Lead Aquarist

Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental & Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

401(k)

Paid Time Off

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, MO seeks an experienced Lead Aquarist to lead a Life Sciences team. Role combines hands-on husbandry with leadership, mentorship, and exhibit development for a 350,000-square-foot facility housing 35,000+ animals.

Ideal candidate has 6+ years with aquatic species, leadership experience, and strong communication. This full-time, hourly position offers growth and impact in conservation and animal welfare.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 6+ years of experience with captive freshwater and saltwater organisms.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with operant conditioning and animal training is a plus.
• Ability to meet dive and swim requirements within six months.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily leadership, training, and mentorship to a team of Aquarists.
• Ensure exceptional animal care and husbandry across multiple exhibits.
• Coordinate daily operations, maintenance, enrichment, feeding, and recordkeeping.
• Collaborate with Curatorial Staff on welfare initiatives and exhibit development.
• Participate in veterinary rounds and support health assessments.
• Lead animal moves, introductions, and major husbandry projects.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and development of Aquarists, interns, and volunteers.
• Drive department improvements and leadership initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Animal care

Exhibit management

Communication

Organizational

Problem-solving

Operant conditioning

Dive requirements

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Job description

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium | Springfield, MO

Full-Time | Hourly

Ready to Lead at One of America's Top Aquariums?

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is seeking an experienced Lead Aquarist to join our Life Sciences team. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate animal care professional to combine hands-on husbandry with leadership, mentorship, and exhibit management in a world-class facility housing more than 35,000 animals.

If you're looking to influence animal welfare, develop future aquarists, and grow toward a management career, we'd love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

As a Lead Aquarist, You Will

• Provide daily leadership, training, and mentorship to a team of Aquarists.
• Ensure exceptional animal care and husbandry standards across multiple exhibits.
• Coordinate daily operations, maintenance, enrichment, feeding programs, and recordkeeping.
• Collaborate with Curatorial Staff on animal welfare initiatives, collection planning, and exhibit development.
• Participate in veterinary rounds and support animal health assessments.
• Lead animal moves, introductions, and major husbandry projects.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and development of Aquarists, interns, and volunteers.
• Help shape the future of the department through process improvements and leadership initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 6+ years of experience working with captive freshwater and saltwater fish and invertebrates.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with operant conditioning and animal training is a plus.
• Ability to meet dive and swim requirements within six months.

Why Join Wonders of Wildlife?

• Work in one of the nation's premier aquarium and conservation facilities.
• Lead a talented team dedicated to animal welfare and excellence.
• Gain experience in exhibit planning, collection management, and leadership development.
• Clear growth potential into future Curatorial and management roles.
• Make a meaningful impact in conservation, education, and animal care.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Employee Discounts

About Wonders of Wildlife

Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is a 350,000-square-foot wildlife and aquarium destination featuring 1.5 million gallons of exhibits and more than 35,000 animals. Recognized as one of America's leading aquariums, Wonders of Wildlife inspires conservation through immersive experiences that connect guests with the natural world.