Part-Time Aquarist

The Role   
Aquarists are responsible for the ongoing care and exhibition of the live animal population. They must implement professional husbandry protocols in regard to animal care and exhibit maintenance. Aquarists provide all aspects of daily care for the animals, including feeding, maintenance of enclosures and associated life support, enrichment, and health maintenance and treatment.

The aquarist will enjoy benefits seldom offered at other facilities. Examples include the opportunity for design creativity with both freshwater and saltwater aquarium systems, cross-training and educational opportunities with mammals, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians, and the occasional educational and inspirational excursions and seminars. Employees work with a team of kind, helpful, motivated, and dedicated individuals 

This position reports to the Director of Animal Husbandry. 

What You’ll Bring
You have a strong interest in animals of all kinds, ecology, and/or informal education. You have the ability and disposition to handle the demands of caring for live animals in a highly public-facing environment and can demonstrate a strong knowledge of husbandry practices.  You are detail-oriented, a team player, and a skilled observer who excels at both written and oral communication. You take pride in your work to maintain high standards of care and provide a rich guest experience through the display and maintenance of live animal exhibits. You are proactive, exercise sound judgment, and respond quickly in emergency situations with appropriate action. You are comfortable working with a wide range of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, fishes, birds, and mammals. 

What You’ll Do
The Aquarist will:

1. Provide care of the aquatic animal population, totaling 20,000 gallons, with individual aquaria as large as 7,000 gallons 
2. Perform daily cleaning, diet preparation, feedings, enrichment, training & observations of animals, and maintenance of exhibits and life support systems 
3. Assist with ongoing care for the remainder of the live animal population, including invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals
4. Maintain intimate knowledge of animal health, exhibits, life support system operation, inventory, animal transport, quarantine procedures, species ID and compatibility, disease recognition, and animal ambassador protocols consistent with the highest standards of animal welfare
5. Implement high-quality standards for exhibits and back-of-house spaces to clean, well-organized, and hazard-free work areas
6. Input and maintain accurate records of daily observations and animal care data in databases
7. Repair and maintenance of life support equipment, including pumps, UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, sand filters, plumbing, etc.
8. Train, supervise, and evaluate interns and volunteers
9. Participate in programs and public activities as directed
10. Perform lab work, such as regular water quality testing and necropsy as needed
11. Assist in the planning and operation of specimen collection trips 
12. Collaborate on ideating, developing, and producing creative solutions that serve to strengthen LSC’s brand, mission, and revenue
13. Other responsibilities, as assigned

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

1. Candidates should have thorough knowledge of animal husbandry practices, keeper safety protocols, and exhibit and life support system maintenance 
2. Familiarity with aquarium systems, including life support systems, aquatic animal husbandry, maintenance needs, and quarantine protocols
3. Knowledge of water chemistry, biological processes, and water quality analysis
4. Knowledge of animal care, common health concerns, and treatment
5. Must be able to work effectively in a team-oriented workplace, and with the general public
6. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set priorities
7. Experience with plumbing

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in biological or life sciences, or equivalent training and experience
2. Candidates should have experience caring for animals in a professional setting
3. Possession of a valid driver’s license in good standing is required

Special Job-Related Requirements

1. SCUBA certification (preferred)
2. Final offer contingent upon the successful outcome of a TB screening

Supervisory Responsibilities
The aquarist will share supervisory responsibilities of interns and volunteers with other Animal Husbandry Department staff. 

Classification and Schedule
This is a regular part-time, non-exempt position, meaning you are eligible for overtime. The schedule will include one weekend day.  The ideal candidate must be available to work a flexible schedule that includes emergency response, and occasional early mornings, evenings, and holidays. This position is an essential service position and will be required to provide services during emergency situations.

Compensation & Benefits
The Part-Time Aquarist position is compensated at a rate of $23.00/hr. Liberty Science Center also provides perks for all eligible part-time employees, including

1. Paid vacation time
2. Paid sick time
3. A LSC Membership (for two adults four children)
4. 25% discount in LSC’s gift shop
5. 15% discount in LSC’s café
6. Free onsite parking

​​​​Physical Demands
This position will require significant physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping, climbing ladders, reaching above the head, repetitive motions, lifting and carrying heavy objects (up to 60 pounds), or standing for long periods. This position will require the ability to effectively perform dive procedures in LSC’s aquaria. This position may require the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances. This position requires the ability to withstand exposure to nuts, legumes, and high levels of noise and crowds. This position will involve work in wet or humid environments, from heights, and in confined spaces. This position will require the ability to use and handle hooks, tongs, nets, and other animal-handling equipment. This position will include exposure to potentially dangerous animals, including venomous animals. Candidates must have immunocompetence and be able to work in an environment with possible exposure to zoonoses.

The Aquarist will at times operate standard office equipment, such as a computer, printer, and phone.  In addition, the Aquarist will frequently carry and operate a two-way radio. 

LSC’s Work Culture at a Glimpse
LSC prides itself on fostering a workplace culture that enables all employees to experience a sense of pleasure, passion, and purpose. We believe in embracing and driving change, inspiring fun and learning, and creating a positive and family-friendly team spirit. Our differences as individuals (race, gender, age, cultural heritage, physical ability, education, and lifestyle) are an asset and contribute to our ability to drive innovation. Lastly, at the heart of our work culture is the commitment to delivering a “wow factor” through our exceptional customer service to our guests and one another. 

Our Environment
Liberty Science Center is located in a beautiful waterfront state park in Jersey City, New Jersey. Not only is Jersey City easy to get to from any points in Northern NJ and Manhattan, but it also holds the title of the most diverse city in the United States. Employees have access to free parking, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and the NJ Path train. In addition, all employees have access to a terrace with stunning NYC views.

Travel
This position requires occasional travel.

___________________
Liberty Science Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We, therefore, provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. If there are preparations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.

• To find out more, visit lsc.org or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter.

Salary : $23