Job Description

Position Summary

Work on the Center for Conservation (CFC) Coral Conservation Program team to achieve The Florida Aquarium’s mission to protect and restore our blue planet. This is an entry-level position in coral care. Primary responsibilities include husbandry of the CFC’s collection of Western Atlantic coral species and other marine invertebrates. Interface regularly with staff from partner organizations including the University of Florida, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Tampa Electric Company. Perform essential and secondary job functions in accordance with guidelines set and approved by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and other safety regulatory agencies.

Essential Position Functions

Maintains high standards of animal care for the living collection in assigned areas under the supervision of a Senior Biologist. Develops knowledge and experience in coral husbandry, biology, life history, and life support technology
Conducts daily duties as a primary keeper on live coral aquaria, including but not limited to cleaning, performing water changes, maintaining life support systems, diet formulation and feeding, and adjusting water quality parameters
Identifies ways to improve operational procedures and animal care. Implements changes to operational procedures under direct supervision of a Senior Biologist
Ensures accurate and detailed daily record keeping and inventory
Administers medications or treatments as needed and works with senior husbandry staff to ensure timely identification and resolution of problems
Identify and correct minor or routine life support issues and report larger problems
Collects data on animal health required for permit reporting and research objectives
Maintains facilities and equipment in a clean and organized fashion
Participate in coral spawning and larval rearing activities, including night and weekend work
Collect data on coral settlement and survival, including extended hours using dissecting microscopes
Delivers extraordinary customer service to all CFC guests
Assures behavior consistently meets the Aquarium’s values of Respect, Trust and Excellence
Serve as a team member in the implementation of larger projects in a team setting
Assist in training and daily oversight of interns and volunteers.
Perform all other duties as required

Secondary Functions

Executes husbandry improvements and modifications with oversight by senior staff
Conducts tours, media, and presentations independently
Maintains tools and equipment necessary for the care of the collection
Represents the aquarium at selected professional development opportunities
Participates in meetings with curators, biologists and other aquarium departments
Works with volunteers and interns within scope of position
Participate in fieldwork activities as assigned

Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills

Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in husbandry of aquatic organisms in a public aquarium or research laboratory
BS or higher degree in a biological science or related field
Basic understanding of life support systems and water quality parameters for marine invertebrates, including stony corals and the ability to recognize problems
Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)
SCUBA certification required with ability to advance to Open Water Scientific Diver level within 1 year of hire.
Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License
Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays

Tagged as: Conservation

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