Senior Aquarist

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is seeking an experienced Sr Aquarist to join our team! The Sr Aquarist will be responsible for managing two large freshwater aquariums and invertebrate, amphibian and reptile exhibits at four separate Nature Centers within Mecklenburg County. Maintaining the life support and safety of the collections at four centers requires an independent individual who can appropriately schedule their time, be a liaison to each center’s animal care staff, and make decisions for the well-being of the animals without reliance of supervision. The preferred candidate would be comfortable engaging with the public as this position will be asked to conduction presentations and interact with visitors at our Nature Centers Since animals are unpredictable, the selected candidate must be able to accommodate an “on-call” schedule for emergencies.

By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in an aquarium or zoo setting highly preferred.
• Environmental education experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide exceptional care to all assigned animals and exhibits including daily cleaning, water quality, maintenance, diving, diet preparation and feeding, and health assessments.
• Manage the collection as a whole including acquisitions, dispositions and population management
• Maintain public display exhibits and back-of-house areas to the highest standards.
• Work with the veterinary team to maintain high animal health standards including participating in procedures and necropsies.
• Maintain current up to date knowledge on biology, ecology and husbandry of all animals within their care.
• Research care and dietary needs of new or incoming plants and animals.
• Ensure care of exhibit life support systems, including routine preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Direct the development and implementation of husbandry procedures, techniques and practices in an Animal Care Manual.
• Determine and make budgetary recommendations as to annual animal care budget for equipment, maintenance and diets.
• Maintain appropriate written and computerized animal care records including state permits.
• Mentor assigned departmental staff, volunteers or interns.
• Ensure all husbandry areas are kept clean, organized and hazard free.
• Respond to emergency calls.
• Assist with design, fabrication and install of new animal enclosures and exhibits.
• Participate in related education, Public Relations and membership programs including facility tours.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: Four (4) years of experience with fish and invertebrates with strong background in reptiles and amphibian husbandry, preferably in an AZA accredited aquarium or zoo setting.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related science.

Combination of relevant experience and relevant education accepted?: Yes.

Licenses/Certifications: Requires a North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges; Must possess a valid open water dive certification (PADI, SSI, NAUI).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of aquarium LSS, plumbing, and water chemistry as it relates to maintaining a freshwater aquatic habitat, and water quality analysis.
• Must be flexible, able to follow instructions and protocols, and possess a positive attitude.
• Must have good observation skills and be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 65lbs, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must be able to work holidays and weekends.

Skills:

• Minor repair of Life Safety Systems including plumbing and filtration.
• Aptitude in science and art/design is preferred.
• Using a computer and related software applications.
• Maintaining monitoring and data equipment.
• Conducting observations.
• Preparing reports.
• Collecting samples.
• Organizing, evaluating, and acting upon observations identified.

Abilities:

• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.
• Building Partnerships: Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, units or organizations to help achieve business goals.
• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
• Applied Learning: Assimilating and applying new job-related information in a timely manner.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT:
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT:
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.