Aquarist, Wet Lab, Center for Economic & Environmental Development

Roger Williams University; Bristol (RI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI seeks an Aquarist, Wet Lab to oversee husbandry and operations of the RWU Wet Lab within the CEED program. Responsibilities include maintaining life support systems, animal care, system design, and assisting with larval production and live feeds.

The role requires a B.S./B.A. in Marine Biology or Aquaculture, strong organizational and communication skills, ability to supervise students and volunteers, and a flexible Wed–Sun schedule.

Qualifications

• B.S. or B.A. in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of managing fresh and saltwater aquarium systems.
• Excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills.
• Able to work independently with regular supervisor updates.
• Flexible schedule, Wed-Sun, with emergency responsiveness.
• Willingness to maintain IACUC certification and university vehicle access.
• Proficiency in MS Office; data collection and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee husbandry and aquatic system maintenance for RWU facilities.
• Assist in constructing, modifying, and dismantling systems as needed.
• Monitor animal health and address illnesses or changes in conditions.
• Administer medical treatments or euthanasia with CEED support.
• Respond to aquatic life support emergencies across systems.
• Assist in larval fish production and live feeds culture.
• Supervise student employees, interns, and volunteers in the Wet Lab.
• Manage inventory and submit work orders for maintenance.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Flexibility

Emergency response

IACUC certification

Drivers license

MS Office

Data reporting

Staff supervision

Larval culture

Disease recognition

Wildlife knowledge

Internet navigation

Education

B.S. or B.A. in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, or related field

Job description

Roger Williams University

Title: Aquarist, Wet Lab, Center for Economic & Environmental Development

Location: Bristol, RI

Category: Temporary and Per Diem

Job Type: Full-time Temporary

Posted On: Tue Oct 6 2026

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of the Center for Economic & Environmental Development, the Aquarist, Wet Lab is responsible for overseeing various husbandry-related responsibilities. The Aquarist, Wet Lab assists with the operations and maintenance of aquaria and systems related to the Aquaculture and Aquarium Science Program at Roger Williams University and performs daily activities in the operation of the Wet Lab, including facility operations, animal husbandry, system design and construction, and marine aquarium and aquaculture initiatives.

Husbandry and Aquatic System Maintenance

• Manage optimal living conditions for aquatic species at RWU facilities by monitoring system life support functions and animal health.
• Assist in constructing, modifying, and dismantling systems and exhibits or their components as required.
• Monitor animal health by regular inspection and addressing illnesses, injuries, or changes in conditions.
• Administer medical treatments or euthanasia as needed, with support from CEED (Center for Economic and Environmental Development) staff.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to emergency situations in all freshwater and saltwater aquatic systems.
• Assist in small scale production of larval fish and shrimp.
• Assist in culturing live feeds such copepods, rotifers, and brine shrimp.

Administration

• Manage the inventory of the aquarium facilities.
• Submit work orders to appropriate staff if unable to accomplish maintenance and repair.

Employee Supervision

• Recruit, train, and manage husbandry student employees, interns, and volunteers for animal care and exhibit maintenance at the RWU Wet Lab.
• Direct and supervise student employees, interns, and volunteers working in the Wet Lab.
• Supervise student employees and research assistants in proper laboratory procedures and practices, with emphasis on safety.

Additional Functions

• Assist in public education opportunities at the University, attend meetings as directed.
• Assist in grant-funded/contract-based research projects related to the RWU Aquaculture and Aquarium Science Program/RWU Wet Lab.
• Oversee RWU student activities related to these research projects.

Job Requirements

• B.S. or B.A. in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of managing fresh and saltwater aquarium systems and a working knowledge of various mechanical, biological, and chemical aquarium filtration systems.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage time to meet workload and deadline demands.
• Excellent interpersonal skills in verbal and written communication to a wide variety of audiences including guests, volunteers, students, and staff to influence productive outcomes.
• Able to work independently while maintaining consistent and frequent communication with supervisor.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule. A normal work week will consist of working Wednesday through Sunday.
• Ability to respond to aquatic life support and other aquarium system emergencies.
• Ability and willingness to maintain an IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use) certification.
• Valid driver's license required. Obtain and maintain university vehicle authorization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite of programs with the ability to collect and report on data and to prepare written reports and grant information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in directing students and volunteers in work tasks and/or projects.
• At least 1 year of marine larval culture and live feeds experience.
• Ability to recognize and treat basic fish and reptile diseases. Knowledge and understanding of local natural wildlife.
• Ability to use computer functions including navigating the Internet.

At the University's discretion, the education and experience prerequisites may be accepted where the candidate can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the University, an equivalent combination of education and experience specifically preparing the candidate for success in the position.

Additional Information

Roger Williams University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable state and federal law. For information on our Non-discrimination policy, visit here.

RWU prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. Complaints of Title IX sexual harassment should be reported to the Title IX Coordinator at the contact information listed below. Details regarding the formal complaint process can be found here: Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures. All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. TITLE IX COORDINATOR: Dr. Jen Stanley, 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 / Phone Number: [phone] /Email Address: [e-mail]

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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