Senior Aquarium Specialist

About the Job

The Senior Aquarium Specialist at Nor Cal Aquarium will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of life support systems (LSS) that ensure the health and well‑being of aquatic and terrestrial animals under the facility’s care. This role requires a combination of expertise in animal husbandry, life support system technology, and team leadership. The successful candidate will ensure that all LSS equipment is functioning optimally, manage a team of animal keepers, and work closely with other departments to maintain a safe and enriching environment for the animals.

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of life support systems, including filtration, water quality control, plumbing, mechanical equipment, and temperature and humidity regulation for aquatic and terrestrial exhibits and enclosures.
• Work closely with the Senior Environmental Quality Keeper to ensure aquatic and terrestrial parameters are impacted as little as possible by down or malfunctioning LSS.
• Implement and audit teamwork for compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the maintenance and operation of LSS equipment.
• Coordinate with the Curator, national husbandry, and guest services teams to ensure timely repairs and upgrades to life support systems.
• Conduct regular inspections and preventive maintenance per SOP of all LSS equipment to minimize downtime and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

• Supervise and mentor a team of animal keepers, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
• Assign tasks, and ensure that all team members adhere to safety protocols and SOPs.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, promoting professional development and growth among team members.
• Lead by example, demonstrating a strong commitment to animal welfare and conservation.

• Work closely with curators, national husbandry team, and other Senior Keepers to support the facility’s mission and goals.
• Participate in planning and implementing new exhibits and upgrades to existing ones.
• Communicate effectively with staff, visitors, and national team, providing updates on LSS operations.
• Represent the facility in professional organizations and at conferences, sharing knowledge and staying updated on industry trends.

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a zoo, aquarium, or similar facility, with a focus on life support systems and animal care.
• Proven experience in maintaining and operating complex life support systems.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and developing a team.
• Knowledge of water chemistry, filtration systems, and aquatic animal husbandry.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Certification in SCUBA diving (preferred).
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and work in various weather conditions.