Senior Aquarist

SUMMARY: The Wild Reef team is responsible for a diverse aquatic animal collection of tropical marine fish and invertebrates including sharks, rays and corals. This position is responsible for the care and maintenance of the animals and exhibits in Wild Reef as assigned. The Aquarist represents Wild Reef and the Fishes department as needed - including, but not limited to - through guest interactions, public relations activities, specialized tours, and presentations. A working knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry, life support systems and habitat design is required. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Demonstrate commitment to Shedd's vision, mission and values. * Aquatic animal experience, including advanced knowledge in the areas of animal husbandry, animal health concerns including disease recognition and treatment. * Must know how to evaluate water quality test results and the appropriate measures to maintain chemistries within prescribed parameters. * Must know how to operate, maintain and trouble shoot all LSS within the Wild Reef and support areas. * Work directly with Animal Health, as directed, to provide optimal animal care, * Animal care, husbandry and collection management techniques including but not limited to the development of breeding programs, novel display opportunities * Record keeping- Assists in maintaining detailed records of all animal interactions and observations. These include diet, vitamins, medication, behavioral notes, medical notes, animal morphometrics, physical observations, graphs, temperatures and any other records deemed important to the care of the animals, the facility, or daily staff operation. Assist with the development and area management of animal records using TRACKS. * Perform minor maintenance/ repair on gear, tanks or supplies needed for section. Identify major maintenance/ repair problems in any section and report through established protocols. * Assist to ensure compliance with all applicable safety and security procedures and protocols in Wild Reef and in other areas of the Aquarium as needed. * Support the Fishes department in fulfilling requests for other departmental programing, content review, guest interactions, public relations, development activities and special requests as needed and assigned. * Keep exhibits and support areas clean and well maintained. * Participate on aquarium committees and taskforces as needed. * Coordinate projects as assigned * Participate in the development of a collection plan for primary systems. * Assist with animal acquisitions and disposition paperwork and communication. * Participate in educational programs. * Help to train and supervise volunteers and interns. * Help train new employees. * Other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Education BA or BS in Biology or related field with coursework in Zoology, Aquatic Biology and Chemistry, or related experience. Experience * A minimum of 4 years advanced aquarist animal husbandry and exhibit experience required including proficiency in coral husbandry. * Must possess current SCUBA certification from a professionally recognized SCUBA certifying agency or must obtain certification within 6 months of employment. * Must pass a diving physical examination given by an authorized Shedd Aquarium doctor before being employed and on a recurring schedule. * Must be able to work and communicate well with fellow employees and the public. * Must have a valid Driver's License and insurance, or be able to obtain one within 60 days of employment, and be able to safely drive any company vehicle. * This position may call for special scheduling or overtime needs throughout the week, sometimes without much advance notice. Must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed. * Must be comfortable handling a variety of species including insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals. * Must be comfortable giving educational presentations to small and large audiences. * Ability to work under pressure. * Ability to give and follow directions effectively. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. * Must pass a diving physical examination given by an authorized Shedd Aquarium doctor yearly, or before being employed as an /] * Aquarist/Diver. * Lift up to 50 pounds * Sit * Stand * Stoop * Walk * Climb Ladders * Walk on unstable surfaces/terrain in and around exhibits WORK ENVIRONMENT: * This position may call for special scheduling or overtime needs throughout the week, often without much advance notice. Must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed. * Water * Smoke * Heat * Cold * Air particles * Falling materials * Electrical shock * Hazardous chemicals * Fire * Emergency vehicle traffic * Low noise * Moderate Noise * Loud Noise We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs) Signature Employee: ____________________________________ Print Name: ___________________________________________ Date: _______________________________________________ Manager Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _________________________________________________

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