The Seattle Aquarium is hiring a senior aquarist—diving to join the temperate fish and invertebrate team.

One of two on the temperate team, the senior aquarist (SA) acts in a lead capacity, carrying out all aspects of the daily care of assigned animals including feeding, observation, training, administration of medication, medical treatment and record keeping. Additionally, the SA cleans and maintains animal habitats including equipment and plants; interacts with visitors, providing educational programming and answering inquiries about the collection; assists with training new staff and volunteers; and assists with directing daily work assignments for Aquarist staff, volunteers, and interns.

The Aquarium’s fish and invertebrate collection includes temperate and tropical water invertebrates, cartilaginous and teleost fishes. The senior aquarist—diving furthers the Aquarium’s mission through providing oversight of and care for the animal collection. They are responsible for assigned husbandry duties in the Aquarium’s fish and invertebrate team.

Essential functions:

• Work and engage others in line with the Aquarium’s mission, as well as our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and S.A.L.I.S.H values.
• Lead daily husbandry operations in designated areas, delegating and assigning work as necessary. This includes: Train and coordinate the work of animal care volunteers, dive volunteers and Life Sciences interns by identifying, assigning and monitoring tasks and evaluating their work.
• Train, coordinate and direct the work of temporary, regular part-time, and aquarist-level staff by identifying, assigning, and monitoring daily husbandry-related tasks. Oversee and assist as needed with the preparation, storage, and distribution of food according to established amounts, types, and diets; monitor feeding habits and report any changes or abnormalities.
• Oversee and assist as needed with cleaning and performing routine maintenance and minor repair of animal habitats and holding areas to assure the health of animals and the presentation of the species in an attractive environment. Maintain water quality to keep aquatic animals in a healthy condition.
• Observe animals and evaluate behavior to determine physical and behavioral health and well-being.
• Maintain records and reports regarding assigned species including daily veterinary reports, exhibit maintenance, food consumption records and other reports specific to the assigned area.
• Lead and/or assist with animal acquisition, acclimation, and quarantine.
• Plan, organize and lead appropriate off-site collecting activities.
• Act as the lead for the intern program in assigned areas.
• Lead and/or assist with administration of medications and treatments according to established procedures and veterinary instructions. Provide assistance in handling or restraining animals in accordance with established safety procedures as necessary to ensure animal welfare.
• Coordinate, plan, and execute the Life Sciences aspects of special events and represent Life Sciences in appropriate planning meetings and committees.

Diving responsibilities and requirements:

• Scientific Diver—This scientific diving classification allows for full participation in the Aquarium’s diving program. This includes surface-supplied and open-circuit diving and tending in Seattle Aquarium exhibits and open-circuit field diving in support of the Aquarium’s animal collecting and research goals.

To qualify for evaluation as a Seattle Aquarium diver, candidates must meet the following general criteria:

• Possess a scuba certification to the level of rescue diver (or equivalent) from a nationally recognized certification agency.
• Possess a recent (less than 12 months) approval for recreational scuba diving signed by a physician (MD or DO).
• Successfully pass an AAUS watermanship requirements swim test.
• Pass a Seattle Aquarium scuba skills evaluation dive.

In addition, once hired, the new staff diver candidate must complete and pass the following aquarium diver physical exam, training classes and deadlines:

• Pass a Seattle Aquarium occupational diving physical exam.
• Complete emergency oxygen provider training within six months of hire.
• Complete staff exhibit diver training and evaluation within six months of hire.
• Attain position-defined level of diver training and evaluation within one year of hire.

Required skills, abilities:

• Must have a clear understanding of fish and invertebrate biology and technical knowledge of marine biology, water quality analysis, aquatic life support systems and marine animal health.
• Must maintain a current and clear understanding of life support and mechanical systems for open and closed aquariums.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Washington state driver’s license.
• Must have ability to use fall restraint equipment, respirators, and other appropriate safety gear; may be required to work in confined spaces.
• Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
• Must possess strong interpersonal, collaboration and team-building skills.
• Must possess exemplary organizational skills, be self-motivated, and communicate effectively orally and in writing; demonstrate leadership qualities and act as point person for Life Sciences projects and other similar activities.
• Ability to use various computer software products: MS Word, Excel, and internet browsers.
• Pursuit of continued education, skills and training expected.

Experience, education, and certifications:

We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education in order to meet minimum requirements.

Required:

• B.A./B.S. degree in biology, marine biology, or related field an advantage.
• Minimum of five years’ experience, preferably demonstrating progressively responsible duties, involving the care and husbandry of animals in a zoo, aquarium, or related environment (AZA facility preferred).
• Must hold current CPR, first aid and AED certifications.

Salary and benefits:

$55,000–$65,000/year, D.O.E. Please include salary expectations in your materials. Full-time staff are eligible for Seattle Aquarium’s comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental, employer-funded health reimbursement account, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, 403b retirement fund with employer match, access to a subsidized ORCA pass, an Aquarium Family Plus membership and generous paid time off.