Aquarist position

Want to live on the beautiful Oregon Coast?







Oregon Coast Aquarium is looking for an Aquarist


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Participates in the daily cleaning, feeding, and husbandry of the animals under their care in accordance with standards set by the Curator. Assures normal operation and maintenance of exhibit and holding life support systems.

2. Participates in specimen collection and transport as needed. Assists in safe boating operations.

3. Reports unusual conditions or illnesses in the animals and assists in their treatment.

4. Monitors exhibit water quality and performs water quality analysis as necessary and appropriate.

5. Maintains all written and computer records relating to gallery inventories.

6. Works with other Aquarium functions as needed and appropriate, such as volunteer training, assisting with promotional events, and writing newsletter articles. Positively and accurately represents the Aquarium in presentations and tours given to media, staff, and visitors.

7. Demonstrates a continued interest in advancements in the aquarist’s field.

8. Must be able to work as part of a team.



KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Minimum levels):
A degree in biology or zoology related field is required. The incumbent must have substantive experience working with captive fish and invertebrates or fisheries biology. If necessary, at least five years of public aquarium experience may be substituted for the degree requirement. Knowledge of Northwest aquatic life is preferred.

A scuba diving certification with cold water experience is required. Knowledge of aquarium systems, biology, and health assessment and subsequent treatment are required. Knowledge of and ability to use computers and standard, commonly accepted computer programs are required. Ability to work under limited supervision, both independently and in a team environment is essential.

Good communication skills and the ability to make short presentations to visitor and volunteer groups are required.

The ability to acquire an Oregon Driver’s License is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work involves considerable standing and moving about on surfaces that are often wet and slippery. The incumbent must be able to work with their arms immersed in cold water for long periods of time. The ability to ascend and descend steep ladders/steps is required. The incumbent is required to work in dive gear weighing up to 80 pounds and in cold water with sometimes poor visibility. The ability to lift and carry up to 60 pounds is required.

MENTAL, HEARING, AND VISUAL DEMANDS:

The work involves continuous mental and visual attention involving reading, analyzing, visualizing, or otherwise performing very involved, comprehensive work. The incumbent must be able to differentiate the sounds of various motors, compressors, and other machinery.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work is typically performed working in and around tanks of cold sea water, as well as diving in cold sea water with poor visibility. Some sedentary work is required when performing record keeping duties at a computer station.

PAY SCALE AND BENEFITS:

This is a full time position with medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. There are retirement plans that are contributed to by the company. The pay scale for this position is $11.30-$12.90 and commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY:

Please send cover letter and resume to the Curator of Fish and Invertebrates: neil.allen@aquarium.org