Lead Penguin & Animal Ambassador Aquarist

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego’s Birch Aquarium at Scripps seeks a Senior Penguin and Animal Ambassador Aquarist to manage a diverse animal collection and lead enrichment programs. You will oversee direct care, health management, and staff training while coordinating with veterinarians and the Curatorial team.

The role requires SCUBA certification, strong guest engagement, and deep knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial husbandry within a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in biological science or related field.
• Experience in management of staff, volunteers, or projects at zoo or aquarium.
• 4+ years penguin, reptile, and bird husbandry in a zoo or aquarium.
• Knowledge of penguin, bird, reptile quarantine, medical protocols, disease diagnosis and meds.
• Strong guest engagement and public/media activities.
• Ability to coordinate animal enrichment across taxa (aquatic and terrestrial).
• Understanding of maintenance of biological systems (mechanical/electrical/chemical).
• Experience acquiring and transporting penguins and terrestrial animals.
• Knowledge of aquarium life support systems and water quality testing.
• Excellent teamwork and communication; ability to handle emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Direct animal care, health management and enrichment for birds, penguins and aquatic life.
• Lead aquarists, train staff and interns, coordinate with veterinarians and curatorial team.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, federal, USDA and AZA standards across animal areas.

Skills

Penguin husbandry

Bird care

Animal health

Public engagement

SCUBA certification

Team leadership

Biosecurity

Water quality systems

ZIMS knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological science

Tools

ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System)

Life support systems knowledge

Job description

UC San Diego’s Birch Aquarium at Scripps seeks a Senior Penguin and Animal Ambassador Aquarist to manage a diverse animal collection and lead enrichment programs. You will oversee direct care, health management, and staff training while coordinating with veterinarians and the Curatorial team.

The role requires SCUBA certification, strong guest engagement, and deep knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial husbandry within a regulated environment.