The Collections, Conservation and Development Coordinator will be responsible for all animal recordkeeping including: 1) daily exhibit activities and animal based behavioral management programs 2) generation of animal welfare related reports and 3) insure compliance of all AZA related standards 4) Assist with permitting relating to zoological operations. The Collections, Conservation and Development Coordinator will support and administrate team member development. The Collections, Conservation and Development Coordinator will also assist with the coordination of the emergency preparedness planning and updating all related documents. This position is responsible for Conservation and Sustainability activities.  Through sound partnerships and teamwork, the Collections, Conservation and Development Coordinator will develop and oversee the aquarium’s conservation platform in alignment with organizational goals. The main areas of responsibility of this position are animal and staff administration, conservation and liaison to AZA. Other priorities for this position include fostering a positive work and team atmosphere, and guest experience excellence. The position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the Aquarium Operations Director in administrative oversight of the living collection, safety and emergency preparedness programs.

ADVENTURE AQUARIUM CULTURE:

Adventure Aquarium is in the business of creating memories worth repeating for our guests and staff.  Join our enthusiastic and friendly team with a passion to exceed expectations.  Together, we will create emotional connections that will last a lifetime!

JOB SUMMARY:

• Maintains the institutions animal records and associated databases.
• Coordinates the input of data by Husbandry staff into the animal record databases.
• Support the animal welfare program by configuring record database assessments and producing animal data reports to assess the wellness and welfare of our collection.
• Updates emergency preparedness plans as needed.
• Maintains the recordkeeping databases in good order and regularly backs up the data to alternate storage.
• Assist with the annual application and maintenance of the institution’s possession and collecting permits.
• Assist the director with the development and facilitation of our conservation platform.
• General Spokesperson, and will actively promote and communicate the aquariums message for Conservation and Sustainability to both internal and external audiences.
• Assist director with Center for Aquatic Sciences partnerships including conservation and volunteer programs
• RACC administration, initiating and supporting research opportunities
• Review AZA standards and communicate changes yearly to ensure AAQ always meets or exceeds AZA standards
• Responsible for the compilation, organization, and submission of the AZA application every five years.
• Assist director in building preparations for AZA inspection
• Administrate and train staff as it relates to career development
• Interfaces with animal health services and curatorial staff in departmental planning and coverage
• Interacts with and responds to public/media requests for information. Participates in Aquarium education, public relations and membership programs including tours and lectures.
• Assist husbandry leadership team and director with all administrative needs for the department.
• This position has been identified as Safety Critical with authorized operator requirements.
• Participate in the weekend/holiday rotation as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor's Degree is required with specific knowledge or training in fish husbandry, ichthyology, invertebrate zoology, taxonomy, ecology and environmental science.
• Five years of experience at a public aquarium, zoo or similar institution and a demonstrated knowledge of aquarium operations, husbandry, conservation and taxonomy.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Access, Windows, Excel, PPT
• Knowledge of ARKS/MedArks, ZIMS and Tracks, 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
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record
• Ability to travel when necessary, usually not to exceed four weeks at one time
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays
• Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis

BENEFITS & PERKS:

• Comprehensive benefits plan through Humana and Metlife
• 5 Personal Days, 5 Sick Days, 7 Holidays, 80 Vacation Hours; all based on a full calendar year
• Profit Sharing and 401K Plan after first year of service with company match up to 3%
• 24 General Admission tickets annually, to be used by family and friends
• Complimentary tickets and occasional employee outings to other local attractions
• Discounts at our Retail and Photo areas, as well as in-house food vendors
• Training and development

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening
• 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.
• Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Required Skills Required Experience

Minimum Education: High school or GED.

Use and read a measuring tape and framing square correctly.

Ability to read and evaluate work orders.

Ability to communicate with other coworkers and supervisors.

Ability to work in a high paced team environment to meet daily production goals.

Must be able to:

1. Lift 65 pounds from ground level to standing position, 20 pounds above head.
2. Pull 20 pounds from a standing position, from various levels, including above head.
3. Pull 20 pounds from a kneeling position, from various level, including above head.
4. Stand and/or walk for an 8-10-hour shift.
5. Frequently bend and stoop during an 8-10-hour shift.

Temperatures will vary.

Ability to work in dusty and noisy environment when operating machines and tools.

Ear protection required when exposed to noise for an extended period of time. 

Eye protection and steel toed (safety toed) hard sole leather boots required at all times. 

Overtime work could be involved.