Biologist II - Herp

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides care for all specimens in assigned area through proper husbandry protocols involving daily observations, feedings, water quality monitoring, and life support system (LSS) operations
• Ensures guest satisfaction by maintaining exhibits through daily maintenance
• Maintains all exhibit, quarantine/holding systems, and behind the scenes areas to the highest level of professional standards.
• Complies with all SOPs pertaining to daily operations
• Exhibits good time-management skills throughout and including all daily and specially assigned tasks.
• Maintains up-to-date and accurate records in the TRACKS program.
• Provides unscheduled coverage of other biologists and areas as assigned by the management team.
• Cross-trains with other staff within the department to develop new skill sets and understanding of other areas. Must complete, at minimum, the OJTs in the directly assigned area.
• Promotes conservation, animal welfare, and good stewardship in daily tasks
• Pass e-quarist or other relevant coursework successfully to promote continuous learning, update, and improvement in overall care.
• Identifies and resolves problems with assistance from the management team.
• Takes lead role in small construction, improvement, or new exhibit projects as assigned and mentored by management team.
• Positively presents and promotes aquarium in various forms of social media as requested by Public Relations and with approval from management team.
• Demonstrates motivation and exhibits Core Values daily
• Seeks a larger understanding of husbandry operations and animal welfare to assist husbandry management in improving those areas
• Support WAVE volunteer and intern programs through active participation in volunteer and/or intern programs through mentoring or joint projects.
• Biologist’s team schedules provide coverage 365 days per year. Schedule for this position will be discussed in person in the interview process. It will include weekends and some holidays. Biologists typically work a Sunday to Thursday or Tuesday to Saturday schedule.
• Undertakes any other tasks or special projects as directed by Assistant Curators or General Curator.

• A four-year degree in aquatic sciences, biology, or related field
• Four years of full-time husbandry experience from an accredited AZA institution or equivalent
• Detailed knowledge of the biology of a large variety of fishes, invertebrates, amphibians or reptiles as appropriate
• Demonstrated mechanical skills, basic LSS plumbing, and understanding of LSS theory and operation
• Excellent observation and communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that generate and sustain a positive team atmosphere and professional environment
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel if necessary
• Certification from a recognized S.C.U.B.A. training organization highly desired
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies when needed

• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and SCUBA dive physical (if applicable)
• In good health and capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor
• No history of allergy related to animals or plants, which might interfere with ability to work
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work
• Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 25 pounds
• Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infections and parasitic disease)

Note:

Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potential dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g. goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurances
• 40 sick hours, 40 personal hours, 8 Holidays, 80 Vacation Hours annually
• Profit Sharing and 401K Plan with company match
• Free entrance for you and your dependents which extends to most Herschend Enterprises’…