ESSENTIAL TASKS:

Working closely under the supervision of the Director, this position is responsible for all aspects of the care and management of the Aquarium’s fish and invertebrate collection including but not limited to:

● Assisting the work and training of the life support team which includes volunteers, interns, student workers, and staff by identifying, assigning and monitoring tasks
● Preparing, storing and distributing food according to established amounts, types and diets; monitoring feeding habits and reporting any changes or abnormalities.
● Cleaning and performing routine maintenance, repair, and remodel of animal exhibits, life support, and holding areas to assure the health of animals and the presentation of the species in an attractive environment. Maintaining water quality to keep aquatic animals in a healthy condition.
● Assisting with the administration of medications and treatments according to established procedures and veterinary instructions. Providing assistance in handling or restraining animals in accordance with established safety procedures as necessary to ensure animal welfare.
● Maintaining records and reports regarding assigned species including exhibit maintenance, food consumption records, veterinary reports, and other reports
● Observing animals and evaluating behavior to determine physical and behavioral health and well-being.
● Assisting and supporting the educational team with animal display and care as well as related educational program support as needed.
● Assisting with animal acquisition, acclimation and quarantine.
● On call as one of the primary team members for emergency life support systems
● If qualified, using scuba for field diving for animal collection, life support maintenance, research or other tasks.
● Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES:
● Act as role model for compliance with all MaST Center and Highline College safety protocols and standards.
● Maintain a safe environment at the MaST Center for all.
● Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

● Ability to work effectively with individuals of various ethnic, cultural, educational, and socio-economic backgrounds.

● Must be able to work with minimal supervision, possess organizational skills, be self-motivated, and able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
● Strong interpersonal, collaboration, team-building skills, share responsibilities and perform assignments in concert with the team’s efforts.
● Possess public speaking skills necessary to interpret marine biology, natural history and conservation issues effectively with the public and other staff in both formal and informal settings.
● 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.
● An understanding of the need for the conservation of our marine environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
● College level courses in biology, oceanography or a related field.
● Minimum of one year’s experience involving the life support and the care and husbandry of animals in a zoo, aquarium, or related environment
● Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to work outdoors, on wet and slippery surfaces, and at heights.
● Must have or be able to obtain a Washington state driver’s license and access to dependable transportation.
● Must hold current CPR, first aid and AED certifications.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
● B.A./B.S. degree in biology, marine biology or related field or equivalent experience.
● Work experience in aquatic animal care and aquarium systems maintenance.
● Advanced SCUBA certification with own gear.
● Experience working in informal education.

CONDITIONS OF WORK:
● Although most of the hours are during traditional work hours, the applicant must be able and willing to work occasional evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
● This position is part of the MaST 24-hour emergency on-call response team.
● Required to work outdoors year-round, near water, on wet and slippery surfaces and at heights.
● Requires handling, working with or exposure to potentially dangerous animals, animal diseases, animal feces and toxic chemicals.
● While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
● This is an hourly, part time position, working a maximum of 16 hours per week.
● This position includes paid sick leave but is not eligible for other benefits.
● Pay Rate: $15/hr
● Title for this position is misleading. This is comparable to an entry level biologist/aquarist position.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:
1. Please send your resume and any supporting information to Rus Higley at
rhigley@highline.edu.
2. Applications will be accepted until filled.