Lead Aquarist

Jungle Reef; El Paso (TX); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Jungle Reef in El Paso, TX is seeking a Lead Aquarist to serve as an Assistant Manager to the General Manager and oversee the animal side of our operations.

You will manage husbandry staff and animal care, ensure SOP compliance, monitor life support systems and water chemistry, and lead guest tours and educational programs. This full-time role requires strong communication skills and experience in animal care.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in animal care.
• 2 years of management experience preferred.
• Strong communication and technical skills.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Computer/technical literacy.

Responsibilities

• Managing husbandry staff, animal care, life support systems, water chemistry, guest tours, feeding schedules, and inventory management.
• Ensuring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for animal care and facility maintenance.
• Overseeing the health and well‑being of aquatic and terrestrial animals.
• Leading guest tours and educational programs.

Skills

Animal care

Staff management

Life support systems

Water chemistry

Guest tours

Inventory management

Communication

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Computer literacy

Job description

The Lead Aquarist serves as an Assistant Manager to the General Manager and oversees the 'Animal Side' of Jungle Reef.

Schedule

Full Time

Responsibilities

• Managing husbandry staff, animal care, life support systems, water chemistry, guest tours, feeding schedules, and inventory management.
• Ensuring compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for animal care and facility maintenance.
• Overseeing the health and well‑being of aquatic and terrestrial animals.
• Leading guest tours and educational programs.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in animal care.
• 2 years of management experience preferred.
• Strong communication and technical skills.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Computer/technical literacy.