Reintroduction Assistant

The Tennessee Aquarium celebrates the rich biodiversity of the Southeast through its exhibits and is actively engaged in preserving and restoring that biodiversity through its work in the field. The Aquarium’s research arm, the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute, has a focused expertise in restoring freshwater ecosystems and helping people appreciate the need for environmental health in our region.

Our seasonal Reintroduction Assistants carry out daily husbandry for Lake Sturgeon, Southern  Appalachian Brook Trout, Laurel Dace, darters,  and other aquatic animals reared at the Conservation Institute.  They also visually monitor animals for health and behavioral abnormalities, aid in the maintenance and occasional improvement of the life support facilities and provide  assistance with  other tasks as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Feeds  and cares for animals in  holding tanks, raceways, and related facilities.
• Groups fish into  different tanks to optimize growth of fish.
• Cleans  and maintains tanks  and filtration in life support system.
• Assist s with raising  live food cultures for larval  fish.
• Visually monitors animals to detect health or other husbandry problems.
• Prepares/chops food and cleaning equipment.
• Assists with care for other captive propagation programs as needed.
• Interacts with other Conservation Institute science staff to support ongoing research projects.
• Occasional assistance with fieldwork for Conservation Institute field programs.

Key Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Coursework or degree in undergraduate program in biology, fisheries, or a related field preferred.
• Driver’s license required to complete some off-site tasks.
• Experience or knowledge maintaining freshwater aquaria.
• Good working knowledge of computers, including use of Excel and Word.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision, and as part of a team.
• Working knowledge of basic carpentry and plumbing helpful.

Seasonal, hourly ($15/hour); Full-time, 8 hours per day, for up to 40 hours per week  (Season: September to December)

Schedule will require weekend (Saturday and/or Sunday) and holiday work.