast preferred; academic background and alternative experience may be applicable
- Must possess a valid California driver’s license and maintain clearance in the DMV Pull Program
