Lead Aquarist

Maymont Foundation; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

The Maymont Foundation in Richmond, Virginia is seeking a full-time Lead Aquarist. This unique role involves caring for various aquatic species in the Nature Center while maintaining their health, educating visitors, and leading a team in daily operations. Candidates should ideally possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and SCUBA certification, along with 2+ years of related experience. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Join a passionate team at Maymont to inspire and educate guests about aquatic life!

Qualifications

• Two years of professional experience in a public aquarium or related facility.
• Knowledge of wildlife and their captive care.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead care for fish and aquatic taxa in the Nature Center.
• Maintain health and appearance of all animals.
• Educate groups and individuals through public programs.

Skills

SCUBA certification

Aquatic animal husbandry knowledge

Biology principles understanding

Ability to follow detailed instructions

Effective teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Tools

Basic knowledge of life support systems

Use of power tools

Job description

LEAD AQUARIST

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. 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 a full-time Lead Aquarist. The Lead Aquarist will lead the care for fish and other taxa in the Nature Center, maintain the health and appearance of animals, maintain support areas including water testing lab and life support systems, teach public programs on aquarium operations and fish biology, and may work in animal care outside the Nature Center building as needed. This position will work closely with the Environmental Education department to ensure that animal needs for programs are met. The role reports directly to the Sr. Manager of Zoology.

Essential Functions

• Maintains health and appearance of all animals within the Nature Center such as fish, amphibians, reptiles (including venomous), raptors and mammals, including diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, observation, enrichment, and animal training using operant conditioning and positive reinforcement.
• Acts as a team lead for daily operations, projects, and programs.
• Maintains and reports supplies, feed, and medical inventory, which includes ordering and reporting.
• Maintains and/or coordinates with other aquarists for the maintenance of exhibit appearance.
• Works closely with the Director of Programming and Community Engagement, Sr. Manager of Zoology, and Manager of Environmental Education regarding species acquisition and planning.
• May work in other animal areas such as the Children's Farm and Wildlife Habitats as needed.
• Performs and/or coordinates the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of life support systems (LSS).
• Maintains daily records including inventory, animal health and water quality data.
• Is responsible for training and supervising interns and volunteers.
• Is responsible for budgeting a portion of the Program Supplies annual budget.
• 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.
• Is flexible in schedule availability; weekends and some holidays will be required.
• Participates in community events as needed, which may be outside of regular work schedule.
• Assists with other duties and tasks as assigned.

Competencies

• Must have SCUBA certification within six months of employment. SCUBA certification prior to employment is preferred.
• Knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry including disease and parasite control, animal nutrition, animal breeding, animal behavior and animal training.
• Understanding of biology, ecology, physics, and chemistry principles.
• Basic knowledge of electricity, plumbing and mechanical aspects of aquarium life support systems is preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers and Maymont visitors.
• Ability to follow detailed written or oral instructions.
• Must be willing to work weekend and holidays if required.
• Will be required to pass scheduled Basic First Aid and CPR employer-provided training.
• Must be knowledgeable about safety precautions and be willing to work with normal hazards associated with an animal care facility (for example: disinfectant chemicals, potential zoonotic diseases, being wet).
• 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.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation to/from Maymont.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ichthyology, marine science, zoology, or related natural science field preferred and two years of professional experience in a public aquarium, zoo or related facility utilizing life support systems.
• Additionally, the ideal candidate will be familiar with various Virginia wildlife and well‑versed in their captive care.

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.