For more information, please follow this link: https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-lead-aquarist-mast-center-des-moines-washington/2667242520?utm_source=ongage&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=regular

Salary– $50,000 annually

Essential Tasks

Reporting to the Director of the MaST Center, this lead position is responsible for all aspects of the care and management of the Aquarium’s fish and invertebrate collection and life support systems including but not limited to:

  • Coordinates and leads the work and training of the life support team which includes volunteers, interns, student workers, and staff;
  • Develops procedures and provides daily care of animal exhibits including diet preparation, feeding and general care, medication, record-keeping and quarantine;
  • Responsible for all aspects of animal husbandry and life support, including cleaning and performing routine maintenance, repair, and remodel of animal exhibits and holding areas to assure the health of animals and the presentation of the species in an attractive environment and in accordance with the needs of the facility and its mission;
  • Using scuba for field diving for animal collection, life support maintenance, research or other tasks;
  • Assisting and supporting the educational team and the MaST Center as a whole with animal display and care as well as related educational program support as needed;
  • On call as one of the primary team members for emergency life support systems;
  • Performs other relevant duties as needed or assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

  • A clear and strong understanding of fish and invertebrate biology and technical knowledge of marine biology, water quality analysis, marine exhibits, aquatic life support systems and marine animal health especially including Puget Sound marine life;
  • 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, leadership, 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.