Sr. Aquarist, Tropical Marine Invertebrates at Shedd Aquarium

TITLE: Sr.Aquarist Tropical Marine InvertebratesDEPARTMENT: Aquarium TeamREPORTS TO: Manager Saltwater HabitatsSTATUS: Full-time Non-ExemptPAY RATE:$28.00/hr.LOCATION: Chicago - OnsiteTime Commitment:Orientation (First Week): MondayFridayOnboarding & Training (1 Month Minimum): ThursdayMondayRegular Schedule (Ongoing): Sunday - ThursdayPOSITION OVERVIEW: ThisSeniorAquarist positionis responsible forthe daily husbandry care and welfare of a diverse collection of tropical marineinvertebratesandsmaller teleosts includingcnidarianscrustaceans gastropodscephalopodsanda variety ofreef fishes. The role works as part of a team of aquarists caring for Shedd Aquariums28000-gallonliving reefhabitat6000-gallon Indo-Pacificcoralhabitatcuttlefishcultures and exhibitsand severalmixedmarine fishand invertebrateexhibits throughout the aquarium.A significant aspect of this role involves working closely with the aquariumscoralcollectionparticipatinginroutine water qualityassessments and water chemistrymanagementculturing and growing various coral and cephalopod speciesconducting routine health assessmentsfacilitatingmedical procedures and implementing enrichment strategies to promote natural behaviors and overall welfare. The position plays an active role in advancing Shedd Aquariums standards forcoralcareconservationwelfare and guest engagement.ThisSeniorAquarist position works closely with the Manager of Marine Habitats Supervisor of Tropical MarineInvertebrates and the rest of the Tropical MarineInvertebratesteam along with Animal Health Environmental Quality and Facilities to ensure the smooth and effective operations involving animals and habitats especially as they relate to the planning husbandry and welfare. This position works cooperatively with the animal care management teams to ensure compliance with all accreditation and regulatory requirements for departmental operations and provides full supportforthe aquariums SCUBA diving program as directed by the DiveSafety Officer.The Senior Aquarist is expected to serve as a leader in the Animal Care and Science Division. They embody inter-departmental productivity and participation in strategies to meet institutionalobjectivesand initiatives requiring support of the Animal Care Department andserveas an aquarium spokesperson as needed.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Demonstrates commitment to Shedds vision mission and values.Achieves goals andobjectivesassigned for short- and long-term operations.Produces andmaintainsgood animal records in accordancetoAquarium Team standards and as directed by the Manager including the use of TRACKs animal record keeping software.Prepares diets and feeds animals to meet their nutritional requirements as assigned.Develops applies and records enrichment for animals to meet their psychological requirements as assigned.Provides primary care and planning for Shedd Aquariums Coral collectionStays current on tropical marine invertebrate practices and technology advancements.Maintains all tropical marine invertebrate habitatsassistingwithcollection planning.Ensures tropical marine invertebrates throughout the aquarium are kept to Shedd Aquariums standards of well-being andmaintaingood body conditionMaintains front-of-house habitats at an inspection level of readiness.Maintains back-of-house areas and habitats at an inspection level of readiness.Works proactively with Animal Health to provideoptimalanimal care assessment and treatment as needed.Performs minor maintenance/repair on gear tanks or supplies needed for the section.Identifiesmajor maintenance/repair problems in any section and reports through theirmanager.Providestimelycommunication to the Manager Supervisor and covered staff members.Maintains awareness and communication expectations by checking email daily along with anyadditionalplatforms used by the Animal Care departments.Maintains daily animal observations records andreportsany abnormal behavior or appearance.Manages the daily work of interns and volunteers including evaluating performance coaching advancement and accountability.Works effectively with the AquariumLeadership Team to achieve strategic goals andobjectivesof theAnimal Care and Science Division.Works with the Animal Care Leadership team to ensure proper animal training enrichment and nutrition for animals.Demonstrates gain of knowledge of all the primary animal groups cared for by the Aquarium team.Demonstrates gain of knowledge and understanding of modern husbandry techniques and a thorough understanding of the use of emerging science to advance animal care and welfare.Evaluates the effectiveness of practices and procedures and recommends improvements.Provides support for coworkers in their responsible roles as needed.Maintains legal compliance measures such as tracking of respirator use adherence to OSHA standards etc.Participates in 1-on-1 team meetings department meetings division meetings and One Shedd meetings.Participates in Shedds DEAI objectives.Works with otherdivisions asassigned to meet strategicobjectives.Performs other duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required.Education:Bachelors degree in marinebiology zoology animal science related field ordemonstratedequivalent knowledge.Experience: 3 years of experience in animal care at an accredited zoo or aquarium with a focus on aquatic animals.Knowledge of water chemistry and quality as they pertain to living marine systems.Knowledge of proper animal care training and enrichment.Knowledge of collection planning processes.Demonstrated success in care and handling of aquatic animals.Demonstrated3 years of experience caring formarineteleost.Demonstrated3 years of experience caring formarineinvertebrates with special emphasis on corals.Certifications:Mustpossessa valid drivers licenseorobtain one within 6 months from the startof employment.Mustpossessa valid passportorobtain one within 6 months from the startof employment.Mustpossessaminimum ofopen water SCUBA certification. Employment contingent upon passing a dive physical and check outswim testprotocol administered by Shedd Aquariums Dive Operations.Physical Readiness:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Lift up to 40 poundsSitStandStoopKneelWalkSwimHearWorking Environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.This person may be exposed to:WaterHeatColdHazardous ChemicalsLow noiseModerate NoiseLoud NoiseBENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD:We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.Medical Insurance including FSA and HSA plan optionsVision and Dental InsuranceAccrued Paid Time OffUp to 12 Paid HolidaysLife InsuranceParental Leaveand Adoption Assistance401(k)Discounted Parking and Public Transit SubsidiesEmployee Assistance ProgramEmployee Wellness program including Preventive Care IncentiveEmployee DiscountsEmployee TicketsReasonable Accommodations:Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process please email us at We strongly encourage people of color LGBTQ community veterans and active duty military parents individuals with disabilities and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.Required Experience:Senior IC Key Skills Low Voltage,Mechanic Experience,caterpillar,Electrical Experience,Diesel Engine Repair,Rigging,Mechanical Knowledge,Automotive Diagnostics,Automotive Repair,Service Technician Experience,Heavy Lifting,Troubleshooting Employment Type : Hourly Experience: years Vacancy: 1