The Offsite Aquarium Biologist is responsible for the care and welfare of aquatic animals and the maintenance of offsite aquarium exhibits. This role involves frequent local travel to perform animal husbandry, monitor animal health and behavior, maintain exhibit cleanliness, and troubleshoot aquarium life support systems. The position requires advanced knowledge in aquatic animal care, life support systems, and aquarium maintenance, supported by formal education or equivalent experience.
Working independently with minimal supervision, the Offsite Aquarium Biologist must be self-motivated, dependable, and able to make sound decisions while prioritizing animal welfare and operational standards. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for collaborating with supervisors, clients, colleagues, and the public.
General Duties:
The Offsite Aquarium Biologist performs a wide range of animal care, aquarium maintenance, and life support system responsibilities. Duties include, but are not limited to, preparing animal diets (including medicated and specialized diets); conducting water quality testing; collecting biological specimens; performing routine SCUBA-assisted exhibit cleaning; preparing and handling approved chemicals; mixing synthetic seawater; cleaning and maintaining filtration systems and aquarium viewing surfaces; cleaning food preparation areas; performing water changes; and vacuuming aquarium substrates.
This position is responsible for the husbandry, health monitoring, and daily care of a diverse collection of aquatic animals, including fish and invertebrates. The Offsite Aquarium Biologist is expected to recognize changes in animal behavior or condition and report concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
Additional responsibilities include maintaining accurate daily records; inspecting, troubleshooting, and maintaining aquarium life support systems and associated equipment; assisting with the installation, relocation, and breakdown of aquarium exhibits; participating in exhibit planning and development; and maintaining clean, organized, and safe work areas.
All employees are expected to comply with the policies and procedures outlined in the Mote Employee Policy Manual and to perform other job-related duties as assigned by management to support departmental and organizational objectives.
Labor Category: Exempt (Federal Fair Labor Standards Act)
Working Hours:
Normal hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with one hour for lunch and will include weekend and holiday hours. Occasional longer daily hours or evening hours may be required to complete specific tasks.
Minimum Requirements:
Licenses and Certifications –
Valid Florida Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire
Open Water Dive Certification with the ability to become an active dive member within 6 months of hire
Education –
Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience –
Employment, internship, or a substantial amount of volunteer hours in a public aquarium, zoo or related institution is required.
Skills –
· Perform routine tasks accurately and efficiently
· Able to work well with others and be a team player
· Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
· Ability to administer CPR, First Aid and DAN O2
· Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Access
· Advanced knowledge of aquarium biological processes
· Advanced knowledge of aquarium fish husbandry and health
· Ability to navigate and utilize ZIMS for record keeping
· Possess time management and organizational skills
· Ability to recognize basic life support system issues
· Capable of working with PVC pipe, fittings, solvent cement, epoxy and resins
Physical –
· Precise hand-eye coordination is required for the gentle capture and handling of animals from aquatic environments
· Ability to work outside in hot and humid Florida weather conditions
· Ability to spend the majority of the workday walking, standing, bending and lifting.
· Capable of climbing and working from ladders
· Tolerance to work around noisy machinery & equipment
· Ability to work in confined spaces
· Tolerance for the smell of fish and animal feces
· Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs
· Ability to lift 25lbs overhead
· Capable of working around bleach and other sanitizing chemicals
· Strength to lift a net holding 10 lbs. with one hand
· Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes regularly
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have advanced knowledge of aquarium biological processes?
- Do you have advanced knowledge of aquarium fish husbandry and health?
- Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience?
- Do you have experience in employment, internship, or a substantial amount of volunteer hours in a public aquarium, zoo, or related institution? Required
- Open Water Dive Certification with the ability to become an active dive member withing 6 months of hire?
- Do you have a Valid Florida Driver's License or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire?
Work Location: In person
