Aquarium Biologist (Quarantine)

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Aquarium Biologist (Quarantine)

Title: Aquarium Biologist

The Aquarium Biologist serves as an animal caretaker responsible for the overall health, appearance,

maintenance and cleanliness of aquariums and animals. Working with the husbandry staff, an Aquarium

Biologist helps in maintaining the living collections of the Aquarium. This classification requires a

sensible knowledge of animal behavior through education or commensurate experience. An Aquarium

Biologist is expected to be able to maintain all animals under his or her care, noting unusual behavior

and health, and reporting these observations to their supervisor. Associated with animal care an

Aquarium Biologist will possess some capacity to trouble-shoot basic life support system problems. At

a minimum, an Aquarium Biologist must hold simple people handling skills as well as animal

husbandry skills.

General Duties:

Animal maintenance tasks may include, but are not limited to, preparation of food (including medicated

and special diets), performing water quality tests, collection of specimens, conducting regular SCUBA

assisted diving for exhibit cleaning, preparation of chemicals, mixing synthetic seawater, cleaning of

filters and aquarium viewing surfaces, cleaning of food preparation room, performing water changes,

and gravel vacuuming. This position will be responsible for the husbandry of a variety of animals

including but not limited to include fish, invertebrates, and reptiles. Other tasks not directly related to

animal care may include but are not limited to daily record keeping, maintenance of life support

equipment, set up and breakdown of exhibit aquariums, participation in the exhibit development process,

and keeping work areas clean and equipment organized. This position may require participation in

continuing education which would involve travel to out of town locations. All employees must comply

with the requirements outlined in the Mote Employee Policy Manual.

Labor Category: Non-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.

Employee should not exceed 40 hour per week without prior approval from a supervisor.

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

Basic knowledge of aquarium biological processes

Basic 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

Salary

$17.74 per hour

How to Apply

Visit www.mote.org under Careers to submit your application for the position.

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

225 University Town Center Drive

Sarasota, FL 34243

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