Zoological Specialist (Associate to Senior level) - Aquarium

Entertainment Places; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free park admission

Park discounts on admission for family

Discounts on food and merchandise

Scholarship opportunities

Exclusive employee events

Job summary

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment in Orlando is seeking an Aquarist to maintain aquarium life, feed animals, test water quality, and conduct underwater tours. You will interact with guests and promote conservation.

Requires high school diploma, SCUBA certification, ability to pass swim tests, CPR training, and lifting up to 75 pounds. Ability to work variable shifts, including weekends and holidays, is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science or related field preferred.
• SCUBA certification and CPR training are required or preferred as indicated.
• Ability to swim and work in/around water; lift up to 75 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Maintain husbandry of fish and other aquatic life in aquarium exhibits, including preparing food and feeding animals.
• Perform basic food preparation and feeding of animals in specific aquarium area.
• Perform SeaVenture underwater tours for guests using SCUBA diving and guest service skills.
• Conduct basic water quality testing.
• Perform large exhibit aquarium maintenance diving.
• Monitor health of the animal collection through observation.
• Document animal treatments and emergency procedures; conduct taxonomy and record keeping.
• Educate park guests about aquarium animals and conservation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Swim proficiency

Physical stamina

Flexibility

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Marine Science or related field

Tools

SCUBA certification

CPR training/certification

Valid driver’s license

Job description

At Discovery Cove Orlando, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

What you get to do:

• As an Aquarist you will maintain husbandry of fish and other aquatic life in aquarium exhibits, including preparing food and feeding animals.
• Basic Food preparation and feeding of animals in specific aquarium area.
• Use SCUBA diving and guest service skills to perform SeaVenture underwater tours for guests.
• Basic water quality testing.
• Perform large exhibit aquarium maintenance diving.
• Use animal observation skills to monitor the health of the animal collection.
• Perform aquarium husbandry techniques including taxonomy, record keeping, animal treatments, and emergency procedures.
• Interact with park guests and educate them about the aquarium animals and animal conservation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What it takes to succeed:

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science or a related field preferred.
• Possession of a valid state driver’s license preferred.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Able to pass qualifying swim test and annual swim test competency exam.
• Able to pass Discovery Cover dive test and dive physical.
• Able to complete provided CPR training/certification.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to swim and work in/around water.
• Able to stand for long periods of time.
• Able to lift 75 pounds.
• SCUBA certified.
• Able to train on and properly use protective gear.
• Comfortable working around chemicals.
• Able to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Available to work varying shifts/hours based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts; nights, weekends, and holidays.

Position level and Compensation rate will be contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility. Level is determined through review and assessment of applicable experience by Zoo leadership. Experience required for each level is detailed below: Associate: Entry level position. Specialist: Minimum of 12 months (2,080 hours) professional zoological experience. Senior: Minimum of 2.5 years (5,200 hours) professional zoological experience. Senior1: Minimum of 5 years (10,400 hours) professional zoological experience.

As a 365 day/year operation, candidates are expected to provide flexible availability to support year-round operating needs. This may include, but is not limited to, working opening, mid-day and closing shifts during peak and non-peak seasons, as well as weekends and holidays.

The perks of the position:

• FREE park admission.
• Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends.
• Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
• Scholarship opportunities.
• Exclusive employee events and giveaways.

EEO Employer: SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

United Parks & Resorts is a world-renowned leader in the themed-park and entertainment industry. Our success is built on a passion for caring for animals and a dedication to delivering positive, memorable experiences to people from around the world. We’re also committed to helping ambitious people achieve their professional best. We’re always seeking exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable individuals for a variety of roles throughout our organization.