Newport Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, prides itself on creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.
SUMMARY:
The position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the General Curator in administrative management of the living collection. The Animal Care Coordinator position has two main areas of focus. Registrar duties make this position responsible for all animal recordkeeping including permits, acquisition/disposition database, animal collection census data and report, administrative oversight of the animal care team career ladder, and overall organization of all materials relevant to Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation procedure. This position also serves as the primary back up to the Water Quality Manager.
The main areas of responsibility of this position are animal and staff program administration. Priority for this position includes fostering a positive work atmosphere, detailed attention to animal record keeping system, and ability to help out other members of the team as necessary.
Required Skills
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintains the institutions animal records and associated databases (emphasis on TRACKS)
- Executes the annual application and maintenance of the institution’s possession and collecting permits
- Prepares monthly and quarterly acquisition and disposition reports for internal use as well as for submission to required regulatory authorities
- Coordinates the input of data by Animal Care Team staff into the animal record databases through teaching. Is the expert user of database for our property and will be expected to attend annual conferences to keep up-to-date with most recent trends
- Assist in organization of AZA documents and reports and will be heavily involved in the accumulation of records during accreditation periods
- Interfaces with animal health services and curatorial staff on daily basis
- Assist Animal Care Team leadership with all administrative needs for the department
- Comply with all safety and security directives, policies and procedures
- Participate in the weekend/holiday rotation as needed
- Perform basic chemistry tests when Water Quality Manager is absent
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Required Experience
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Bachelor's Degree is required
- Five years of experience at a public aquarium, zoo or similar institution and a demonstrated knowledge of aquarium operations, husbandry and taxonomy
- Knowledge of Microsoft Access, Windows, Excel, PPT
- Knowledge of TRACKS database; experience maintaining databases of similar complexity
- Knowledge of AZA accreditation and other AZA industry, state/federal compliance
- Strong interest in conservation
- Anticipation of and fulfillment of staff administration needs
- A person that possess strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Maintaining appropriate professional contacts relevant to the position
- This position is considered Safety Critical with authorized operator requirements. Must possess valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and the ability to travel if necessary
- Advanced certification from a recognized S.C.U.B.A. training organization or the ability to obtain advanced certification within one year from hire date is preferred
- This position will cover the water quality lab on Saturdays and Sundays and must have the ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies when needed
- SCUBA certification or ability to complete the program within the first year of employment
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, background check, and dive physical
- In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor
- No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work
- Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop
- Ability to work in all weather conditions
- No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work
- Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infections and parasitic disease)
NOTE: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potential dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g. goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.
YOU CAN EXPECT:
You can expect to work on projects that have never been done before – ideas that are unproven, and concepts that make people smile. You can expect to have fun and be treated with respect the minute you start…and through to the end. You can expect to work in an environment that is highly innovative and low in politics – truthful and filled with smart people!
And most of all, you can expect to work hard and make a difference in our world by helping to bring families closer together.