Seasonal Aquarium/Interpretation Assistant

Summary:

This position works a variety of shifts including mornings, afternoons, and evenings consisting of 50% time supporting animal care and 50% time working on the visitor floor with the Interpretation Department. This position engages with guests on the exhibit floor, maintains the different interpretation stations around the center (e.g., discovery pools, aviary, and underwater viewing), leads tours and encounter presentations, and is responsible for connecting visitors to the mission of the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC). This position supports daily husbandry tasks including food preparation, cleaning, and record keeping. The primary animal care area this position would focus in would be the Aquarium (Fish/Invertebrates) department..

Education/Training Requirements:
One to two years of paid or unpaid experience in animal care and interpretation of animal programs to guests. Experience with fish/invertebrates preferred.

Primary Responsibilities:
1. Enhances the visitor experience by providing information and “connection” to the ASLC’s exhibits.
2. Under the guidance of husbandry curators and area managers, this position primarily supports management, care, exhibition, and data collection within the Aquarium (Fish/Invertebrates) department; however, the position may also be called upon to assist in the daily husbandry care and maintenance of resident avian animals, marine mammals, rehabilitation animals, and/or transient (short term) animals.
3. Cross trains with all husbandry areas for efficient use of staff resources as appropriate.
4. Follows established routine for animal care, food preparation, and clean up, including proper maintenance and sterilization of equipment.
5. Supervises visitor use of the touch tank and open-air aviary.
6. Delivers presentations that focus on the marine ecosystems of Alaska, including ASLC research topics and wildlife response efforts.
7. Leads Behind-the-Scenes Tours and Encounter programs.
8. May deliver on-site science education programs to the public and assist with other programs as needed.
9. Provides exquisite customer service to guests and may assist with welcoming tour groups or marketing tours and encounters to interested visitors.
10. Helps maintain the physical appearance of manned exhibits and delivers announcements over the public address system.
11. Must have a valid driver’s license.
12. Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.
13. Complies with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Skills and Abilities:
The successful candidate must be able to communicate clearly and concisely and maintain friendly and courteous contact with the public under conditions that may be very stressful and busy at times.

Physical Requirements:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical activity. Ability to swim, see and hear; walk while carrying objects in both hands; twist, bend, kneel, stand, and crouch for extended periods of time; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; climb stairs and ladders; and sit for periods of time. Must be able to lift and move 50lbs, run short distances if required, and have a good sense of balance.
• Ability to work around small and large groups of people. Ability to work safely with and around large, wild animals. Ability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Candidate must have the ability to work in an outdoor area involving uneven, slippery surfaces in potentially extremely cold and wet weather

Work Environment:
Work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED Apply by March 7, 2025 for full consideration

START DATE: 5/1/2025 END DATE: 9/30/2025

PAY RATE: $18.50-20.50

Please upload your resume, cover letter and letter of reference when you apply.

Must be able to pass a background check.