Cnidarian Biologist

Moody-Gardens,-Inc.-Resort-and-Attractions; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Moody Gardens in Galveston, TX seeks a Biologist to oversee care and upkeep of exhibits and animals in their area, ensuring displays are guest-ready and daily tasks are completed.

You will supervise Biologists, assist the Assistant Curator, train staff, maintain animal records and lead public tours and presentations to educate visitors.

The role requires knowledge of animal health, water systems, and safety procedures, with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology or Zoology with 5 years of animal care experience.
• SCUBA certification required if the work area requires it.
• Valid driver's license and truck/van experience.
• AZA membership or similar professional affiliations encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Oversee professional animal care and ensure daily display readiness.
• Supervise Biologists and assist curators as assigned.
• Maintain animal records and public education tours.
• Train staff and coordinate with the Assistant Curator.

Skills

SCUBA certification

Public education & outreach

Staff supervision

Observation skills

Disease prevention knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Biology or Zoology

SCUBA diver certification

Job description

Job consists of overseeing care and proper upkeep of exhibits and animals in their area of responsibility. Responsibility of insuring all displays are ready for guests and job tasks are completed on a daily basis. Assists Assistant Curators and Animal Husbandry Manager with staff supervision and as assigned.POSITION AUTHORITY:The incumbent is authorized to take reasonable action necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities, provided such action is consistent with position guidelines as outlined below.POSITION GUIDELINES:Position guidelines include, but are not limited to, established company and department policies and procedures and all supervisory directives. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound, reasonable judgment and initiative, and give high priority to accuracy and details in the performance of job responsibilities.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Professional Animal CareBe knowledgeable about natural history, behavior and conservation of collection species in areas of responsibility, including individual specimen historiesAssist with animal acquisitionsResearch husbandry and natural history information on prospective acquisitionsBe knowledgeable about animal capture, restraint and transport proceduresBe knowledgeable about Moody Gardens accepted animal husbandry policies, procedures and routinesBe knowledgeable about water quality system mechanics and maintenanceBe knowledgeable about disease diagnosis and treatment protocolBe knowledgeable about larval/infant care and appropriate husbandry and/or hand rearing techniquesBe knowledgeable about medical treatment as directed by the veterinarianBe knowledgeable about animal nutrition & pest control measuresBe knowledgeable about pest control measuresPerform daily routines as scheduled or when neededDemonstrate staff development through hands on training and mentoringDemonstrate personal professional development within and outside Moody Gardens (professional organizations, networks, etc.)CommunicationCommunicate regularly with staff through department meetings, individual meetings and written memos or instructionsMeet with Assistant Curator to plan day’s events, projects, etc., daily or as appropriate.Maintain animal recordsConduct tours for guests/visitors and relate facility and animal knowledgeConduct public presentationsOrient and train new BiologistsConvey relevant species and specimen information to animal and education staffRepresent the Moody Gardens and the L.S. &E.O. Department in media eventsSupervision of PersonnelDirect Biologists in all aspects of animal careTrain Biologists in relevant facility, animal and safety proceduresKnow department and facility rules, policies and procedures, instruct employees, implement policies and proceduresCoordinate with Assistant Curator to assure exhibit readiness for opening, schedule employees, and arrange for shift coverage when necessarySet example for Biologists by reporting to work on time and maintaining a clean, professional appearanceFacility maintenanceMaintain all facilities, exhibits and equipment within area of responsibility.Maintain supplies necessary for all aspects of exhibit maintenance.Demonstrate knowledge about work order processes, ordering/requisition processes, price agreements and petty cash procedures.Demonstrate knowledge about cleaning/disinfection procedures.Be knowledgeable about basic exhibit landscape maintenance and exhibit decorationAny and all other duties as assigned; duties are subject to change as management deems necessary to best serve the needs of Moody GardensEDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor's Degree with major course work in Biology, Zoology or related field and 5 years professional animal care experience or a relevant combination of education and experienceMust be a certified S.C.U.B.A. certified diver if required in work areaCurrent member of professional organizations, including AZA that support professional growth and Moody Gardens’ operationsMust have valid driver’s license, truck and van experienceREQUIRED SKILLS:Must be reliable and responsibleMust have working knowledge of life support systems, animal husbandry, disease prevention, treatment and control and animal rearing techniquesMust be organized, self-motivated with eagerness to complete all projectsMust be willing to participate in public education and interactionMust be prepared to work odd or unscheduled hoursMust represent Moody Gardens in a professional manner with all guestsAble to revise daily routines to increase staff efficiencyAble to revise food acquisitions to increase food/diet quality while maintaining costsIncrease staff professional opportunities, in turn increasing productivity and moraleObserve and help maintain areas not normally within area of responsibilityBe available to work as requiredBe ambitious and self-motivatedHave strong observational skillsHave ability to work with other employees, and volunteersPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Subject to possibility of bites, stings and other work related biological risksWork in water, both man- made and natural, with temperatures ranging from 45 – 90oHeavy lifting (50 pounds or more), walking and working within a wet environmentOutdoor work on occasion, under variety of conditions: cold weather, hot weather, rain, mud, ocean environments, and dry landAvailability for overtime, both non-emergency and emergency situations