Full-Time Contract Aquarist

FULL-TIME CONTRACT AQUARIST

Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit

Location: The Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit (SMEE) at the St. Lucie County Aquarium (420 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida) serves as the outreach branch of the Smithsonian Marine Station (SMS) (701 Seaway Drive).

Period of Performance: 12 months, full-time (40hr/week) with possibility of extension. Tentative start date is mid-June 2024.

Compensation: Applicants must submit a quote for services. The Smithsonian plans to award based on best value considering relevant experience and past performance.  Refer to the link at the bottom of the page for more information and instructions on how to apply. 

Description: This unique educational facility offers visitors an up-close look at the underwater world of the Indian River Lagoon and east coast of Florida. Staff are committed to using the Exhibit’s dynamic, live aquarium displays and engaging educational content to provide the public with a better understanding of these fragile systems and the impact humans are having on them. Featured habitats include: a 2,500-gallon Atlantic coral reef, a deep-water coral reef, a red mangrove forest and a seagrass bed. The Exhibit also features a local species touch tank, constantly changing interactives, microscope-themed exhibits and small aquarium displays. To learn more, check us out @SmithsonianSMS on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Statement of Work: The contractor will provide professional, technical, non-personal services to the Smithsonian Marine Station related to maintaining SMEE’s living collections according to established guidelines.  

Scope of Work: The Contractor will provide onsite, part-time (40hrs/week) oversight of the SMEE’s living collection Tuesdays through Saturdays.   

Responsibilities:

Follow standard operating procedures and guidance from the Exhibit Manager to:

• Perform monitoring and maintenance of SMEE’s aquaria, including daily feedings and water chemistry.
• Maintain permanent records to document the routine care of aquarium inhabitants.
• Train and supervise volunteers and interns based on the established guidelines for animal care.
• Engage visitors and conduct behind-the-scenes tours, as required.
• Maintain the aesthetic upkeep of the Exhibit.
• Ensure a safe and harassment free workplace for all staff, volunteers and Exhibit visitors.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated hands-on experience working with marine organisms in aquariums, including corals.
• A bachelor’s degree in marine biology or a related field OR a basic knowledge of marine biology.
• Working knowledge of aquarium life support systems, maintaining corals, marine water chemistry, animal nutrition and disease recognition.
• Detail-oriented with outstanding organizational, record keeping and observational skills.
• Good mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to engage diverse audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, reach overhead, kneel, twist, climb stairs and ladders, work in a wet environment and lift 50 pounds.

For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit https://naturalhistory.si.edu/research/smithsonian-marine-station/get-involved .  Applications must be received by Bill Hoffman (hoffman@si.edu) by 5pm on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.