Aquarist I

Downtown Aquarium

Aquarist I

POSITION SUMMARY

The Downtown Aquarium - Houston is seeking a passionate and detail-oriented full-time Biologist I to join our aquatic animal care team. This position focuses on the daily husbandry, health monitoring, and life support management of a diverse collection of aquatic and semi-aquatic species, including fishes, elasmobranchs, corals, jellies, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians. The ideal candidate will be committed to animal welfare, exhibit aesthetics, and public education.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Professional Animal Care

• All aspects of animal husbandry pertaining to freshwater and marine fishes, elasmobranchs, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians.
• Perform daily routine as scheduled.
• Maintain accurate and informative daily animal records in ZIMS Species 360.
• Prepare daily diet and nutritional needs for the animal collection.
• Perform daily water quality testing of all exhibits and water features.
• Perform minor life support system maintenance as needed.
• Assist curatorial staff with medical treatments and husbandry procedures as needed.

Communication

• Conduct yourself in helpful and respectful manner with all guest interactions.
• Participate in various public presentations, with or without animals.
• Communicate any animal related or other concerns to Curators.
• Interact with dignitaries, professionals, special guests, VIPs, students, and tour groups as directed.

Daily Department Operations

• Observe and help maintain department areas (and those not normally your responsibility) as directed.
• Report supply needs to Curators.
• Assure exhibit "readiness" for opening daily.
• Make frequent daily rounds to evaluate cleanliness of work area/equipment, animal welfare, and safety concerns.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree with major course work in Biology, Zoology or related field required.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working in a public aquarium.
• Paid experience with an AZA accredited institution preferred.
• Basic working knowledge of life support systems, animal husbandry, disease prevention, treatment and control, and animal rearing techniques.
• Experience with corals is a plus.
• Ability to recognize and identify common fish diseases/parasites.
• Ability to SCUBA dive daily and complete a diving assessment on site once hired. Advanced certifications a plus.
• Ability to be medically cleared by a physician for SCUBA before hire.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment both individually and with a team (including other departments).
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, administrative, multi-tasking, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written), fluent English and articulate.
• Ability to work efficiently, independently, and consistently producing quality results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs and work in physically demanding conditions, including wet, muddy, or uneven terrain.
• Exposure to a variety of weather conditions and potential animal-related hazards (e.g., bites, stings).
• Must be available to work a variable schedule including weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime, including emergency situations.

ABOUT US

The Downtown Aquarium - Houston is a six-acre entertainment and dining destination built from the historic redevelopment of Fire Station No. 1 and the Central Waterworks Building. Our 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland is home to over 300 species from around the globe and features immersive exhibits, a full-service restaurant, upscale bar, ballroom, amusements, and retail experiences.

As an AZA, ZAA, and American Humane-accredited facility, we are committed to the highest standards of animal care, conservation, and guest engagement. Our mission is to support environmental conservation and educate our visitors on the importance of respecting the natural world.

Experience Required

1-2 years of experience in aquatic animal care, life support systems, or related field (paid or volunteer) required; paid experience at a public, accredited aquarium preferred.

Perks

Employee discounts (up to 50% depending on the location and concept) on dining, retail, amusements, and hotels. Paid vacation days, accrued paid sick leave, opportunities for advancement, and community volunteer opportunities.

Salary

Starting pay is $19.00 per hour.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a resume directly to Kat Briggs, Curator of Fishes, Herps, & Inverts, at ...

Applicants are also welcome to apply in person between 10:00am and 3:00pm.

Downtown Aquarium

410 Bagby Street

Houston, TX 77002

Phone: ...