Newport Aquarium Zoological Operations Coordinator

Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation; Newport (KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

Profit sharing and 401K with company-m

Free admission for you and dependents

Discounts at venues and gift shop

Training and development

Job summary

Newport Aquarium, part of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, seeks a Zoological Operations Coordinator in Newport, KY. The role focuses on maintaining animal records, coordinating permits, and supporting the zoological team with administrative duties.

The position requires a Bachelor's Degree and at least five years of aquarium experience, with strong skills in record-keeping software (TRACKS) and Microsoft Office. Schedule is Tue–Sat, with flexibility for evenings and holidays.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree is required.
• Five years of experience at a public aquarium, zoo or similar institution.
• Knowledge of aquarium operations, husbandry and taxonomy.
• Knowledge of AZA accreditation and other AZA industry compliance
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the institution’s animal records and databases.
• Attends annual conferences and coordinates with software programming teams.
• Leads onboarding and training for Hosts in record-keeping software use.
• Manages possession, transport, and collecting permits annually.
• Prepares monthly and quarterly acquisition and disposition reports for internal and regulatory use.
• Assists in AZA document organization and accreditation reporting.
• Supports Water Quality Lab Manager with basic chemistry testing and record-keeping.
• Assists Zoological Team leadership with administrative needs.

Skills

Microsoft Access

Windows

Excel

PowerPoint

TRACKS database

AZA accreditation knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Access

Job description

Newport Aquarium Zoological Operations Coordinator

Requisition Number: NEWPO010868

• Posted : September 8, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Newport, KY 41071, USA

• Pay or shift range: $40,000 USD to $50,000 USD
  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Description

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintains the institution’s animal records and associated databases
• Is the expert user of record-keeping software for our property and will be expected to attend annual conferences and maintain direct communication with software programming team to keep up to date with most recent trends
• Leads onboarding and training for Hosts across departments in record-keeping software use.
• Executes the annual application and maintenance of the institution’s possession, transport, and collecting permits
• Prepares monthly and quarterly acquisition and disposition reports for internal use as well as for submission to required regulatory authorities
• Assist in organization of AZA documents and reports. Heavily involved in the accumulation of records during accreditation periods and annual edARC annual reporting.
• Take direction from Water Quality Lab Manager to perform and report basic chemistry tests as needed to maintain consistent water quality records throughout the week.
• Assist Zoological Team leadership with all administrative needs for the department
• Comply with all safety and security directives, policies and procedures
• Work schedule will be Tuesday to Saturday 7:30AM to 4:30PM
• Participate in the weekend/holiday rotation as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor's Degree is required
• Five years of experience at a public aquarium, zoo or similar institution and a demonstrated knowledge of aquarium operations, husbandry and taxonomy
• Knowledge of Microsoft Access, Windows, Excel, PPT
• Knowledge of TRACKS database; experience maintaining databases of similar complexity
• Knowledge of AZA accreditation and other AZA industry, state/federal compliance
• Strong interest in conservation
• Anticipation of and fulfillment of staff administration needs
• A person that possess strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Maintaining appropriate professional contacts relevant to the position
• This position is considered Safety Critical with authorized operator requirements. Must possess valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and the ability to travel if necessary
• This position will cover the water quality lab on Saturdays and must have the ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and holidays as needs dictate.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, background check, and dive physical
• In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor
• No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work
• Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infections and parasitic disease)

Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g. goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.

WHAT YOU’LL GET:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vison insurances
• 40 sick hours, 40 personal hours, 8 Holidays, 80 Vacation Hours annually
• Profit Sharing and 401K Plan with company match
• Free entrance for you and your dependents which extends to most Herschend Enterprises’ properties
• Earn 1 General Admission complimentary ticket, that you can give to anyone, per pay period
• Discounts at Sharky’s Café, Sweet Dreams Candy Company, and the gift shop
• Discounted tickets and annual passes for friends and family
• Training and development

You can expect to work on projects that have never been done before – ideas that are unproven, and concepts that make people smile. You can expect to have fun and be treated with respect the minute you start…and through to the end. You can expect to work in an environment that is highly innovative and low in politics – truthful and filled with smart people; all while providing the BEST GUEST EXPERIENCE IN THE NATION!

And most of all, you can expect to work hard and make a difference in our world by helping to bring families closer together.

Looking to pursue your education without debt? Grow U has hundreds of programs available from certifications to college prep to associates, bachelor's, and master’s degrees. Most of these programs are fully funded. Learn more at: https://www.newportaquarium.com/Careers/Benefits/GrowU

Newport Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Enterprises, prides itself on creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.

Behaviors

Team Player:

Works well as a member of a group

Detail Oriented:

Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Goal Completion:

Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

Ability to Make an Impact:

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.