Aquarist

Maymont Foundation; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Maymont Foundation is seeking an Aquarist to care for fish and other taxa in the Robins Nature Center, manage life support systems, and engage guests through programs and tours. The role reports to the Senior Manager of Zoology and involves occasional events outside regular hours.

Typical duties include feeding, enrichment, data recording on water quality, and collaboration with other animal care teams. SCUBA certification is preferred; associate or bachelor’s degree in relevant sciences is

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Zoo Animal Technology or equivalent with one year of professional experience in a public aquarium, zoo or related facility utilizing life support systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ichthyology, marine science, zoology, or related natural science field preferred with knowledge of native freshwater fauna.
• SCUBA certification within six months of employment; preferred before employment.
• Basic knowledge of electricity, plumbing and mechanical aspects of aquarium life support systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintains health and appearance of all animals within the Robins Nature Center, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, raptors and mammals, through diets, feeding, cleaning, observation, enrichment and training.
• Maintains exhibit appearance and works independently or with other staff.
• Maintains, troubleshoots and repairs life support systems (LSS).
• Keeps daily records on inventory, animal health and water quality data.
• Educates and informs individuals and groups through programs, tours, workshops, supervising interns and volunteers.

Skills

Guest education

Observation & enrichment

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s degree in Zoo Animal Technology

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related natural science

SCUBA certification

Job description

Description

Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park, located in Richmond, Virginia, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. With seasonal events, programs and rental spaces, over 800,000 guests enjoy Maymont yearly. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation, committed to creating experiences that delight, educate and inspire its guests.

The Maymont Foundation is seeking an Aquarist who will care for and maintain the health and appearance of fish and other taxa in the Robins Nature Center, maintain support areas including water testing lab and life support systems, and engage with guests through programming and education efforts. This role will provide support to Maymont’s other animal care teams, as needed. This position reports to the Senior manager of Zoology.

Essential Functions

• Maintains health and appearance of all animals within the Robins Nature Center such as fish, amphibians, reptiles (including venomous), raptors and mammals. These duties include (but not limited to) making diets, feeding, cleaning, observation, enrichment and animal training using operant conditioning and positive reinforcement.


• Maintains exhibit appearance by working independently, as well as with other animal care staff.


• Maintains, troubleshoots and repairs life support systems (LSS).


• Maintains daily records including (but not limited to) inventory, animal health and water quality data.


• Educates and informs individuals and groups through answering questions, programs, guiding behind-the-scenes tours, teaching workshops, supervising interns, volunteers, and students.


• Analyzes water samples for dissolved gases, nutrients, heavy metals, pH, salinity, temperature and medications to assure adequate water quality for animal health


• Researches data to properly understand and maintain the animals within area of responsibility.


• Participates in exhibit improvement, design and other planning.


• Participates in Maymont Tent Pole Events as needed, which may be outside of regular work schedule.


• Supports other animal care teams such as the Children’s Farm and Habitats, as needed.


• Assists with other duties and tasks as assigned.

Requirements

Competencies:

• Ability to work in inclement weather throughout the year.


• Must be flexible in schedule availability; weekends and some holidays will be required.


• Will be required to pass scheduled Basic First Aid and CPR employer-provided training.


• Ability to work effectively with co-workers and Maymont visitors.

Education and Experience

• Minimum requirement: Associate’s degree in Zoo Animal Technology or equivalent accepted education and one year of professional experience in a public aquarium, zoo or related facility utilizing life support systems.


• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ichthyology, marine science, zoology, or related natural science field is preferred with a good knowledge of native freshwater fauna.


• SCUBA certification within six months employment. SCUBA certification prior to employment is preferred.


• Basic knowledge of electricity, plumbing and mechanical aspects of aquarium life support systems is preferred.


• Knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry to include disease and parasite control, animal nutrition, animal breeding, animal behavior and animal training.


• Additional skills and abilities preferred: experience in animal restraint and handling, use of operant conditioning techniques, use of hand and gardening tools, power tools, personal computer, microscope, first aid equipment.


• Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check


• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation to/from Maymont

Physical Demands

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking and talking for extended periods


• Frequent climbing, bending, stooping and lifting up to 50 lbs.


• Ability to work inside and outside in all-weather conditions throughout the year


• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid-time-off and health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance.

FLSA Status: Full-Time Hourly

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Maymont Foundation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.