Biologist 1 (Wetlands)

Position Summary

The Biologist 1 (Temporary) will be expected to execute routine husbandry in the area to which they are assigned. This position is expected to play a supportive role in caring for and managing The Florida Aquarium's (TFA) Wetlands collection. This includes food preparation and feeding, habitat maintenance, LSS maintenance/ operation, and recognizing indications of illness or abnormal behavior. They will develop skillsets both independently, and as part of a team, in providing the highest level of animal care.

Essential Position Functions

• Perform general daily husbandry functions including the maintenance of live exhibits, holding systems and quarantine facilities at a high level of quality

• Develop and demonstrate acumen in universally accepted aquarium husbandry skill areas including:

• • Marine organism handling, transport, acclimation and care
  • Food Preparation and Feeding
  • Life Support Systems (LSS) operation and maintenance
  • Live exhibit maintenance

• Ensure accurate animal record keeping through consistent utilization of electronic record keeping system

• Assure behavior meets the TFA's values of Respect, Trust and Excellence
• Interact with aquarium guests, donors and team members in a positive and professional manner
• Maintain Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) inspection readiness for exhibit, service, holding, and backup areas
• Supports TFA's Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis
• Communicates ideas for exhibit improvements and modifications independently
• Executes behavior shaping plans for aquatic and terrestrial animals

Secondary Functions

• Maintain tools and equipment necessary for the care of the collection
• Follow Animal Care Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Work with volunteers and interns within scope of position
• Participate in meetings with curators, biologists, and other aquarium departments
• All other duties as required

Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills

• Previous experience in a facility working with terrestrial and aquatic organisms, including but not limited to birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fishes, and plants preferred
• Four-year degree in biology, or related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered
• Knowledge of habitat requirements, including Life Support Systems and Water Quality parameters for aquatic and terrestrial species preferred
• Knowledge of animal record keeping systems (ZIMS/Tracks) preferred
• Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver's License
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays

Competencies

• Customer Focus - Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer's needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.
• Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork -- Support, facilitate, and participate in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrate sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and support team goals.
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency - Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies
• Communication (oral and written) -- Effectively express ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listen to individuals and groups; prepare and focus presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; express ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
• Concern for Detail -- Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item.
• Judgement - Decide on and commit to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; find creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; take strategic risks when necessary.
• Work Standards --Applies high-performance standards to all work-related activities.

Typical Physical Requirements

• Standing (up to 4 hours per day)
• Walking (up to 4 hours per day)
• Bending/Stooping/Squatting/Kneeling/Balancing -- Frequently
• Crouching/Crawling -- Occasionally
• Sitting (up to 2 hours per day)
• Climbing heights (12') -- Frequently
• Reaching above shoulders -- Frequently
• Pushing/Pulling -- Frequently
• Lifting/Carrying (up to 70 lbs.) -- Occasionally
• Using hands for repetitive movements -- fine manipulating
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
• Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment) so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained
• Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate