Gumbo Limbo Aquarist - Part Time

Gumbo Limbo Aquarist

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The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center has multiple aquariums on site, including four large outdoor tanks, as well as numerous smaller systems. All of the animals at Gumbo Limbo are native to our area and provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to learn more about conservation of marine and coastal habitats. The Gumbo Limbo Aquarist provides daily care to all animals on site.

This includes all fish in the aquariums as well as terrestrial animals including snakes, tortoises, turtles, insects, arachnids, and others. All work is done according to the most updated industry approved husbandry practices. This work includes the daily upkeep of exhibit tanks, habitats, and enclosures and the related life support systems, water quality, and work spaces. The Aquarist participates in the acquisition, transport, quarantine and acclimation of new animals.

In addition, this position assists with establishing protocols for animal care and handling, prepares daily diets, and observes behavior and health of all animals on site. Assists with design, construction, and repair of animal habitats. The aquarist also assists with the maintenance of the open flow seawater pumping system at Red Reef Park. Work is performed under general supervision of the Senior Aquarist.

Essential Functions

• Maintains aesthetics of all aquatic exhibits including but not limited to; the viewing surface, adding and removing specimens, proper lighting, and habitat development and maintenance.
• Monitors performance and troubleshoots water intake equipment and pumps; repairs and replaces City owned equipment as necessary and communicates problems/failure of equipment to appropriate personnel.
• Maintains water quality by frequent water testing; cleans tanks and makes repairs to pipes and related valves, drains, etc.
• Performs general aquarium and quarantine maintenance without direct supervision.
• Assists in acquiring required specimens after identifying sources and permits.
• Assists in transport, quarantine, acclimation, and introduction of specimens into exhibits.
• Working with the veterinary team and Senior Aquarist, determines and documents the dietary needs of specimens; prepares food and feeds specimens.
• Examines and observes animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury; uses animal disease control techniques; maintains and records animal health by observing and diagnosing health issues.
• Performs necropsies and administers medications under supervision of Senior Aquarist or veterinarian.
• Responds to questions from patrons and volunteers to provide information about animals including behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
• Assists in the coordination, scheduling, training and supervision of volunteers.
• Works with Exhibits Coordinator and Senior Aquarist to develop interpretive educational media for the exhibits.

Related Tasks:

• Inspects equipment and investigates problems; makes recommendations on technical matters.
• Develops Standard Operating Procedures and protocols for animal husbandry, tank maintenance, and life support maintenance including scheduled maintenance and preventative maintenance needs.
• Provides specifications for materials, parts, and equipment.
• Orders materials and maintains inventories.
• Assists with training, education, and media relations, including staff, volunteers, school classes, camp participants and interns.
• Prepares and conducts presentations for visitors and group tours.
• Assists in opening and closing of the facility

• Keep…