Aquarist, Tropical Marine Invertebrates

• Orientation (First Week): Monday–Friday
• Onboarding & Training (1 Month Minimum): Thursday–Monday
• Regular Schedule (Ongoing): Sunday - Thursday.

A significant aspect of this role involves working closely with the aquarium’scoralcollection, participating inroutine water qualityassessments and water chemistrymanagement,culturing and growing of various coral and cephalopod species,conducting routine health assessments, facilitating medical procedures, and implementing enrichment strategies to promote natural behaviors and overall welfare. The position plays an active role in advancing Shedd Aquarium’s standards forcoralcare,conservation,welfare, and guest engagement.

ThisAquarist position works closely with the Manager of Marine Habitats, Supervisor of Tropical MarineInvertebrates, and the rest of the Tropical MarineInvertebratesteam – along with Animal Health, Environmental Quality, and Facilities – to ensure the smooth and effective operations involving animals and habitats, especially as they relate to the planning, husbandry,and welfare. This position works cooperatively with the animal care management teams to ensure compliance with all accreditation and regulatory requirements for departmental operations and provides full supportforthe aquarium’s SCUBA diving program as directed by the DiveSafety Officer.

Aquarists are learning to serve as leaders in the Animal Care and Science Division. They will assist Senior Aquarists and Managers with inter-departmental productivity and participation in strategies to meet institutional objectives and initiatives requiring support of the Animal Care Department, and may get the opportunity to serve as an aquarium spokesperson when ready.   

• Demonstrates commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values. 
• Achieves goals andobjectivesassigned for short- and long-term operations. 
• Produces andmaintainsgood animal records in accordancewith Aquarium Team standards and as directed by the Manager, including the use of TRACKs animal record keeping software. 
• Prepares diets and feeds animals to meet their nutritional requirements as assigned.  
• Develops, applies, and records enrichment for animals to meet their psychological requirements as assigned. 
• Provides primary care and planning for Shedd Aquarium’s Coral collection 
• Stays current on tropical marine invertebrate practices and technology advancements.  
• Maintains all tropical marine invertebrate habitats,assistingwithcollection planning.    
• Ensures tropical marine invertebrates throughout the aquarium are kept to Shedd Aquarium’s standards of well-being, andmaintaingood body condition  
• Maintains front-of-house habitats at an inspection level of readiness. 
• Maintains back-of-house areas and habitats at an inspection level of readiness. 
• Works proactively with Animal Health to provideoptimalanimal care, assessment, and treatment as needed. 
• Performs minor maintenance/repair on gear, tanks, or supplies needed for the section. 
• Identifiesmajor maintenance/repair problems in any section and reports through theirmanager. 
• Providestimelycommunication to the Manager, Supervisor, and covered staff members.  
• Maintains awareness and communication expectations by checking email daily, along with anyadditionalplatforms used by the Animal Care departments.   
• Maintains daily animal observations, records, andreportsany abnormal behavior or appearance. 
• Manages the daily work of interns and volunteers, including evaluating performance, coaching, advancement, and accountability. 
• Works effectively with the AquariumLeadership Team to achieve strategic goals andobjectivesof theAnimal Care and Science Division. 
• Works with the Animal Care Leadership team to ensure proper animal training, enrichment, and nutrition for animals. 
• Demonstrates gain of knowledge of all the primary animal groups cared for by the Aquarium team. 
• Demonstrates gain of knowledge and understanding of modern husbandry techniques and athorough understanding of the use of emerging science to advance animal care and welfare. 
• Evaluates the effectiveness of practices and procedures and recommends improvements. 
• Provides support for coworkers in their responsible roles as needed. 
• Maintains legal compliance measures such as tracking of respirator use, adherence to OSHA standards, etc. 
• Participates in 1-on-1, team meetings, department meetings, division meetings, and One Shedd meetings. 
• Participates in Shedd’s DEAI objectives.  
• Works with otherdivisions asassigned to meet strategicobjectives. 
• Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education:Bachelor’s degree in marinebiology, zoology, animal science, or related field, ordemonstratedequivalent knowledge.

Experience:

• 1+ years of experience in animal care at an accredited zoo or aquarium with a focus on aquatic animals.
• Knowledge of water chemistry and quality as they pertain to living marine systems.
• Knowledge of proper animal care, training, and enrichment.
• Knowledge of collection planning processes.
• Demonstrated success in the care and handling of aquatic animals
• Demonstrated1+ years of experience caring formarineteleost.
• Demonstrated1+ years of experience caring formarineinvertebrates with special emphasis on corals.

Certifications:

• Mustpossessa valid driver's licenseorobtain one within 6 months from the startof employment.
• Mustpossessa valid passportorobtain one within 6 months from the startof employment.
• Mustpossessaminimum ofopen water SCUBA certification. Employment contingent upon passing a dive physical and check outswim testprotocol administered by Shedd Aquarium's Dive Operations.

Physical Readiness:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Lift up to 40 pounds
• Sit
• Stand
• Stoop
• Kneel
• Walk
• Swim
• Hear

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This person may be exposed to:

• Water
• Heat
• Cold
• Hazardous Chemicals
• Low noise
• Moderate Noise
• Loud Noise

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD:We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leaveand Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets