• Phone: 856-365-3300
• Mailing Address: 1 Aquarium Drive, Camden NJ
• Posting Date: 6/26/2008

The position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the Curators, Area Supervisor and/or Husbandry Director in carrying out the husbandry routine and maintenance for an assigned set of exhibits and/or holding tanks. Animal health and the visitor experience are the two driving priorities in accomplishing the goals of this position. The priorities for this position include fostering a positive work team atmosphere, attention to animal health, exhibit and visitor experience excellence.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides for the needs of all animals in assigned area by doing regular daily feedings, maintaining water quality through operation of individual life support systems and administering treatments as directed by supervisors.
2. Maintains exhibit quality standards through regular maintenance and cleaning activities.
3. Keeps work area clean and organized and reports mechanical failures to supervisors in a timely way. Off exhibit areas should be clean, neat and well organized.
4. Assures that appropriate records are kept on all husbandry, training and water testing activities including daily care, animal health, acquisition/disposition and moralities.
5. Conducts collecting activities when needed, including capture, transport, acclimation, and quarantine.
6. Research and suggest upgrades, enhancements and changes to exhibit systems to supervisors.
7. At the direction of the supervisor, interacts with and responds to public/media requests for information. Participates in Aquarium related education, public relations and membership programs including facility tours and lectures.
8. Helps design and construct new exhibit life support systems.
9. Cross-trains with other staff within Husbandry and Animal Health Services.
10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1. A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology is required (4 years of professional husbandry experience may be considered in place of a degree). Course work should include Ichthyology, Aquatic Ecology, Invertebrate Zoology, Physiology and aquatic animal husbandry.
2. Three years (four to five years without a degree) of advanced husbandry experience is required. This may be in the form of jobs at a public aquarium or zoo or work in aquarium hobby or aquaculture fields or extremely advanced home hobby activities. Emphasis should be on animal care and maintenance of exhibit and holding areas. Must demonstrated discipline and have a history of a consistently high degree of work quality.
3. A significant amount of advanced husbandry experience is required.
4. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with a minimum of supervision.
5. A valid driver’s license and an advanced certification from a recognized S.C.U.B.A. training organization. Experience with small boat operation and knowledge of boating safety issues is desired. Ability to drive small-medium size trucks and tow trailer is desired.
6. Ability to travel when necessary, usually not to exceed four weeks at one time.
7. 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.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and SCUBA diving physical.
2. In good health and capable of performing strenuous an/or heavy physical labor.
3. No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work.
4. Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
5. Ability to work in all weather conditions.
6. No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
7. Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
8. Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infections and parasitic disease).

Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous an unpredictable animal species, and potential dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g. goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.