Aquarist - California Science Center Foundation

Aquarist - California Science Center Foundation

The Aquarist is responsible for the care of all living species in the Living Species areas, including marine and freshwater fish and invertebrates, as well as reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and invertebrates.

Daily responsibilities may include prepping food; diving in the 188,000 gallon open air Kelp Forest tank to clean, feed, and observe animals, as well as to educate the public while diving; participating in collecting trips for new specimens of marine fish and invertebrates; and completing all necessary paperwork

Major Job Responsibilities:

Responsible for care and husbandry of aquatic and other living collections which may include marine fish and invertebrates, desert animals, and quarantined individuals.

Maintains exhibit tanks, diving tanks, cleans animal areas, prepares and feeds food, treats any diseased individuals as necessary and working on the collecting vessel.

Maintains the animal database record-keeping system and completes all related paperwork.

Assists identifying and collecting species and safely transport specimens to facility.

Responsible for all animal acquisitions, exchanges and transfers.

Responsible for caring for living collections in any and all emergency conditions.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Marine Science or a related biological field of study required.

Minimum of 2 years of aquatic animal experience working in a public aquarium or related facility environment.

Demonstrated knowledge of safe animal handling practices and maintaining a safe working environment.

Must posses an open water SCUBA certification and have a history of diving in tanks and open oceans with experience in aquatic animal care.

Experience working with a variety of marine and freshwater species of fish and invertebrates preferred.

Previous experience with the maintenance and operation of large life support systems including sand filters, canister filters, UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, and ozone generators is desirable.

Ability to walk ½ mile in full dive gear (on level ground) as well as to lift 80 pounds. Must have the ability to walk beach rocks and tank platforms as well as having good physical skills to escape injury from wild or captive animals.

Experience collecting marine organisms and knowledge of varying collecting methods is a plus.

Knowledge of boat safety is a plus.

Must pass annual dive physical examination.

Intermediate computer skills.

Strong communication and organizational skills.

Ability to work well independently and in a team environment.

Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends, holidays and some evenings..

Salary: $16.83 - $19.71 per hour plus excellent benefits and 14 holidays per year

Send Cover Letter, Resume and Salary History (A Must) to the HR Dept. via fax at 213-744-2673, email to HR@cscmail.org or mail to the California Science Center Foundation, H. R. Dept, 700 State Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037.

No phone calls please. EOE.

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