What are the responsibilities and job description for the Part Time/Temporary Lorikeet Aquarist position at The Maritime Aquarium?
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
The mission of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For more than 35 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium historically hosts nearly 500,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals. Altogether, the Aquarium is home to over 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 54,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 60 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to volunteers who contribute over 19,000 hours annually.
The Lorikeet Aquarist is responsible for the living specimens within the temporary summer lorikeet exhibit. This position will be 4 days a week, 7:00am – 11:00am.
Essential Job Functions:
- Assists with exhibit setup, construction, maintenance, and disassembly
- Transportation of birds at start and close of exhibit, and as necessary throughout run of exhibit.
- Prepares and administers diets for birds
- Performs daily walkthroughs in exhibit to assess animal and exhibit condition
- Supervise visitors and animals in exhibit
- Care and maintenance for exhibit plants
- Cleans and disinfects all equipment
- Maintains nectar hut
- Documents and communicates observations.
- This position will require the individual to work weekends and holidays, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting duties.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Prefer four-year degree (B.S.) or a two-year degree (A.S./A.A.S.) in a relevant field OR
- Progress towards four-year degree (B.S.) or a two-year degree (A.S./A.A.S.) in a relevant field
- General knowledge of laboratory equipment and operating procedures.
- Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal.
- Able to lift a minimum of 60 pounds
- Able to negotiate stairs, climb high obstacles and maneuver easily in tanks, exhibits, and behind the scenes areas.
- Able to negotiate various field conditions.
- Able to work standing up for extended periods of time.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Able to work weekends and holidays.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.