Adventure Aquarium - Senior Biologist Birds & Mammals

About us:

As a Herschend Family Entertainment property, Adventure Aquarium is in the business of creating memories worth repeating by greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and seeking constant improvement. Stewardship, guest satisfaction, and team member satisfaction are our core areas of focus. We aim to be a great place to work for great people by leading with patience, kindness, humility, respect, unselfishness, forgiveness, truthfulness, and trust. Together, we will create emotional connections that will last a lifetime!

What you'll do

• As a member of the AAQ Leadership team, you will lead by example by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest, and committed when interacting with one another and guests
• Assist the Husbandry leadership team in the coordination of the training of animals in husbandry and veterinary behaviors, which will allow for excellent animal management.
• Assist with the training of husbandry staff and education staff in developing behavioral demonstration strategies and training procedures that will lead to the development of entertaining and educational shows.
• Participate in public shows.
• Participate in animal care and exhibit maintenance activities.
• Interact with veterinarians and animal health services to carry out prescribed medical procedures and protocols.
• Assure that appropriate records are kept on all husbandry, training, and water testing activities, including daily care, animal health, acquisition/disposition, and mortalities.
• Assist in recruiting, evaluating, and selecting new husbandry staff when needed.
• Mentor staff; prepares and delivers annual evaluations and goals.
• Help train new husbandry department employees to ensure compliance with established standards and protocols.
• Participate in long- and short-range departmental planning.
• Aid in overseeing general maintenance of all related work areas and equipment. Maintenance may include off-exhibit areas. Areas should be clean, neat, and well-organized.
• Notify the engineering department regarding the needs and repairs of critical life support equipment and joint projects.
• Cross-trains with other staff within husbandry and animal health services.
• Assure that animal food, maintenance equipment, and supplies are ordered and stocked in appropriate amounts, given the needs of the aquarium and the availability of resources.
• At the direction of supervisors, interact with and respond to public/media requests for information. Participates in Aquarium education, public relations, and passport programs, including tours and lectures.
• Comply with safety and security directives, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• This position has been identified as Safety Critical with authorized operator requirements.

What you'll bring

• A minimum of five years of experience at a public aquarium, zoo, or similar institution and a demonstrated knowledge and experience in aquarium operations, bird and mammal husbandry, and training. Demonstrated ability to motivate and organize the activities of the training staff.
• A Bachelor's Degree in Biology with specific knowledge or training in animal husbandry, behavior training, animal behavior, vertebrate physiology, taxonomy, and water chemistry.
• A valid driver's license with a good driving record and certification from a recognized SCUBA training organization is preferred.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.

Who You Are

You are someone who strives for excellence in all you do. You are friendly and communicate well with all levels of employees. You are excited about joining a company that operates as a team, all working together to achieve the same company goals.

What you'll get

• Annual salary: $54,000 - $63,000
• Comprehensive benefits plan through Cigna.
• 401(k) and Profit-Sharing Plan after 3 months of service
• Eligibility to participate in GROW U - our fully-funded and tuition assistance education programs.
• 2 weeks' vacation, 1-week personal time, 1-week sick time, 8 paid holidays; all based on a full calendar year
• Free admission and 24 General Admission tickets annually, to be used by family and friends
• Complimentary tickets to local attractions when available
• 30% Discount at our Retail and Photo areas, as well as in-house food vendors
• Training and development

Special Requirements:

• Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screening.
• Capable of performing strenuous and heavy physical labor.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods, climb stairs, bend, and stoop.
• Allergies related to animals or plants, which might interfere with the ability to work, must be controlled by medications or protective equipment
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to safely perform the job.

Note:This position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially hazardous machinery, restraint devices, and toxic chemicals and drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required. (e.g., Goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns)