Aquarist

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking a part-time Aquarist (20-29 hours per week) to join our Oceans Department. You will care for marine fish and invertebrates, maintain underwater exhibits, and assist with exhibit modifications and water quality management.

Ideal candidates have a Life Sciences background, flexibility with weekend and holiday shifts, and SCUBA certification (or the ability to obtain within six months). Prior zoo or aquarium experience is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related field is required.
• Must be flexible with shifts including weekends, holidays, evenings and overtime.
• Experience with marine fish, invertebrates and water quality is highly desirable.
• Indoor setting with occasional outdoor work; ability to move between buildings.

Responsibilities

• Care for marine fish and invertebrates; monitor life support systems and water quality.
• Assist with exhibit modifications and area chats, feeds, and behind-the-scenes tours.
• Support Oceans Department and participate in research projects.

Skills

Teamwork

Observational skills

Attention to detail

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences

Tools

SCUBA certification

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.