Temporary Biologist I

Position Summary
The Biologist 1 (Temporary) will be expected to execute routine husbandry in the area to which they are assigned. This position is expected to play a supportive role in caring for and managing The Florida Aquarium's (TFA) Wetlands collection. This includes food preparation and feeding, habitat maintenance, LSS maintenance/ operation, and recognizing indications of illness or abnormal behavior. They will develop skillsets both independently, and as part of a team, in providing the highest level of animal care.
Essential Position Functions
Perform general daily husbandry functions including the maintenance of live exhibits, holding systems and quarantine facilities at a high level of quality
Develop and demonstrate acumen in universally accepted aquarium husbandry skill areas including:
Marine organism handling, transport, acclimation and care
Food Preparation and Feeding
Life Support Systems (LSS) operation and maintenance
Live exhibit maintenance

Ensure accurate animal record keeping through consistent utilization of electronic record keeping system
Assure behavior meets the TFA's values of Respect, Trust and Excellence
Interact with aquarium guests, donors and team members in a positive and professional manner
Maintain Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) inspection readiness for exhibit, service, holding, and backup areas
Supports TFA's Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis
Communicates ideas for exhibit improvements and modifications independently
Executes behavior shaping plans for aquatic and terrestrial animals
Secondary Functions
Maintain tools and equipment necessary for the care of the collection
Follow Animal Care Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Work with volunteers and interns within scope of position
Participate in meetings with curators, biologists, and other aquarium departments
All other duties as required
Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills
Previous experience in a facility working with terrestrial and aquatic organisms, including but not limited to birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fishes, and plants preferred
Four-year degree in biology, or related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered
Knowledge of habitat requirements, including Life Support Systems and Water Quality parameters for aquatic and terrestrial species preferred
Knowledge of animal record keeping systems (ZIMS/Tracks) preferred
Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver's License
Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays
Competencies
Customer Focus - Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer's needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.
Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork - Support, facilitate, and participate in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrate sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and support team goals.
Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency - Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies
Communication (oral and written ) - Effectively express ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listen to individuals and groups; prepare and focus presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; express ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
Concern for Detail - Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item.
Judgement - Decide on and commit to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; find creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; take strategic risks when necessary.
Work Standards -Applies high-performance standards to all work-related activities.
Typical Physical Requirements
Standing (up to 4 hours per day)
Walking (up to 4 hours per day)
Bending/Stooping/Squatting/Kneeling/Balancing - Frequently
Crouching/Crawling - Occasionally
Sitting (up to 2 hours per day)
Climbing heights (12') - Frequently
Reaching above shoulders - Frequently
Pushing/Pulling - Frequently
Lifting/Carrying (up to 70 lbs.) - Occasionally
Using hands for repetitive movements - fine manipulating
Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment) so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained
Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate