Head Aquarist

Position Summary

Lead, oversee and participate in the more complex and difficult work of staff responsible for caring, observing and maintaining a variety of fish and aquatic life within the ABQ BioPark; provide responsible assistance to the Aquarium Curator; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Lead, plan, train and review the work of staff responsible for caring, observing and maintaining a variety of fish and aquatic life within the ABQ BioPark.
• Check water quality of aquariums and add appropriate chemicals; clean tanks by SCUBA diving; change water in tanks; prepare fish diets; feed fish.
• Plan, direct and participate in preparing and maintaining a variety of records regarding fish behaviors, medical treatments and other pertinent information.
• Train assigned employees in their areas of work including proper aquatic care methods, procedures and techniques.
• Verify the work of assigned employees for accuracy, proper work methods, techniques and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Observe fish behavior; treat and medicate fish and aquatic life as needed; report any unusual fish behavior or possible diseases to appropriate supervisor.
• Make recommendations for change in location of fish and aquatic life habitat.
• Respond to public inquiries regarding aquarium habitats and fish behavior.
• Provide responsible assistance to the Assistant Curator.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in the design and construction of new aquarium habitats.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.

Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in marine biology, biology, aquatic animal hubandry, or aquaculture; and

Four (4) years of aquarium operations experience; and

To include one (1) year of lead experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License or the ability to obtain within ninety (90) days from date of hire.

Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.

Possession of a valid SCUBA diving certificate from an appropriate and recognized training agency within six (6) months from date of hire into position.

Working Conditions

Environmental:

Indoor, outdoor and underwater environments; work with a variety of domestic, exotic, aquatic animals and animal waste; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; exposure to chemicals, noise, dust, heat, cold and inclement weather conditions.

Physical:

Ability to pass dive physical for SCUBA diving; basic eye-hand coordination; adequate manual dexterity; essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and occasional heavy, moderate, or light lifting.