Aquarist Biologist

Job Summary

The Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium is a non-profit organization currently in the process of undergoing an expansion to bring a new aquarium to its campus located at the Great Plains Zoo. This new aquarium will include the new aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate exhibits, new species, and new learning experiences for guests and staff. The Aquarist/Biologist carries out husbandry care of the animals in the aquarium, butterfly conservatory, and ambassador animals. The Aquarist/Biologist ensures the animals are provided with high quality animal care for their overall well-being. Modern zoological principles will guide the daily care, husbandry, training, and enrichment, ensuring that we are able to meet the animals’ physical, mental, and emotional needs. This demanding job requires attention to detail, time management skills, guest engagement, effective communication skills, and a collaborative approach to working within a team environment.

Reports to

Area Supervisor-Aquarium

Essential Functions

• Cleaning, feeding, training, and conducting animal and plant programs in the aquarium, butterfly conservatory, and ambassador animals.

• Provide high standards of animal care for our animals’ overall well-being.

• Follow protocols & procedures.

• Assist in the repair and construction of current and new exhibits at the existing Butterfly House and Aquarium.

• Performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that reflects Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium’s mission.

• Maintains strong communication and institutional animal record keeping.

• Assist in humane capture and restraint of animals, as related to moves or veterinary practices.

• Upholds a strong safety culture and ensures staff follow safety guidelines and protocols.

• Ensure compliance with USDA, state, and federal regulations.

• Commitment to the SFZA mission.

• Maintains strict confidentiality.

• Engage in public feeding presentations, training sessions, and keeper talks with guests

Competency

• Ability to maintain professionalism, maturity, sound judgment and confidentiality.

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to follow the same.

• Must have initiative, drive, and ability to complete work within specified deadlines.

• Ability to take control and think clearly in unforeseen and emergency situations.

• Demonstrated problem solving skills.

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people and build consensus among the team.

• Must be proficient in the use of computers including MS Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Work Environment

Must be able to tolerate and be exposed to strong odors, toxic, or caustic chemicals and wet or humid conditions (non-weather) and all variable outdoor weather conditions.

Physical Demands

Must be able to climb ladders/stairs, lift crates/animals and / or equipment weighing 70 lbs., handle hoses, operate motorized carts, tractors, dump truck, pickup truck, be agile and flexible to maneuver in and around tight spaces within exhibits, and equipment in all work areas.

Travel

Occasional local travel may be necessary to acquire supplies, etc. Infrequent travel may be necessary for animal transport.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine biology, Zoology, Biology, or related field or equivalent degree

*Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements*

• Minimum of 2 years’ professional experience in an aquarium or marine-related field

• Minimum of 1 year professional experience in a horticulture related field preferred

• Minimum of 1 year professional experience in an insect or reptile related field preferred

• Knowledge of water quality parameters as well as proficiency in maintaining and understanding life support systems

• Open Water SCUBA or above certification preferred from an accredited agency.

  • Certifying agency must be recognized (NAUI, PADI, SSI, etc.)

  • If not certified, must be able to be certified within 6 months of hire

• Must be a team player with outstanding communication skills, have a positive attitude, and an outgoing personality, with the ability to work well unsupervised and as a team leader.

• Basic computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, Google Calendar, Outlook, ZIMs, etc.

• Strong time management skills and ability to be flexible in an ever-changing environment due to facility expansion, tourism, unprecedented weather/world events, etc.

• Effective decision making and problem-solving skills.

• Flexible schedule with the ability to work weekends, holidays, overtime (only when needed), and special nighttime events.

Desired Skills / Knowledge / Certifications

• Working knowledge of marine and freshwater systems, basic plumbing skills, knowledge of temperate and tropical species and their care requirements, knowledge of various teleosts, elasmobranch, and invertebrate species

• Current DAN O2 and CPR/First Aid/First Responder certification

Other Duties

This job description is not designed nor should it be interpreted to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all qualifications, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Qualifications, duties and/or responsibilities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.