Sea Turtle Care Center Biologist

Bring Your Passion And Expertise To Our Team

Located along the pristine harbor in the heart of historic Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium has been inspiring visitors for over twenty years. From our over 5,000 animals to our award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to our conservation programs protecting local species, visitors are struck with awe and inspiration as they journey through all our exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina.

About the South Carolina Aquarium

We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. We invite you to join the #1 visitor attraction located in one of the Top Cities in the World (Conde Nast, 2021).

At the South Carolina Aquarium, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. Our culture is built on having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together to increase our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. It brings us together in ways that help us stand out. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

Primary responsibilities are tending to the medical and husbandry needs of the animals within the South Carolina Aquarium's Sea Turtle Care Center (STCC), supervising volunteers and interns, and conducting public speaking engagements and facility tours.

Essential Functions:

• Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies & Procedures.
• Able and willing to be reached during non-working hours for emergencies.
• Work closely with Veterinarian team and STCC Manager to evaluate animal health and environmental requirements.
• Assist in diagnostic, medical and surgical procedures.
• Administer prescribed medications and treatments to animals.
• Stock and maintain medical and hospital supplies.
• Help develop, prepare and distribute proper nutritional diets.
• Maintain proper water quality and functioning life support systems.
• Help coordinate animal releases and internal/external transports.
• Supervise Volunteers and Interns.
• Keep accurate records.
• Maintain hospital aesthetics and perform periodic renovations as needed.
• Support, conduct and help coordinate behind the scene tours for V.I.P.'s and donor relations.
• Help support the Marketing & Strategic Communication Division by providing content for media related requests and social media platforms.
• Provide public engagement with the Aquariums' guests in virtual, formal and informal settings.
• Assist with educational outreach programs for community groups, schools and other organizations.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the mission by participating in Aquarium sponsored programs and events on a regular basis.
• Seek, develop and practice cost savings strategies and improve overall efficiency.
• Communicate internally and externally, on a regular basis, developments regarding the SCA STCC and/or related sea turtle conservation.
• Attend and be a productive member of approved meetings, committees, workshops, conferences, etc.
• Participate in field work and research activities approved by STCC Manager.
• Participation on the Emergency Ride Out Team is required as directed, possibly with short notice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work under pressure in emergency situations.
• Must have excellent oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to understand the mechanical equipment necessary to maintain Sea Turtle Hospital.
• Knowledge and demonstrated skill for minor plumbing and carpentry work.

Education and Experience Required:

• BS in biology, aquatic biology, a closely related field.
• Previous experience with sea turtles and/or animal rehabilitation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Driver's License with clean driving record

Supervision of others:

• Volunteers
• Interns

Physical Requirements:

Requires average walking, standing, bending, stooping, and crouching, climbing ladders, sitting, kneeling, balancing, pushing and pulling, crawling, working with tools, computer tasks and phone usage; should be able to lift/carry at least 50 lbs.; requires driving Aquarium vehicles.

Hazardous Requirements:

Average exposure to minor or severe cuts; falls; falling objects; hazards to eyesight, hearing and sense of smell; and tight spaces. Often requires use of personal protective equipment due to exposure to chemicals, hazardous materials, ozone, and handling of animals.

Working Conditions:

This position requires works in both an office environment and outdoors, sometimes in extreme weather including both hot and cold; requires weekend and late night work as needed; requires contact with customers, the general public, and outside vendors; requires carrying a cell phone and radio; requires occasional travel.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel classified.

The Aquarium is an "at-will" employer, and as such, employment with the Aquarium is not for a fixed term, or definite period and may be terminated at the will of either party, with or without cause, and without prior notice.

The South Carolina Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.