Aquarium
Biologist/Life Support Systems Technician
Florida Keys
This is a unique
position that requires someone that is highly independent and self motivated
with a background in animal husbandry, life support systems and public
outreach. The Aquarium Biologist/Life Support Systems Technician will split up
their time between two locations serving as an animal care taker responsible
for the health, appearance, maintenance and cleanliness of aquariums and
animals at the Eco Discovery Center in Key West as well as a Life Support
Systems Technician maintaining LSS equipment in Summerland Key at Mote’s
International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration. This position
requires a sensible knowledge of animal behavior, including coral husbandry,
through education or commensurate experience. An Aquarium Biologist/Life
Support Systems Technician is expected to maintain all animals under his or her
care, noting unusual behavior and health, and reporting these observations to
their supervisor. In addition to animal
care an Aquarium Biologist/Life Support Systems Technician must possess the
ability to trouble-shoot life support system problems, and perform any basic
repairs that may be required. An Aquarium Biologist/Life Support Systems
Technician will be expected to participate in the design, installation and
maintenance of closed and open seawater systems, seawater heater/chiller
equipment, filtrations systems, pumps and associated equipment. He/she will
also be responsible for guest interaction and educating visitors while
simultaneously performing daily husbandry tasks. This includes promoting
current Mote research and highlighting these efforts through the exhibits on
display at the Eco Discovery Center.
General Duties:
Animal maintenance
tasks may include, but are not limited to, preparation of food (including
medicated and special diets), performing water quality tests and evaluation of
these tests with corrective measures if necessary, collection of specimens,
preparation of chemicals, cleaning of filters and aquarium glass, cleaning of
food preparation room, performing water changes, and gravel vacuuming. Other
tasks not directly related to animal care may include daily record keeping,
maintenance of life support equipment, set up and breakdown of exhibit
aquariums, participation in the exhibit development process, keeping work areas
clean and equipment organized. Life Support Systems tasks may include cutting
and gluing of PVC pipe, pump repair/installation, filter maintenance, water
chemistry testing and repair/maintenance of other mechanical systems as
necessary. An Aquarium Biologist/Life
Support Technician is expected to hold all Eco Discovery Center Exhibits to the
same high standards of care and maintenance as exhibits on display at The
Aquarium. This position may require participation in continuing education which
would involve travel to out of town locations. All employees must comply with
the requirements outlined in the Mote Employee Policy Manual.
Driver’s License:
Valid Florida Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire
Rescue SCUBA Diver
certification or the ability to attain it in 12 months
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in
Marine Science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and
experience
Experience:
Employment,
internship, or a substantial amount of volunteer hours in a public aquarium,
zoo or related institution is required.
Skills:
- Perform routine tasks accurately and efficiently
- Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
- Artistic approach to decor construction and design
- Knowledge of aquarium biological processes
- Knowledge of aquarium fish husbandry and health
- Ability to recognize fish diseases and parasites
- Understanding of life support systems
- Comfortable working independently and speaking with the public
- Ability to troubleshoot life support systems and make necessary repairs
- Posses time management skills
- Ability to work with PVC pipe, fittings, solvent cement, epoxy and resins
Physical:
- Precise hand-eye coordination is required for the gentle capture and handling of animals from aquatic environments
- Ability to work outside in hot and humid Florida weather conditions
- Ability to spend the majority of workday walking, standing, bending and lifting
- Capable of climbing and working from ladders
- Tolerance to work in the proximity of noisy machinery & equipment
- Ability to work in confined spaces
- Tolerance for the smell of fish and animal feces
- Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs
- Ability to lift 25lbs overhead
- Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes daily
- Capable of working around bleach and other sanitizing chemicals
- Strength to lift a net holding 10 lbs with one arm
- Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes every day
- Visual sharpness is required including the ability to distinguish color variations
- The job may require under water SCUBA assisted maintenance of exhibits
Interested
applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2)
resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before
5pm June 16, 2017 to HumanResources@mote.org.
Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be
submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson
Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant        |
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