Aquarist I - Reptiles, Birds, and Program Animals

The Aquarist at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is responsible for living specimens and maintaining their life support systems. The hourly rate for this position is $21.13. This is a full-time position.

• Prefer four-year degree (B.S. or B.A.) in marine biology, biology, zoology, psychology or related field.
• A two-year degree (A.S./A.A.S.) in a relevant field plus a minimum of two years’ experience in a public zoo or aquarium husbandry/operations position may be substituted for formal education.
• A minimum six months’ experience in animal care (may be any combination of paid work, internships, or volunteer service) preferred
• Basic knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, and life support systems (LSS)
• General knowledge of water quality testing, medical dosing, and lab equipment
• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal
• Ability to lift 60 pounds
• Ability to negotiate stairs, climb high obstacles and maneuver easily in exhibit and support areas
• Able to negotiate various field conditions
• Ability to work standing up for extended periods of time
• Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record
• SCUBA certification preferred
• Able to work weekends and holidays

• Provide care for various species of herpetofauna, birds, insects, small mammals, and fish.
• Participates in daily animal presentations, involving handling a variety of animals and speaking to the public on a microphone
• Provide daily animal care, including diet prep and feeding and exhibit cleaning
• Maintain exhibits and back-of-house areas and life support systems, including cleaning, backwashing, and water changes, etc.
• Evaluate animal health, diets, appetite and behavior, and report findings to manager
• Administer medication to animals as directed by veterinarians
• Performs water quality analysis, makes adjustments, follows up with subsequent testing
• Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa
• Provide shadowing opportunities for aquarists, interns, and volunteers in routine animal care, safety procedures, and aquarium operation as needed
• Participates in collecting trips, animal transports, and procedural tasks, following legal regulations and ethical best practices
• Enter and update animal records in TRACKs; assist in research projects as necessary
• Uphold AZA and USDA standards in daily work
• Deliver public presentations
• Work to desensitize animals for program and training and administer enrichment
• Participate in public training demonstrations and/or keeper talks
• Conduct welfare assessments and report findings
• Interact positively and professionally with guests, animal care and veterinary staff, and volunteers, and report issues to supervisor and act in a professional manner
• Follow all safety protocols and understand their role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required
• Maintains a variety of collecting equipment.
• This position will require the individual to work weekends and holidays, assist with after-hours emergencies, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting and transport duties.
• Other duties as assigned