ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Aquarist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OdySea Aquarium

Aquarist Intern

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Aquarist Internship program, interns will rotate throughout the aquarium's four galleries and quarantine facility during their internship. Interns will work alongside OdySea Aquarium Aquarists in a ...

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

Aquarist Intern

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Aquarist Internship program, interns will rotate throughout the aquarium's four galleries and quarantine facility during their internship. Interns will work alongside OdySea Aquarium Aquarists in a ...

Maymont Foundation

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20/hr

The Lead Aquarist will lead the care for fish and other taxa in the Nature Center, maintains health and appearance of animals, maintains support areas including water testing lab and life support ...

Mecklenburg County

Senior Aquarist

Huntersville, NC · On-site

The Sr Aquarist will be responsible for managing two large freshwater aquariums and invertebrate, amphibian and reptile exhibits at four separate Nature Centers within Mecklenburg County. Maintaining ...

ODYSEA AQUARIUM LLC

Aquarist Intern

Scottsdale, AZ

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Aquarist Internship program, interns will rotate throughout the aquarium's four galleries and quarantine facility during their internship. Interns will work alongside OdySea Aquarium Aquarists in a ...

Quality Marine

AquaTropic Husbandry

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.42 - $20/hr

Freshwater Aquarist II The Freshwater Aquarist II is responsible for the daily health management and care of all freshwater livestock within the facility. The primary focus of this position is to ...

Quality Marine

AquaTropic Husbandry

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.42 - $20/hr

Freshwater Aquarist II The Freshwater Aquarist II is responsible for the daily health management and care of all freshwater livestock within the facility. The primary focus of this position is to ...

Texas State Aquarium

Aquarist I

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

Take your career to new depths and put your skills to work in a one-of-a-kind setting by becoming a part of the premiere aquarium showcasing the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. The Texas State ...

SILVERTON CASINO LLC

AQUARIST III

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

The Aquarist III will be responsible for maintaining and caring for the fish, reptiles, and other sea creatures in Silverton Casino's 117,000-gallon aquarium. This may include feeding, cleaning, and ...

SilvertonCasino

AQUARIST III

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

The Aquarist III will be responsible for maintaining and caring for the fish, reptiles, and other sea creatures in Silverton Casino's 117,000-gallon aquarium. This may include feeding, cleaning, and ...

Texas State Aquarium

Aquarist I

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

Take your career to new depths and put your skills to work in a one-of-a-kind setting by becoming a part of the premiere aquarium showcasing the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. The Texas State ...

Marriott

Aquarist I - On Call

Longboat Key, FL · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY This position is responsible for the daily husbandry operations in the Aquarium. Primary responsibilities include the care and wellbeing of all animals under the facility's care ...

Marriott

Aquarist I - On Call

Longboat Key, FL · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY This position is responsible for the daily husbandry operations in the Aquarium. Primary responsibilities include the care and wellbeing of all animals under the facility's care ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsAquarist Jobs

Aquarist information

See salary details

$5

$15

$22

How much do aquarist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for aquarist in the United States is $15.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to get a job as an aquarist?

Securing a job as an aquarist can be competitive and typically requires relevant education in marine biology, zoology, or related fields, along with hands-on experience in aquarium maintenance and animal care. Certifications such as CPR and first aid may also be beneficial, and familiarity with aquatic systems and equipment is often expected. Entry-level positions may be available, but advancing often requires specialized knowledge and experience.

What do you do as an aquarist?

An aquarist is responsible for caring for aquatic animals and maintaining aquarium environments. This includes feeding animals, cleaning tanks, monitoring water quality, and ensuring proper habitat conditions, often using tools like water testing kits. The role requires knowledge of marine biology and may involve working with live animals daily or on a scheduled basis.

What qualifications do you need to be an aquarist?

To become an aquarist, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required, along with knowledge of marine biology, aquatic ecosystems, and animal care. Many employers prefer candidates with a degree in biology, marine science, or a related field, as well as hands-on experience with aquatic animals and familiarity with aquarium maintenance and safety protocols.

What is an aquarist?

An aquarist is responsible for the care and maintenance of aquatic animals and their habitats, typically in aquariums, marine parks, or research facilities. Their duties include feeding, monitoring water quality, cleaning tanks, and ensuring the health and well-being of fish, invertebrates, and other marine life. They may also assist in breeding programs, conservation efforts, and educating the public about aquatic ecosystems. Aquarists often work closely with veterinarians, marine biologists, and other specialists to maintain optimal living conditions for the animals. The job requires knowledge of marine biology, water chemistry, and animal behavior, along with hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the aquarist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aquarist, you need a solid understanding of aquatic biology, animal husbandry, and water chemistry, often supported by a degree in marine biology, zoology, or a related field. Familiarity with water quality testing kits, filtration systems, and aquarium maintenance tools is essential, and certifications in scuba diving or animal care are advantageous. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the health and well-being of aquatic species while maintaining safe, attractive, and educational aquarium exhibits.

More about Aquarist jobs

What cities are hiring for Aquarist jobs?

Cities with the most Aquarist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aquarist jobs?

The most popular types of Aquarist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Aquarist jobs?

The top employers for Aquarist jobs are:

What states have the most Aquarist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Aquarist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Aquarist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Aquarist jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Aquarist jobs?

For Aquarist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Aquarist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aquarist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 81% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,289 per year, or $15 per hour.

Part Time Aquarist - Reptiles, Birds, and Program Animals

The Maritime Aquarium

Norwalk, CT • On-site

$21.13/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND
The Maritime Aquarium's mission is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 38 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.
Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its approximately 97 full-time and 78 part-time employees, seasonal staff, and our volunteers.
Position Overview:
The Aquarist at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is responsible for living specimens and maintaining their life support systems. This is a part-time position with an hourly rate of $21.13.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - ALL POSITIONS:
  • Prefer four-year degree (B.S. or B.A.) in marine biology, biology, zoology, psychology or related field.
  • A two-year degree (A.S./A.A.S.) in a relevant field plus a minimum of two years' experience in a public zoo or aquarium husbandry/operations position may be substituted for formal education.
  • A minimum six months' experience in animal care (may be any combination of paid work, internships, or volunteer service) preferred
  • Basic knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior, and life support systems (LSS)
  • General knowledge of water quality testing, medical dosing, and lab equipment
  • Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal
  • Ability to lift 60 pounds
  • Ability to negotiate stairs, climb high obstacles and maneuver easily in exhibit and support areas
  • Able to negotiate various field conditions
  • Ability to work standing up for extended periods of time
  • Valid driver's license with satisfactory driving record
  • SCUBA certification preferred
  • Able to work weekends and holidays

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Provide care for various species of herpetofauna, birds, insects, small mammals, and fish.
  • Participates in daily animal presentations, involving handling a variety of animals and speaking to the public on a microphone
  • Provide daily animal care, including diet prep and feeding and exhibit cleaning
  • Maintain exhibits and back-of-house areas and life support systems, including cleaning, backwashing, and water changes, etc.
  • Evaluate animal health, diets, appetite and behavior, and report findings to manager
  • Administer medication to animals as directed by veterinarians
  • Performs water quality analysis, makes adjustments, follows up with subsequent testing
  • Participate in or assist with the capture and restraint of a variety of taxa
  • Provide shadowing opportunities for aquarists, interns, and volunteers in routine animal care, safety procedures, and aquarium operation as needed
  • Participates in collecting trips, animal transports, and procedural tasks, following legal regulations and ethical best practices
  • Enter and update animal records in TRACKs; assist in research projects as necessary
  • Uphold AZA and USDA standards in daily work
  • Deliver public presentations
  • Work to desensitize animals for program and training and administer enrichment
  • Participate in public training demonstrations and/or keeper talks
  • Conduct welfare assessments and report findings
  • Interact positively and professionally with guests, animal care and veterinary staff, and volunteers, and report issues to supervisor and act in a professional manner
  • Follow all safety protocols and understand their role in emergency procedures, responding to emergencies as required
  • Maintains a variety of collecting equipment.
  • This position will require the individual to work weekends and holidays, assist with after-hours emergencies, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting and transport duties.
  • Other duties as assigned

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Apply