Biologist - Aquarium

Based on our internal equity review process, the starting salary for this position will be $29.88 The current full hourly range for this position is $29.88 - $37.12 Hourly.

This position works within the Aquarium areas of the Zoological Department with a diversity of tropical and temperate marine fish and invertebrates, with the initial work assignment will be in the jellyfish exhibit gallery focusing on the husbandry and propagation of several jellyfish species.

Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.

Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA‑accredited and AZA‑accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life‑enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more.

Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.

Come work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well‑being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission‑driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team.

You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.

Under the direction of a General or Aquatic Animal Curator and the assigned Assistant Curator, perform a variety of skilled duties involved in the care, observation, maintenance, propagation and management of assigned aquatic animal species and the display of such species to the general public in an educational and attractive manner.

The Staff Biologist performs a variety of specialized aquatic work including behavioral enrichment training and observation, animal health care, documentation of behavior and activity and related duties involved in providing overall care to an assigned animal group at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Must understand basic water chemistry and be able to operate aquatic life support systems. Must be an active scuba diver and be comfortable working in and around water and aquatic exhibits.

Must understand basic biology and ecology of the marine fish and invertebrates held and displayed in the aquariums at PDZA.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.