Assistant Aquarium Curator

Minimum Qualifications Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications 2 years experience as a fulltime aquarist or equivalent preferred.  BS in natural sciences, biology, marine sciences, ichthyology, aquaculture, fisheries or related area preferred.

Position Summary: This is specialized technical work assisting a professional in the maintenance and care of a large scientific collection of living fish, invertebrates and reptiles. This position involves all aspects of the operation and maintenance of the UGA Aquarium. It requires biological and technical skills necessary to keep a wide variety of species healthy.

Primary duties involve life support system operations, seawater intake and filtration, animal husbandry, and aquarium maintenance. Work includes the preparation of food for a variety of animals based on the knowledge of their biology & behavior; feeding the animals as needed; using acquired knowledge in monitoring & treating all animals for disease, injury, and abnormal behavior; ensuring that all exhibits are educationally accurate; monitoring seawater system and preparing water for use in aquarium as well as monitoring water quality weekly. Also responsible for the maintenance of life support equipment to include pumps, filters and aeration devices.

The successful applicant will have basic skills in boat handling, knowledge in the collection, transport, and release of live marine animals, experience with the use of seine nets, cast nets, and otter trawls for collection, experience in hook & line fishing; willingness to conduct occasional overnight collecting trips, and willingness to work in adverse conditions. Regular work hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. This position requires a willingness to work weekends, holidays, & above and beyond the call of duty when emergency situations arise. This responsibility is shared between several employees, but aquarium personnel are charged with oversight of weekend & holiday duties. Secondary duties include working with facilities personnel to maintain current exhibits and with education department to update aquarium displays and interactive exhibits; to assist curator and educators in development of new exhibits and associated programs, educational materials and interpretive signage. Assist aquarium curator and lead aquarium tours for groups of students and visitors of all ages. The successful applicant will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, organization, and time management skills, as well as the ability to lead and work as a part of a small team of intern and volunteers.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Knowledge in maintaining aquarium exhibits; in collecting & transporting specimens, and acclimating them to captivity. Working knowledge and experience identifying and handling fish, invertebrates, and reptile species. Excellent written / verbal communication and team working skills; well-developed organizational, time budgeting, and leadership skills. Must be able to work with minimal supervision. Valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Demands: Must be able to lift 50 lbs., stand for long periods of time, and work in hot, humid and wet indoor and outdoor conditions.

 Duties/Responsibilities:

• Care & maintenance of live animals: (a) food prep for a variety of animals, based on knowledge of their biology & behavior; (b) monitoring animals for disease, injury, or abnormal behavior.
• Maintenance of equipment: (a) maintaining life support systems, including pumps, filters, and aeration; (b) performing minor plumbing & electrical repairs.
• Additional tasks:
• Preparation of river water for use in aquarium; reconfiguration of tanks, cages, and filtrations systems as needed to ensure efficient functioning and animal safety; maintain aquarium operations in emergency situations (e.g. power failures).
• Work under the supervision and direction of the Curator and with team of interns, students, and volunteers in aquarium.

Percentage of time 70

Secondary duties include:

• Working with facilities personnel to maintain current exhibits and with education department to update aquarium displays and interactive exhibits; to assist curator and educators in development of new exhibits and associated programs, educational materials and interpretive signage.
• Collaborate with local and regional organizations and facilities.

Percentage of time 20

• Assist with and lead aquarium tours for groups of students and visitors of all ages.
• Answer aquarium related questions in person and via email or phone from public, students visitors; serve as crew on research vessel Sea Dawg (43 foot trawler) and Carolina Skiffs as schedule permits.

Percentage of time 10