Senior Research Biologist

Job consists of overseeing care and proper upkeep of exhibits and animals in their area of responsibility. Assists Assistant Curators and Animal Husbandry Manager with staff supervision and as assigned.
Position guidelines include, but are not limited to, established company and department policies and procedures and all supervisory directives. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound, reasonable judgment and initiative, and give high priority to accuracy and details in the performance of job responsibilities.
Professional Animal Care

Be knowledgeable about natural history, behavior and conservation of collection species in areas of responsibility, including individual specimen histories
Assist with animal acquisitions
Research husbandry and natural history information on prospective acquisitions
Be knowledgeable about animal capture, restraint and transport procedures
Be knowledgeable about Moody Gardens accepted animal husbandry policies, procedures and routines
Be knowledgeable about water quality system mechanics and maintenance
Be knowledgeable about medical treatment as directed by the veterinarian
Be knowledgeable about animal nutrition & pest control measures
Demonstrate staff development through hands on training and mentoring
Demonstrate personal professional development within and outside Moody Gardens (professional organizations, networks, etc.)
Meet with Assistant Curator to plan day's events, projects, etc., Maintain animal records
Conduct tours for guests/visitors and relate facility and animal knowledge
Orient and train new Biologists
Convey relevant species and specimen information to animal and education staff
Supervision of Personnel

Direct Biologists in all aspects of animal care
Train Biologists in relevant facility, animal and safety procedures
Know department and facility rules, policies and procedures, instruct employees, implement policies and procedures
Coordinate with Assistant Curator to assure exhibit readiness for opening, schedule employees, and arrange for shift coverage when necessary
Set example for Biologists by reporting to work on time and maintaining a clean, professional appearance
Facility maintenance

Maintain all facilities, exhibits and equipment within area of responsibility.
Demonstrate knowledge about work order processes, ordering/requisition processes, price agreements and petty cash procedures.
duties are subject to change as management deems necessary to best serve the needs of Moody Gardens

Bachelor's Degree with major course work in Biology, Zoology or related field and 5 years professional animal care experience or a relevant combination of education and experience
Current member of professional organizations, including AZA that support professional growth and Moody Gardens' operations
Must have valid driver's license, truck and van experience
PREFERED EXPERIENCE This position oversees the daily operations and growth of the Cnidarian Area in the Aquarium. This includes, but is not limited to, the Coral Lab, the Jellies Gallery, the Jelly Lab, 2 live coral exhibits, and the live food routines. Live food production - live algae, rotifers and artemia
Must have working knowledge of life support systems, animal husbandry, disease prevention, treatment and control and animal rearing techniques
Must be organized, self-motivated with eagerness to complete all projects
Must be prepared to work odd or unscheduled hours
Able to revise food acquisitions to increase food/diet quality while maintaining costs
Observe and help maintain areas not normally within area of responsibility
Subject to possibility of bites, stings and other work related biological risks
Work in water, both man- made and natural, with temperatures ranging from 45 - 90o
Outdoor work on occasion, under variety of conditions: cold weather, hot weather, rain, mud, ocean environments, and dry land
Availability for overtime, both non-emergency and emergency situations