Title: Senior Aquarist

Classification: Full time, Non - Exempt

Department: Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History-Sea Center

Reports To: Sea Center Director

Salary: $23.75 - $26.75 commensurate with experience and internal equity

Position Summary: Responsible for all activities related to displaying a diverse marine collection of organisms. Design and maintain saltwater exhibits, filtration systems, life support equipment and behind the scenes areas. Supervise and train aquarist volunteers.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Collect, care for, and maintain a diverse and healthy California marine collection in closed and open saltwater systems.
• Monitor and maintain water quality levels including filtration and water chemistry, set up tanks and exhibits including scheduled cleanings to create a consistent message and appearance.
• Plan, develop, and implement diet and schedule for feeding of animals as necessary to ensure proper health and enrichment. Assess animal health conditions, and treat or request veterinary assistance as needed to maintain healthy environment. Be responsive to needs related to deliveries, transport, and issues that may arise as a result of Sea Center live animal specimens.
• Stays abreast of best practices and techniques for marine life husbandry. Develop, implement, and communicate to staff regarding live animal protocols.
• Provide direction and train aquarist staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Research and carry out specimen collection from other institutions, suppliers or natural environment requiring knowledge of sources and strong collaborative relationships to secure specimens. Collection of marine life may involve the use of SCUBA and or snorkeling
• Responsible for cleaning and keeping exhibits looking presentable for visitors.
• Assist in the design and development of all Sea Center exhibits including brainstorming and researching options, conduct feasibility/cost studies and providing recommendations.
• Deliver trainings and public presentations on animal care, and husbandry techniques as required.
• Responsible for the care of the endangered White Abalone in the facility, including grant reporting, budgeting, and record keeping in compliance with partnering organizations.
• Research, develop, schedule and present animals for exhibits, educational programs and demonstrations for the public, school or tour groups, or other special programs
• Lead offsite tide pooling programs (oceanology) and volunteer trainings on occasion.
• Communicate with the public at all levels and present a positive image of the Sea Center. Collaborate with other departments in a professional manner to deliver programs that support the Museum and Sea Center goals.
• Responsible for departmental budgeting and expenditures.
• Maintain reporting requirements for our Collecting Permits with California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• Maintain inventory of items required to support organisms, ordering parts and equipment, and food
• Ensures staff keeps workspace clean and clear of clutter consistent with SC performance and safety procedures.
• Assisting with special projects and programs presented to visitors on a regular basis.
• Cultivate a sense of inclusiveness among staff and visitors.
• Serve as diver in the Live Dive SCUBA presentations offered to the public seasonally.
• Assist Sea Center Director with life support project planning.
• Keep detailed records relating to animal health, water quality and maintenance.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology/ Marine Science or related field of study.
• Advanced SCUBA Diving Certification or equivalent certification/experience needed.
• Expert knowledge of local marine life and husbandry techniques; experience maintaining aquaria and life support systems, preferably in an AZA accredited facility
• Mechanical aptitude and demonstrated problem-solving abilities and attention to detail in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong administration and organizational experience as well as strong record keeping capabilities
• Work schedule includes one weekend day and evenings and occasional holidays as needed.
• Able to respond to husbandry emergencies as needed at all hours of the day and night.
• Excels at interacting with the general public.
• Able to work effectively in a team environment under limited supervision; excellent communication skills, both written and oral; able to respond quickly to changing priorities; detail oriented and has ability to keep meticulous records.
• Conservation minded, enthusiastic learner and team member.
• Fluent in the Microsoft Office Suite and related applications.
• Valid California Driver’s License

Preferred Requirements:

• Possession of SCUBA gear a plus
• Ability to drive personal vehicle and small boat preferred
• Bilingual fluency, written and oral, a plus

Work Environment:

• General Sea Center/office environment as well as working outdoors, SCUBA diving and snorkeling
• Frequent computer work (repetitive movement – typing)
• Frequent standing, sitting, bending, climbing stairs and walking with very occasional crawling
• Lifting of light to moderately heavy loads (20-50 lbs)
• Occasional climbing of ladders and working at elevated levels
• Occasional use of tools