Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium · Florida · posted today
Opportunity The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is seeking an Aquarist or Senior Aquarist to join a dedicated and creative team that oversees the care and management of its living animal collection and aquarium exhibits. The successful candidate will ensure exceptional animal welfare in accordance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) standards, contribute to animal selection, support or contribute to research, and participate in educational experiences offered to visitors. This is a full-time position with benefits including health insurance, toll reimbursement, and reciprocal admission to other museums and aquariums, among other benefits. Depending on the experience and skills of the successful candidate, the Museum will fill the position as either Aquarist or Senior Aquarist. Scope of Work • Strategy for and implementation of animal husbandry, LSS maintenance, and water quality monitoring. • Maintain species-specific care protocols aligned with AZA husbandry guidelines and animal welfare standards. • Contribute to approaches for animal selection, exhibit design, and maintenance with a focus on both animal welfare and guest engagement. • Document animal health, behavior, breeding and life history events; collaborate with veterinary professionals on animal care. • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records using Species360. • Support conservation, research and breeding initiatives. • Participate in offering ‘’Keeper Chat’’ gallery talks for visitors; collaborate with staff on ideas for new educational programs. • Work with interns and volunteers with supporting roles on animal care, safety procedures, and aquarium operation. • Coordinate with staff and external vendors as needed on aquarium and life support system improvements and repairs. • Participate in emergency response and manage weekend and holiday coverage as needed. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, or related field; or equivalent experience. • Minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional aquarium or zoo. • Knowledge of marine invertebrate husbandry, closed aquatic systems, and aquatic life support operations. • Familiarity with AZA accreditation standards, animal welfare policies, and best practices in zoological institutions. • Proficiency in water quality testing, diagnostics and system troubleshooting. • Excellent communication, organizational, and recordkeeping skills. • Willingness to participate in educational and public-facing programs. • Ability to work positively and energetically in a fast-paced work environment with a small staff that is collaborative, mission-driven, and flexible. • Ability to lift 50 lbs., work in wet environments, and perform physically demanding tasks. Preferred Qualities • Experience with mollusks. • Working knowledge of Florida marine ecosystems and native species. • Experience contributing to or preparing for AZA accreditation processes. • A sense of humor. About the Museum and Aquarium The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium with a primary focus on shells, mollusks, marine life, and conservation education. It is a non-profit, educational organization that is accredited by both the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Museum’s permanent exhibits include the Great Hall of Shells and the Living Gallery of Aquariums, which displays about 60 species of marine life including octopuses, conchs, Giant Clam, California Sea Hare, fish, corals, and more. Temporary exhibitions, publications, and educational offerings for all ages provide a dynamic year-round program. In a typical year the Museum welcomes about 75,000 visitors with tens of thousands more served by offsite educational and outreach programs. The Museum’s home of Sanibel and the surrounding Southwest Florida region is considered by many to be among the best beach and shelling destination in the United States, and one of the most desirable places to live.
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