SUMMARY:
If you are passionate about animals, education, or conservation this could be the perfect position for you! Successful Biologist Aides are the natural pipeline for Biologist I, where the work expands in your selected path whether marine life, reptiles and herps, or avian specializations.
This entry-level position requires a highly motivated individual who will work in a team setting and take direction from their manager(s) in carrying out the daily animal care responsibilities for an assigned area. The position is responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation standards.
Newport Aquarium offers amazing perks for all team members. Visit the aquarium whenever you want, share complimentary tickets with friends and family, enjoy discounts on food and beverage, merchandise from our gift shop, and candy from Sweet Dreams Candy Company.
Looking to pursue your education without the debt? Grow U has hundreds of programs available from certifications to college prep to associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Many of these programs are fully-funded. Learn more at: https://www.newportaquarium.com/Careers/Benefits/GrowU
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.
Required Skills
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides care for all specimens in assigned area through proper husbandry protocols involving daily observations, feedings, water quality monitoring, and life support system (LSS) operations
- Ensures guest satisfaction by maintaining exceptional exhibits through routine maintenance
- Keeps support areas clean, organized and safe
- Complies with all SOPs pertaining to daily operations and safety
- Maintains records in accordance with protocols or as directed
- Provides coverage and assistance to other biologists and areas as assigned
- Cross-trains with other staff within the departments; this includes fresh and saltwater systems, reptiles, amphibians, and penguins.
- Promotes conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks
- 25+ hours per week, five 5-hour shifts (Thursday to Monday), typically 9am-2pm
Required Experience
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Fourth-year student studying toward a four-year degree in aquatic sciences, biology, or related field (school schedule must accommodate minimum work requirements throughout school terms); or graduate; or equivalent successful work experience in aquaculture and/or animal husbandry
- Husbandry experience or aquaculture from employment or internships/volunteering at a public aquarium, aquaculture facility, zoo, or school biology department activities. Advanced hobbyist experience is acceptable with demonstrated disease identification, isolation, and treatment planning
- Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that generate and sustain a positive team atmosphere and professional environment
- A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel if necessary
- Certification from a recognized S.C.U.B.A. training organization or the ability to obtain certification within one year from hire date
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies when needed
- Performs other related duties as assigned by Senior Staff members.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and SCUBA dive physical
- In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor
- No history of allergies 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
- 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/push/pull up to 25 pounds
- Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infections and parasitic disease)
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.