Aquarist - Reptiles, Birds, and Program Animals

Position Overview

The Aquarist at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is responsible for living specimens and maintaining their life support systems. The hourly rate for this position is $21.13. This is a full-time position.

• Prefer four-year degree (B.S. or B.A.) in marine biology, biology, zoology, psychology or related field.
• A two-year degree (A.S./A.A.S.) in a relevant field plus a minimum of two years’ experience in a public zoo or aquarium husbandry/operations position may be substituted for formal education.
• A minimum six months’ experience in animal care (may be any combination of paid work, internships, or volunteer service) preferred
• Basic knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, and life support systems (LSS)
• General knowledge of water quality testing, medical dosing, and lab equipment
• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal
• Ability to lift 60 pounds
• Ability to negotiate stairs, climb high obstacles and maneuver easily in exhibit and support areas
• Able to negotiate various field conditions
• Ability to work standing up for extended periods of time
• Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record
• SCUBA certification preferred
• Able to work weekends and holidays

• Provide care for various species of herpetofauna, birds, insects, small mammals, and fish.
• Participate in daily animal presentations, involving handling a variety of animals and speaking to the public on a microphone.
• Provide daily animal care, including diet prep and feeding and exhibit cleaning.
• Maintain exhibits and back‑of‑house areas and life support systems, including cleaning, backwashing, and water changes, etc.
• Evaluate animal health, diets, appetite and behavior, and report findings to manager.
• Administer medication to animals as directed by veterinarians.
• Perform water quality analysis, make adjustments, and follow up with subsequent testing.
• Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa.
• Provide shadowing opportunities for aquarists, interns, and volunteers in routine animal care, safety procedures, and aquarium operation as needed.
• Participate in collecting trips, animal transports, and procedural tasks, following legal regulations and ethical best practices.
• Enter and update animal records in TRACKs; assist in research projects as necessary.
• Uphold AZA and USDA standards in daily work.
• Deliver public presentations.
• Work to desensitize animals for program and training and administer enrichment.
• Participate in public training demonstrations and/or keeper talks.
• Conduct welfare assessments and report findings.
• Interact positively and professionally with guests, animal care and veterinary staff, and volunteers, and report issues to supervisor and act in a professional manner.
• Follow all safety protocols and understand their role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required.
• Maintain a variety of collecting equipment.
• Work weekends and holidays, assist with after‑hours emergencies, and travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting and transport duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Please apply directly on The Maritime Aquarium Career website here.

The Maritime Aquarium of Norwalk
10 North Water Street
Norwalk, CT 06854
Phone: