Lead Aquarist

Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den; Scranton (Lackawanna County); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Aquarist to ensure the health and well-being of its aquatic life. This role emphasizes leadership and training, maintaining high standards in animal husbandry and life support systems. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader, committed to animal welfare and team development. Responsibilities include overseeing daily care, operating life support systems, and collaborating with veterinary staff on health assessments. Join a dynamic team that supports educational programming and contributes to the success of an innovative facility dedicated to marine life.

Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k)

Covered Parking

PTO

Uniform Shirts

Relocation Stipend

Qualifications

• 3+ years in public aquarium husbandry, with 1 year in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic life support systems and animal handling.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily care and maintenance of aquatic animals.
• Train and mentor aquarists and interns in husbandry techniques.
• Collaborate on animal health assessments and treatment plans.

Skills

Animal Husbandry

Leadership

Water Chemistry

Problem Solving

Team Development

Education

Bachelor's in Marine Biology

Equivalent Professional Experience

Tools

Tracks Recordkeeping Software

Neptune Apex Monitoring Systems

Job description

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Job Title: Lead Aquarist

Reports To: Director of Animal Care

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Lead Aquarist is responsible for the care, health, and well-being of the aquarium’s aquatic life, with an emphasis on leadership, training, and life support system operations. This role ensures the highest standards in husbandry practices and system performance while supporting the broader goals of the Animal Care Department. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader, problem-solver, and a mentor committed to excellence in animal welfare, team development and public education.

Core Responsibilities :Animal Husbandry & Exhibit Care

Oversee daily care and maintenance of aquatic animals (marine & freshwater fishes, elasmobranchs, invertebrates, and limited reptiles).
Maintain all aquatic exhibits and quarantine systems to top industry standards.
Participate in feeding, behavioral observation, cleaning, diving (hookah diving required), and enrichment.
Life Support Systems (LSS)

Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain advanced LSS including mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration, ozone, UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, and sand filters.
Conduct routine water quality testing; interpret data and adjust parameters to ensure optimal health conditions.
Team Leadership & Training

Work collaboratively with Leads throughout the facility to ensure smooth daily operations.
Train and mentor aquarists and interns in husbandry techniques, LSS operation, and animal health protocols.
Supervise daily operations, delegate tasks, and ensure completion of all departmental duties.
Manage daily interpersonal interactions between staff.
Create and manage staff schedules, time off requests, and coverage needs.
Health & Quarantine Management

Collaborate with the Director of Animal Care and veterinary staff on animal health assessments, diagnostics, and treatment plans.
Oversee quarantine procedures and ensure compliance with veterinary and institutional standards.
Operational Excellence

Maintain detailed records on animal health, feeding, behavior, and LSS performance.
Ensure all supplies and equipment are stocked; manage inventory and submit timely orders.
Adhere to all safety policies and procedures, ensuring a clean and organized workspace.
Guest & Institutional Collaboration

Support educational and public programming by contributing to behind-the-scenes tours, school group visits, exhibit feeding talks and guest experiences when needed.
Work cooperatively with other departments to achieve institutional goals.
Qualifications Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, Aquarium Science, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in public aquarium husbandry, with at least 1 year in a leadership aquarist role.
Strong working knowledge of aquatic life support systems.
Proficiency in water chemistry, animal handling, and disease recognition/treatment.
Preferred:

AZA or equivalent institutional experience.
Experience with both tropical and temperate aquatic species.
Familiarity with Tracks Recordkeeping Software or similar animal record-keeping software.
Familiarity with Neptune Apex Monitoring Systems is a plus
Physical & Schedule Requirements

Must be able to lift 50lbs, stand for extended periods, work in wet/humid conditions, and perform tasks that require moderate physical effort.

Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.

Compensation & Benefits

Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
Optional 401K
Covered Parking including
PTO
Uniform shirts
Relocation stipend for out of state candidates

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

401(k)
Optional Dental insurance
Employee discount
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off
Relocation assistance
Optional Vision insurance

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Zoos and Botanical Gardens

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