Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

The New England Aquarium is seeking an Aquarist to join our Changing Exhibits team. This team is responsible for a diverse and dynamic portfolio of exhibits, including shorebirds, elasmobranchs, and jellies. They also oversee key programs such as live food culture, jelly culture, and herp ambassador programs. The level of the Aquarist position will be determined based on the qualifications and experience of the selected applicant.

This position will provide daily husbandry of the animals in the Changings Exhibit collection. Responsibilities also include maintaining the appearance and function of assigned exhibits and support spaces, assisting with specimen acquisition, and supporting the setup, modification, and maintenance of exhibits and holding systems, along with other related duties.

This is a full-time, regular, on-site position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00am-5:00pm. Candidates must be available to work occasional holidays, and nights, and respond to emergencies during off hours.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provides daily care of assigned animals, exhibits, holding systems, support spaces, and life support systems according to the standards set forth by NEAQ as well as AZA. May help to develop new protocols as appropriate and apply knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and animal biology to advance husbandry techniques. May advise less experienced Aquarists on the daily operations of the life support system.
2. Makes daily observations of animals for health assessment according to established norms of animal behavior and appearance. In conjunction with the Animal Health Department, and dependent upon the level of Aquarist, identifies common diseases for the animals within the collection; may establish appropriate dietary regime, and administer medications and supplements as directed.
3. Maintains written and electronic records and submits entries via NEAQ's specimen database system TRACKS©. Typical entries include accessions, dispositions, moves, behaviors, mortalities, and LSS maintenance in accordance with proper husbandry practices and institutional policy. Senior-level Aquarists will train and support Aquarist 1s and Aquarist 2s in proper record keeping and adherence to institutional policy.
4. Performs routine Animal Welfare assessments. Dependent upon the level of Aquarist, and under the direction of the Area Manager, this position will either help to facilitate, or lead, appropriate action responses to ensure the highest standards of animal care are met.
5. In conjunction with the Environmental Quality Department and under the direction of the Area Manager, manages water quality and environmental parameters in assigned exhibits and holding tanks. Senior Aquarists will mentor others in analyzing results and taking corrective action as needed.
6. Applies responsible population management practices in making recommendations during the annual collection planning exercise, in addition to helping facilitate the acquisition and disposition of animals. Senior-level Aquarists facilitate and execute the acquisitions and dispositions of animals through approved mechanisms of the following arrangements: transfers, breeding, rehabilitation, collection and purchasing. Senior Aquarists will also lead and mentor others during coordination and planning.
7. Dependent upon the level of the Aquarist, develops, executes, and adjusts, or assists with development, execution, and adjustment of strategies to effectively meet the behavioral needs of assigned animals, including enrichment and operant conditioning.
8. Manages life support systems and, dependent upon the level of the Aquarist, participates in or leads the design, upgrade, and installation of such systems. Senior Aquarists will mentor Aquarist 1s and Aquarist 2s on system design and problem solving.
9. May need to demonstrate competency as a SCUBA diver, collector, and transport driver.
10. Provides alternate coverage for other aquarists and is available for cross-training as assigned.
11. Depending on assignment, may be routinely expected to engage with the public through in-person or virtual presentations.
12. Senior Aquarist level may assume the role of acting Manager as needed, and supervise interns and volunteers, including training, scheduling, and performance management.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Animal husbandry or related experience required.
  • Minimum 6 months of experience to be considered for Aquarist 1.
  • Minimum 2 years of experience to be considered for Aquarist 2.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience to be considered for Senior Aquarist
• Bachelor's degree with a concentration in science preferred.
• Internationally recognized SCUBA diving certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Aquarist 2 and Senior Aquarist candidates must have the ability to apply broad knowledge of the Aquarium field, including animal husbandry, mechanical systems, collecting techniques, and exhibit design.
• Aquarist 2 and Senior Aquarist candidates should possess strong leadership skills and be able to apply those skills as a mentor and resource for volunteers, interns, and less experienced Aquarists.
• Ability to obtain/maintain Medical Examiner's authorization to SCUBA dive in accordance with NEAQ Diving Program preferred.
• Valid Driver's License, a good driving record is required.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with a large group of peers and colleagues across departments and organizational levels, as well as work independently. Good judgment, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to foster good interpersonal relationships with colleagues.
• Ability to serve as a mentor and/or resource for Assistant Aquarists, apprentices, volunteers, interns, and co-ops.
• Must be comfortable working in confined spaces with the ability to stoop and/or kneel for portions of each shift in low clearance exhibits. Candidates must also be able to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds.

For more information and to apply online please visit:

The New England Aquarium is committed to an inclusive workplace culture and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, as defined by the EEOC. Here, we foster a culture of respect and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet. We believe that an inclusive workforce provides diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our workplace culture.

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