Aquarium Fish Senior LSEO

SENIOR BIOLOGIST JOB DESCRIPTION - Aquarium

REPORTS TO: Curator/General Curator

DIVISION: Aquarium

SCOPE: Job consists of supervising and assisting biologists in their daily routines. Responsibility of insuring all displays are ready for guests

and job tasks are completed on a daily basis.

STATUS: Hourly non-exempt

Major Duties And Responsibilities

Professional Animal Care

• Maintain proficiency in all expected tasks of an aquarist
• Be knowledgeable about natural history, behavior and conservation of collection species in areas of responsibility, including individual specimen histories.
• Be knowledgeable about Moody Gardens accepted animal husbandry policies, procedures and routines.
• Assist with animal acquisitions.
• Research husbandry and natural history information on prospective acquisitions.
• Be knowledgeable about animal capture, restraint and transport procedures.
• Be knowledgeable about water quality system mechanics and maintenance.
• Be knowledgeable about aquatic/marine disease diagnosis and treatment protocol.
• Be knowledgeable about infant care and hand rearing techniques.
• Pursue continuing education through association with various professional organizations, including AZA.
• Assure animal health is a top priority
• Be able to identify disease problems, in coordination with Veterinary Technicians, Veterinarian, Curator/General Curator.
• Make frequent daily rounds to evaluate animal health and exhibit condition, cleanliness and address any safety concerns.
  
  

Communication

• Communicate regularly with staff through department meetings, individual meetings and written memos or instructions.
• Orient and train new Biologists.
• Convey relevant species and specimen information to animal and education staff.
• Conduct public presentations.
• Represent Moody Gardens and the L.S.&E.O. Department in media events.
• Be able to interact with colleagues, professionals and conduct tours as directed.
• Coordinate ongoing training program of routines and procedures for new and existing employees.
• Maintain a staff communication tree and update as needed
• Foster good relations with staff, guests, volunteers and contractors.
  
  

Department Management

• Ensure that appropriate animal records are maintained.
• Maintain and request necessary supplies.
• Organize animal movements, in coordination with Curator.
• Perform administrative duties with, or in absence of Curator.
• Develop weekly work schedules in the absence of the Curator.
  
  

Supervision of Personnel

• Set an example for the staff by reporting to work on time and maintaining a clean, professional appearance.
• Direct Biologists in all aspects of animal care.
• Train Biologists in relevant facility, animal and safety procedures.
• Know and implement department and facility rules, policies and procedures.
• Assist Biologists and Curator to assure exhibit readiness for opening, schedule employees, arrange for shift coverage when necessary.
• Demonstrate effective leadership when onboarding new staff and with conflict resolution, team building and safety training,
  
  

Related Strengths

• If applicable, organize and conduct field work as directed by Curator or General Curator.
• Be organized and self-motivated to see tasks and projects through to completion.
• Demonstrate sound decision making in animal care, facility operations and interactions with staff, volunteers and guests.
• Be able to revise daily routines to increase staff efficiency
• Encourage staff professional opportunities, in turn increasing productivity and morale.
• Observe and help maintain areas not normally within area of responsibility.
• Be ambitious and self-motivated.
• Have strong observational skills.
• Have ability to work with other employees, and volunteers.
  
  

Position Requirements

Bachelor's Degree with major course work in Biology, Zoology or related field. Work experience may be substituted. Must have a minimum of five years zoological experience, preferably with a variety of taxa. Must be certified S.C.U.B.A. diver if work area requires it. Be willing to become a member of professional organizations, including AZA that support professional development and Moody Gardens’ operations. Must have valid Texas driver’s license. Must have working knowledge of life support systems, animal husbandry, disease prevention, treatment and control, behavioral management techniques and animal rearing techniques. Must be prepared to work odd or unscheduled hours. Must represent Moody Gardens in a professional manner with all guests.

Phsyical Requirements

Employees may be required to perform, but are not limited to the following physical tasks:

Standing/walking, climbing (i.e.: on ladders, platforms, in planters, rock work, stairs etc.), stooping, reaching (includes overhead reaching, sideways reaching, bending over, kneeling, pulling), repetitive hand and upper body motion (i.e.: sweeping, hosing, scrubbing, squeegeeing, locking/unlocking locks and latches, twisting open lids, opening valves, typing for records, chopping and preparing food) swimming/snorkeling, wading in water at various depths. Entry and egress into/out of exhibits which may contain water, carrying equipment, operating motorized vehicles. Heavy lifting (50 pounds or more), walking, bending, crawling and working within a wet environment.