Senior Aquarist

Exploris Aquarium

Job Title: Experienced Aquarist

Responsible to: Head Keeper, Manager and Directors

Contract: Full-Time (Permanent)

Salary: £22,000pa

Free accommodation is provided a short distance away from the aquarium for a period of 3 months to the successful applicant.

Job Description:

Our animal care team work hard to maintain and deliver Northern Ireland’s 5-star aquarium and reptile attraction. The Senior Aquarist, reporting to the Head Keeper, provides suitable husbandry to the aquatic animals, including, but not limited to, daily observations of dietary and behavioural habits, cleaning and maintaining assigned exhibit and holding areas, tracking inventory, and keeping accurate and up to date records.

The Senior Aquarist will need to independently judge and use their initiative to problem solve when necessary, keeping animal welfare at the forefront of any decision.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for the daily oversight of the animal care team, ensuring that related projects are progressing, and leading the daily activities of Aquarists while serving as a role model.

Job Responsibilities:

• Works in collaboration with the head keeper to establish and maintain best practices based on industry standards to fulfil job responsibilities.

• Responsible for the daily care and husbandry of aquatic collections which include marine and freshwater fish, invertebrates, mammals and reptiles from temperate and tropical ecosystems.

• Practices good judgment in decision-making as related to animal care, emergency situations, and projects, particularly in the Head Keeper’s absence and with minimal interruptions to the public.

• Daily duties include but are not limited to: cleaning exhibits internally and externally, prepping and feeding food, treating any injured/diseased individuals as necessary, making observations and recognizing abnormal animal behaviour/appearance, acting upon/reporting such observations in a timely manner and completing all necessary records and paperwork thoroughly.

• Assists with acquiring specimens through organization of transfers/purchases with other zoological institutions, suppliers, and when required, by participation in collection.

• Assisting in veterinary procedures as necessary.

• Assist with procurement of supplies and equipment.

• Assists in the advancement and implementation of exhibit goals by contributing to the design and management of the exhibit development.

• Serves as the main point of contact between aquatics staff and the Head Keeper and is accountable in the Head Keeper’s absence.

• Under the direction of the Head keeper will assist with developing husbandry staff through training and increasing productivity and efficiency.

• Trains, develops, and oversees the work of work experience, Interns, and Trainee Aquarists.

• Fosters and supports a fun, team approach by having excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative spirit.

• Leads by example by having a positive attitude, practicing high standards, modelling professional workplace behaviour, and maintaining a supportive team atmosphere.

• Taking a lead role in planning of events, public talks and outreach work.

• Any other duties as required by the Head Keeper

About you:

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field required OR equivalent experience.

• 3+ years of progressive levels of responsibility providing daily husbandry to a wide array of aquatic animals, preferably at a BIAZA-accredited institution. 1+ years of experience training/supervising others highly preferred.

• Knowledge of modern principles of animal care and welfare, including behavioural enrichment, exhibit design, nutrition, disease, training, water chemistry, animal transport, PVC plumbing, and Life Support Systems

• Must have experience with quarantine procedures and aquatic animal veterinary procedures.

• Specific knowledge of temperate and tropical ecosystems.

• Strong observational skills with a high attention to detail to ensure high animal welfare standards are maintained.

• Sound judgment and ability to use initiative for effective decision-making.

• Must have a valid full clean UK driver’s licence.

• Knowledge of safe animal handling practices and maintaining a safe working environment.

• Strong computer (MS Office programs such as Excel, Word, and Outlook) and organisational skills.

• Demonstrated leadership ability; experience mentoring others preferred and able to work with a diverse range of colleagues in order to get the job done.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

• Willingness to work a flexible schedule which includes weekends and holidays as required.

Desirable Requirements

• Rescue Diver Certification or the ability to get the certification within 6 months of start.

• The ability to pass annual HSE dive physical requirements.

• Knowledge of HSE Scientific diving in a commercial setting.

• Experience in a variety of breeding programs including jellyfish, marine fish and crustaceans

• Experience of the culture of various live feeds used for nutrition of marine animals.

• Experience working with mammals and reptiles

• Knowledge of Zoo licensing process