Sr. Aquarist, Marine Invertebrates

Title: Sr.Aquarist, Tropical Marine Invertebrates

Department: Aquarium Team

Reports To: Manager, Saltwater Habitats

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $28.00/hr.

Location: Chicago - Onsite

Time Commitment:

• Orientation (First Week):
  Monday–Friday
• Onboarding & Training (1 Month Minimum):
  Thursday–Monday
• Regular Schedule (Ongoing):
  Sunday - Thursday

This Senior Aquarist position is responsible for the daily husbandry, care, and welfare of a diverse collection of tropical marine invertebrates and smaller teleosts, including cnidarians, crustaceans, gastropods, cephalopods, and a variety of reef fishes. The role works as part of a team of aquarists caring for Shedd Aquarium’s 28,000-gallon living reef habitat, 6,000-gallon Indo-Pacific coral habitat, cuttlefish cultures and exhibits, and several mixed marine fish and invertebrate exhibits throughout the aquarium.

A significant aspect of this role involves working closely with the aquarium’s coral collection, participating in routine water quality assessments and water chemistry management, culturing and growing various coral and cephalopod species, conducting routine health assessments, facilitating medical procedures, and implementing enrichment strategies to promote natural behaviors and overall welfare. The position plays an active role in advancing Shedd Aquarium’s standards for coral care, conservation, welfare, and guest engagement.

This Senior Aquarist works closely with the Manager of Marine Habitats, Supervisor of Tropical Marine Invertebrates, and the rest of the Tropical Marine Invertebrate team – along with Animal Health, Environmental Quality, and Facilities – to ensure the smooth and effective operations involving animals and habitats, especially as they relate to the planning, husbandry, and welfare. This position works cooperatively with the animal care management teams to ensure compliance with all accreditation and regulatory requirements for departmental operations and provides full support for the aquarium’s SCUBA diving program as directed by the Dive Safety Officer.

The Senior Aquarist is expected to serve as a leader in the Animal Care and Science Division. They embody inter‑departmental productivity and participation in strategies to meet institutional objectives and initiatives requiring support of the Animal Care Department and serve as an aquarium spokesperson as needed.

Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Demonstrates commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values.
• Achieves goals and objectives assigned for short- and long-term operations.
• Produces and maintains good animal records in accordance to Aquarium Team standards and as directed by the Manager, including the use of TRACKs animal record‑keeping software.
• Prepares diets and feeds animals to meet their nutritional requirements as assigned.
• Develops, applies and records enrichment for animals to meet their psychological requirements as assigned.
• Provides primary care and planning for Shedd Aquarium’s Coral collection.
• Stays current on tropical marine invertebrate practices and technology advancements.
• Maintains all tropical marine invertebrate habitats, assisting with collection planning.
• Ensures tropical marine invertebrates throughout the aquarium are kept to Shedd Aquarium’s standards of well-being and maintain good body condition.
• Maintains front‑of‑house habitats at an inspection level of readiness.
• Maintains back‑of‑house areas and habitats at an inspection level of readiness.
• Works proactively with Animal Health to provide optimal animal care, assessment, and treatment as needed.
• Performs minor maintenance/repair on gear, tanks, or supplies needed for the section.
• Identifies major maintenance/repair problems in any section and reports through their manager.
• Provides timely communication to the Manager, Supervisor, and covered staff members.
• Maintains awareness and communication expectations by checking email…