Aquarist

Chehaw Park & Zoo and Flint RiverQuarium are looking for a motivated professional to join our animal husbandry team. We are enrolled in AZA’s Pathway towards Membership pilot program and are committed to ensuring high standards of animal care and positive guest experience. The ideal candidate will have a solid working knowledge of zoo and aquarium safety and animal husbandry best practices.
This role requires a dedicated person who can work singly to create and maintain aesthetically pleasing aquatic habitats that promote positive animal welfare. Additionally, team work will be essential to complete large projects and while participating in maintenance dives.

BASIC JOB DUTIES

• Prepare diets, feed, and provide water to assigned animals
• Sanitize/clean enclosure furniture/floors and food/water dishes as scheduled or necessary
• Perform approved enrichment and training activities
• Assist in the capture and restraint of animals
• Monitor water quality, including salinity, pH, dissolved Oxygen, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, copper, ozone, and chlorine levels
• Perform dive maintenance and diving demonstrations in the 175k gallon “Blue Hole” exhibit and smaller aquatic exhibits
• Inspect animals for health problems; assist veterinarians with medical exams and procedures; administer medications to animals
• Record relevant information in facility’s recordkeeping database
• Perform routine repairs and maintenance on exhibits/enclosures as needed; construct improvements, furnishings, and decorations for exhibits; demolish unwanted structures; may shovel, rake, or scrub enclosure surfaces; may replace substrate, control weeds, and collect browse
• Assist in planning and conducting educational and interactive guest programs; engage the public to encourage curiosity and facilitate a positive experience

EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES

• High school diploma or equivalent; college degree preferred
• Previous aquatic animal husbandry and dive experience preferred
• Adequate knowledge about exotic animal husbandry and captive management; ability to build upon this knowledge and to adapt as necessary to animal collection changes
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to/from work
• Basic computer skills
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds and work outdoors in all weather conditions on a daily basis; must be able to tolerate strong odors, dust, hay, dander, and dampness; may be required to stand or sit for extended periods of time and/or to twist, bend, crouch, squat, climb, crawl, kneel, jump, swim, or carry objects for short distances; may be exposed to chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts, vehicles, and potentially dangerous animals
• Willingness to participate in staff vaccination program to prevent zoonotic disease transfer, scheduled as recommended by CDC; may include tetanus, TB skin test, rabies, Hepatitis A & B, Covid-19, Influenza; vaccinations may be provided to successful candidates
• Current SCUBA certification or receipt of certification within 90 days of employment
• All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation

We are committed to providing all staff with opportunities for development and advancement, both within and outside our facilities.

The Albany Metropolitan area includes welcoming cities such as Leesburg, Putney, Sylvester, and Sasser. These cities boast cost-of-living numbers much lower than the national average and are all within easy commute of Flint RiverQuarium and Chehaw Park & Zoo.

• Leesburg: 13% lower COL, 18 minute commute
• Putney: 28% lower COL, 15 minute commute
• Sylvester: 26% lower COL, 28 minute commute
• Sasser: 24% lower COL, 22 minute commute

PAY AND BENEFITS

• Full-time (40-hours per week), hourly
• Commensurate with experience, generally $22k-30k per year
• Benefits include paid-time-off; sick time; vision, dental, and health insurance
• Participation in staff vaccination program
• Relocation package available to eligible new hires.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22,000.00 - $30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Holidays
• On call
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22,000 - $30,000