Animal Keeper/Aquarist

Job Description

Job Description

The Role

Aquarist & Animal Keepers at Liberty Science Center are responsible for the ongoing care and exhibition of the live animal population. They must implement professional husbandry protocols in regards to animal care and exhibit maintenance. They provide all aspects of daily care for the animals, including feeding, maintenance of enclosures and associated life support, enrichment, and health maintenance and treatment.

This position reports to the Director of Animal Husbandry.

The aquarist will enjoy benefits seldom offered at other facilities. Examples include the opportunity for design creativity with both freshwater and saltwater aquarium systems, cross-training and educational opportunities with mammals, invertebrates, reptiles and amphibians, and the occasional educational and inspirational excursions and seminars. Employees work with a team of kind, helpful, motivated, and dedicated individuals

What You’ll Bring
You have a strong interest in animals of all kinds, ecology, and informal education. You have the ability and disposition to handle the demands of caring for live animals in a highly public-facing environment and can demonstrate a strong knowledge of husbandry practices. You are detail-oriented, a team player, and a skilled observer who excels at both written and oral communication. You take pride in your work, maintaining high standards of care and providing a rich guest experience through the display and maintenance of live animal exhibits. You are proactive, exercise sound judgment, and respond quickly in emergency situations with appropriate action. You are comfortable working with a wide range of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, birds, and mammals.

What You’ll Do

The Aquarist will:

• Provide and oversee care of the aquatic animal population, totaling 20,000 gallons, with individual aquaria as large as 7,000 gallons

• Perform daily cleaning, diet preparation, feedings, enrichment, training & observations of animals, and maintenance of exhibits and life support systems

• Assist with ongoing care for the remainder of the live animal population, including invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals

• Maintain an intimate knowledge of animal health, exhibits, life support system operation, inventory, animal transport, quarantine procedures, species id and compatibility, disease recognition and animal ambassador protocols consistent with the highest standards of animal welfare

• Implement high quality standards for exhibits and back of house spaces, maintaining clean, well-organized, and hazard free work areas

• Input and maintain accurate records of daily observations and animal care data into databases

• Repair and maintenance of life support equipment, including pumps, UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, sand filters, plumbing, etc.

• Participate in programs and public activities as directed

• Perform lab work, such as regular water quality testing and necropsy as needed

• Assist in the planning and operation of specimen collection trips

• Collaborate on ideating, developing and producing creative solutions that serve to strengthen LSC’s brand, mission, and revenue

• Train, supervise, and evaluate interns and volunteers

• Other responsibilities, as assigned

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Candidates should have thorough knowledge of animal husbandry practices, keeper safety, and exhibit and life support system maintenance

• Familiarity with aquarium systems including life support systems, aquatic animal husbandry, maintenance needs, and quarantine protocols

• Knowledge of water chemistry, biological processes, and water quality analysis

• Knowledge of animal care, common health concerns, and treatment

• Must be able to work effectively in a team-oriented workplace, as well as engage with the general public

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities

• Plumbing experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological or life sciences, or equivalent training and experience

• Candidates should have 1+ years of full-time experience caring for animals in a professional setting

• Possession of a valid driver’s license in good standing is required

Special Job-Related Requirements

• SCUBA certification

• Final offer contingent upon the successful outcome of a TB screening

Supervisory Responsibilities
The aquarist will share supervisory responsibilities of interns and volunteers with other Animal Husbandry Department staff.

Location, Classification and Schedule

This role will work onsite at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, NJ. It is a regular full-time, non-exempt position, meaning you are eligible for overtime. This role is eligible for full benefits. Your regular weekly schedule will always include one weekend day. The ideal candidate must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes emergency response, and occasional early mornings, evenings, and holidays. This position is considered an essential service position and will be required to provide services onsite during emergency situations.

Physical Demands

This position will require significant physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping, climbing ladders, reaching above the head, repetitive motions, lifting and carrying heavy objects (up to 60 pounds), or standing for long periods. This position will require the ability to effectively perform dive procedures in LSC’s aquaria. This position may require the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances. This position requires the ability to withstand exposure to nuts, legumes, and high levels of noises and crowds. This position will involve work in wet or humid environments, from heights, or in confined spaces. This position will require the ability to use and handle hooks, tongs, nets, and other animal handling equipment. This position will include exposure to potentially dangerous animals, including venomous animals. Candidates must have immunocompetence and be able to work in an environment with possible exposure to zoonoses.

The Aquarist will at times operate standard office equipment, such as a computer, printer, and phone. In addition, the Aquarist will frequently carry and operate a two-way radio.

LSC’s Work Culture at a Glimpse
LSC prides itself on fostering a culture that enables all employees to experience a sense of pleasure, passion, and purpose while in the workplace. We believe in embracing and driving change, inspiring fun and learning, and creating a positive and family friendly team spirit. Our differences as individuals (race, gender, age, cultural heritage, physical ability, education and lifestyle) are an asset and contribute to our ability to drive innovation. Lastly, at the heart of our work culture is the commitment to delivering a “wow factor” through our exceptional customer service to not only our guests but also one another.

Travel
This position requires occasional travel.

Our Benefits
Liberty Science Center offers generous benefits and perks for all regular full-time employees, which currently includes:

• Medical, dental, life, vision, and pet insurance

• 403(b) defined contribution retirement plan with an outstanding employer match

• Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays

• Long-term disability coverage

• Flexible spending accounts (pre-tax income for eligible health and/or dependent care expenses)

• Commuter benefits (pre-tax income for parking or mass transit expenses)

• Free parking

• 25% discount in the on-site store

• 15% discount in on-site cafeteria

• LSC family membership