Aquarist

Indianapolis-Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a part-time Aquarist to join our Oceans Department. You will care for marine fish and invertebrates, maintain underwater exhibits, and assist with exhibit modifications and life support systems.

Flexibility with shifts (weekends, holidays, evenings) and a bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related field required. Candidates with zoo or aquarium experience, especially with water quality, animal training, and SCUBA certification, are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related field is required.
• Experience at a public zoo or aquarium is helpful but not required.
• SCUBA certification or ability to obtain within six months.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and evening shifts.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Care for marine fish and invertebrates.
• Maintain underwater exhibits and monitor life support systems and water quality.
• Assist with exhibit modifications.
• Engage with guests during area chats, feeds and behind-the-scenes tours.
• Follow safety policies and procedures of the Indianapolis Zoo.

Skills

Marine biology

Water quality

Public speaking

SCUBA certification

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Job description

DIVE into an exciting opportunity with the Indianapolis Zoo! We are currently on the hunt for a part-time regular (20-29 hours per week) Aquarist to join our school! From caring for our marine fish and invertebrates and maintaining the underwater exhibits, to assisting with exhibit modification and monitoring life support systems and water quality, our Aquarists are an integral part to our Oceans Department.

Ideal candidates are committed to advancing the Zoo's mission to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. Prior experience at a public zoo or aquarium working with marine fish, invertebrates, water quality, and animal training is highly desirable. The successful candidate must be team-oriented with an attitude temperamentally suitable to work closely with aquatic animals. Good observational skills and attention to detail are essential. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Life Sciences or a related field is required. This role requires flexibility with time since shifts are determined by the Zoo's operational calendar. This role requires working weekend shifts consistently as well as working weekdays, holidays, evenings, and overtime shifts.

The position requires the following:

• Must follow all safety Policies and Procedures of the Indianapolis Zoo.
• Professional work experience in animal training, care, and conservation preferred, not required.
• Professional experience working at a public zoo or aquarium as staff or as intern preferred, not required.
• Knowledge of water quality pertaining to marine fish and invertebrates is strongly desired.
• Primarily an indoor setting but occasionally will be exposed to outdoor environment and conditions to move from building to building.
• Will be required to implement species quarantine procedures as directed by Assistant Curator.
• Must be able to participate in and develop area chats, feeds and behind the scenes tours.
• Proven public speaking and presentation skills.
• Assists with research projects.
• Assists with exhibit modifications.
• Must have SCUBA certification or be able to acquire within six months of hire.
• Must be able to pass and maintain dive physical from a Zoo approved physician.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.