Thursday, October 15, 2020

Senior Aquarist/Assistant Curator

Senior Aquarist/Assistant Curator

UnderWater World Guam

UnderWater World Guam is looking for a Senior Aquarist/Assistant Curator to join the husbandry team!

Summary: This position executes all aspects of husbandry department procedures and protocols including, but not limited to the care and maintenance of fish, invertebrate, and reptile exhibits, as well as quarantine and holding facilities. The Senior Aquarist/Assistant Curator leads staff in the collection and transport of new specimens and performs regular feeding demonstrations. This position also assists senior management with administrative duties and supervising Aquarist and part-time Husbandry Assistants. Ultimately the Senior Aquarist/Assistant Curator is responsible for carrying out a wide variety of assigned duties in order to provide healthy habitats for the animals, and an enjoyable experience for the guests of UnderWater World Guam.

The candidate must possess excellent people skills, professionalism and demeanor with customers, colleagues and other business associates, and ability to assist staff in learning new skills. The candidate must be able to work with little or no supervision, so good time management skills are essential in order to prioritize and plan daily duties, as well as additional projects. The candidate would be responsible for assisting with department supervisory and administrative duties, so they must be able to work effectively with the management team. This position requires continual development of supervisory skills and study in all areas of aquarium life support, general biology, animal husbandry, quarantine procedures, disease diagnosis/treatment, and water chemistry.

Key skills/knowledge:

Advanced understanding of water chemistry and how it relates to aquariums, including the nitrogen cycle, denitrification, ideal water quality parameters and how to maintain them, and the control of undesirable elements
Ability to calculate dosages using the proper formulas to determine quantities of chemicals or medications to be added
Advanced knowledge of biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration
Knowledge of quarantine procedures
Ability to properly transport, acclimate, and introduce animals to a new system
Knowledge of animal diseases and their treatments, drug sensitivities, adverse reactions of combining medications, and necropsy techniques
Strong knowledge of lighting necessary for keeping fish, invertebrates, and reptiles
Possess skills in working with plumbing, fiberglass, wood, and plastics in order to maintain and improve life support equipment and exhibit habitat
Familiarity with the biology of a wide range of animals, their specific requirements, and their compatibility with other animals
Ability to understand and follow proper sterile procedure
Proficiency and ability to follow proper protocols while SCUBA diving to perform in-water feedings, cleanings, and specimen collection
Skills in training and supervising staff

Minimum Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in marine science field or equivalent relevant experience working with large aquariums and life support systems

· At least 4 years of experience working in a public aquarium setting, with time in a leadership role

· Open Water SCUBA Certification from a professionally recognized SCUBA certifying agency.

· CPR/First Aid training and certification

· Oxygen provider certification

· Advanced knowledge of water chemistry, life support systems, animal disease diagnosis and treatment, lighting, exhibit design, and quarantine procedures

· Physical ability to lift heavy objects up to 60 lbs and fit into tight spaces

· Ability to speak, read, and write English and be able to communicate efficiently with fellow team members and the public

· Must pass physical examination within 90 days (required for diving)

· Must possess all documents needed to legally work in the United States

Benefits include reimbursement for travel expenses, medical/dental coverage, paid holidays, and earned vacation

Please email your cover letter and c.v or resume to rafael@aquariumteam.com