Flint RiverQuarium is looking for a motivated professional to join our animal husbandry team. We are currently pursuing ZAA accreditation and are committed to ensuring high standards of animal care and positive guest experience. The ideal candidate will be a dedicated person with a solid working knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial animal husbandry, aquarium safety, and animal care best practices. Teamwork is also essential to complete large projects and while participating in maintenance and show dives. We are committed to providing all staff with opportunities for development and advancement, both within and outside our facilities.  

BASIC JOB DUTIES 

• Provide high levels of care to all assigned animals, including preparing and feeding out nutritious diets, providing clean water, observing and tracking health and behaviors, taking routine growth and weight measurements, and cleaning and disinfecting enclosures
• Inspect animals for health problems, collect fecal samples for testing, assist veterinarians with medical exams or procedures, and administer medication to animals as prescribed 
• Provide approved enrichments to all assigned animals, as scheduled 
• Record relevant and accurate information in facility’s recordkeeping database, including animal observations, health concerns and treatments, feeding logs, exhibit maintenance logs, etc. 
• Objectively complete animal welfare assessments, as assigned 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in primary and communal spaces 
• Consistently and reliably report for all scheduled shifts without tardiness, show willingness to cover unscheduled shifts as needed, attend and participate in all staff meetings 
• Maintain a good working relationship with all staff and volunteers 
• Ability to work well independently and in a team setting, manage time well, adapt appropriately to high-stress or changing situations, and possess problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Perform dive maintenance and performance dives in multiple exhibits and around various species of animals (Aquarist II)
•  Consistently perform water quality testing on all assigned systems as scheduled and provide adjustments as necessary (Aquarist II)
• Assist in the capture and restraint of animals, as necessary (Aquarist II)
• Assist in planning and conducting educational and interactive guest programs; engage the public to encourage curiosity and facilitate a positive guest experience (Aquarist II)
• Communicate work order requests through the online system 
• Support Flint RiverQuarium’s Vision, Mission, and Value statements; maintain a positive example in meeting the needs of fellow staff, volunteers, and guests 
• Perform other duties, projects, or staff development activities assigned by immediate Managers or Directors 

EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES 

• Associate's Degree, or equivalent (Aquarist I)
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field (Aquarist II)
• Experience with and/or adequate knowledge of professional animal husbandry and captive management. Aquatic and/or exotic animal husbandry experience and LSS experience is a plus. (Aquarist I)
• Significant knowledge of animal husbandry, captive management, aquarium builds, and life support systems and operations (Aquarist II)
• Working knowledge of animal enrichment, operant conditioning, and target training (Aquarist II)
• Open Water SCUBA certification from an accredited institution (Aquarist II)
• Possess a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation to and from work
• Basic computer skills, written and verbal communication skills, and teamwork skills
• Must be able to lift 60lbs and work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions on a daily basis; may be required to stand or sit for extended periods of time and/or to twist, bend, squat, climb, crawl, kneel, swim, or carry objects for short distances; may be exposed to chemicals, odors, moving mechanical parts, vehicles, and potentially dangerous animals 

ALBANY AREA 

The Albany Metropolitan area includes welcoming cities such as Leesburg, Putney, Sylvester, and Sasser. These cities boast cost-of-living numbers much lower than the national average and are all within easy commute of Flint RiverQuarium. 

• Leesburg: 13% lower COL, 18 minute commute
• Putney: 28% lower COL, 15 minute commute
• Sylvester: 26% lower COL, 28 minute commute
• Sasser: 24% lower COL, 22 minute commute