ESSEX COUNTY TURTLE BACK ZOO: AQUARIST
DEFINITION:
Under direction, manages the aquariums and life support systems for a diverse collection of marine mammals, carnivores, small mammals, reptiles, elasmobranchs and bony fishes, cephalopods, and reef invertebrates.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
• Daily water quality analysis utilizing a variety of analytical instrumentation
• Cleans tanks and removes algae from tank windows.
• Attends to aquatic plants and decorations in displays.
• Maintains a high level of organization and cleanliness in work areas.
• Acquisition and disposition of species in the collection.
• Design and manage LSS systems for continued improvements, upgrades and new exhibits.
• Supervise and advise the collection as needed and staff in zoo husbandry
• Prepares food and feeds fish according to schedule.
• Work closely with leadership during the design and implementation of new exhibits, especially involved in husbandry/animal exhibits with special attention to specific LSS concerns
• Observes collection to detect disease and injuries, may treat fish according to instructions.
• May assist in collecting specimens.
• Prepares specimens for exhibits.
• Serves as an instructor or guide to provide conservation education experiences for visitors.
• Presents information about marine life through slide shows for staff, develops and distributes handbooks as needed.
• Assist during educational field trips or in schools.
• Keeps an accurate inventory of stock and supplies.
• Keeps records and makes reports.
• Responsible for development and upkeep of protocols, programmatic guidelines and management to meet AZA accreditation standards.
REQUIREMENTS:
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of one (1) year experience managing a of diverse collection of fish, aquatic mammals, birds and other aquatic life in an aquarium, museum or AZA zoo. Includes experience in raising, care, and breeding of tropical fishes and other aquatic life which entails a knowledge of diseases, behavior, breeding, and feeding characteristics of various species.
NOTE: Satisfactory completion of six (6) semester hours of credit in graduate level marine biology, marine science, or ichthyology or related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for the above experience.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of aquatic life, its origin, behavior, disease, and life processes.
• Knowledge of the relationship of fish and other aquatic life to their environment.
• Ability to present fish and other aquatic life specimens for educational tours and presentations
• Knowledge of advanced LSS and ability to adapt to changing exhibits and systems.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in adverse conditions
• Ability to operate a forklift and other heavy machinery.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to manage and supervise a diverse team of passionate aquatic specialists
• Ability to care for fish and fish tanks, and to keep the area clean.
• Ability to instruct others in caring for aquatic life and fish tanks.
• Ability to recognize signs of diseases, behavior characteristics of various species of fish, and other characteristics critical to their care and preservation.
• Ability to research and order necessary supplies to keep the areas stocked with appropriate PPE and equipment.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to present facts and other information before small groups consisting of school-age children, and adults.
• Ability to develop handbooks containing basic facts, natural history, conservation and other pertinent information concerning marine life.
• Ability to schedule and confirm tours, make reports, and keep accurate records.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable
forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
**QUALIFIED APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT RESUMES TO ROBERT JACKSON, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT RJACKSON@ADMIN.ESSEXCOUNTYNJ.ORG