Padilla Bay Aquarist; Program Specialist

Keeping Washington Clean and Evergreen

The Department of Ecology is hiring a Padilla Bay Aquarist (Program Specialist
2) within the Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program.

• This position will be located in our Padilla Bay Office in Mount Vernon, WA.
• Upon hire, you must live within a commutable distance from the duty station.

• This position is NOT eligible for telework.

• Apply by October 9th, 2026.
• Applications submitted after the date above may not be reviewed unless additional qualified applicants are needed.

This Padilla Bay Aquarist position offers a unique opportunity to manage and enhance the aquarium and touch pool systems that support public education, scientific understanding, and stewardship of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. In this role, you will oversee daily aquarium operations, ensure the health and well-being of marine organisms, and maintain reliable and high-performing life support systems that meet state, federal, and NOAA expectations.

You will serve as the Reserve’s primary technical expert for aquarium care and system maintenance, providing sound professional judgement, responsive problem solving, and long-term planning guidance that strengthens facility reliability and visitor experience.

You will also play a central role in Padilla Bay’s public education program by developing touch-pool and aquarium-based learning materials, supporting curriculum development, delivering engaging demonstrations for visitors, and collaborating with instructors across the Reserve’s sectors. In addition, you will coordinate and train volunteers, interns, WCC members, and Reserve staff who assist with aquarium care, ensuring consistent operations, clear communication, and a safe environment for both organisms and visitors.

Through this work, you contribute directly to Ecology’s mission and the Reserve’s commitment to research, education, and estuarine conservation.

• Manage daily operation, maintenance, and performance of aquarium and touch-pool life support systems, ensuring stable environmental conditions and healthy living environments for resident organisms.
• Independently conduct routine and preventative maintenance, troubleshoot equipment issues, perform repairs, and coordinate facility needs with the Reserve’s facility coordinator.
• Monitor water quality and organism health using technical equipment and data-tracking systems, analyze trends, diagnose system issues, and implement corrective actions to improve performance and animal welfare.
• Provide technical judgement and recommendations for long-term aquarium facility planning, exhibit improvements, system upgrades, and operational efficiencies.
• Respond to critical aquarium needs during power outages, closures, or emergencies, ensuring the safety and care of organisms during after-hours and holiday periods.
• Develop and deliver aquarium-based educational presentations, demonstrations, and public engagement events, including fish feedings, touch-pool interpretation, and hands-on estuary science programs.
• Collaborate with Education, Research, Stewardship, CTP, and Facilities sectors to design exhibit improvements, align messaging, and develop curriculum materials that utilize aquarium systems.
• Coordinate, train, and oversee volunteers, interns, WCC members, and Reserve staff who support aquarium and touch-pool care; maintain schedules, delegate tasks, and organize aquarium team meetings.
• Identify and support service-learning and internship opportunities related to aquarium operations, environmental interpretation, and estuarine science.
• Maintain required permits and ensure full compliance with policies and regulations associated with capture, holding, and release of…