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Aquarium Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aquarium

Biologist

Houston, TX · On-site

  • PTO

Biologist The Downtown Aquarium in Houston, Texas is currently seeking a full time Biologist I or II based on experience. It is the responsibility of the Biologist to be aware of all aspects of the ...

Aquarium

Biologist

Houston, TX

  • PTO

Biologist The Downtown Aquarium in Houston, Texas is currently seeking a full time Biologist I or II based on experience. It is the responsibility of the Biologist to be aware of all aspects of the ...

The Living Planet Aquarium

Aquarium Educator

Draper, UT · On-site

$17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position: Aquarium Educator (Full-Time/Part-Time) Reports To: Education Assistant Manager ... Associate's degree or bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, marine science, environmental science ...

Golden Nugget

Biologist

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

The Golden Nugget is part of Landry's Restaurants, which incorporate 4 other main aquariums ... Bachelor's degree in biology (or related field) preferred. * Prefer a minimum of 1-2 years of ...

Shedd Aquarium

Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability

Chicago, IL · On-site

$32 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology, animal science, a related field, or demonstrated ... Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

National Aquarium

Aquarist Jellies

Baltimore, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participates in system design and fabrication in keeping with animal behavior and biological needs. * Serves as a representative of the Aquarium to the public and the media. * Participates in and ...

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Aquarium Biologist information

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$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do aquarium biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for aquarium biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common daily responsibilities for an aquarium biologist?

Aquarium Biologists typically spend their days monitoring the health and behavior of aquatic animals, maintaining tanks and life support systems, and performing water quality assessments. They may also assist in developing enrichment activities, conduct educational presentations for visitors, and coordinate with veterinarians or other specialists for animal care. Working as part of a larger animal care team, they routinely participate in meetings to discuss animal welfare and collaborate on exhibit planning. This varied routine combines hands-on animal husbandry with teamwork and continuous learning, making each day unique and engaging.

What does an aquarium biologist do?

An Aquarium Biologist is responsible for the care, health, and well-being of aquatic life in aquariums. They maintain water quality, monitor animal behavior, and develop diets to ensure proper nutrition. Additionally, they may conduct research, assist with conservation efforts, and educate the public about marine life. Their work helps support aquatic ecosystems and ensures sustainable care for species in captivity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aquarium biologist?

To thrive as an Aquarium Biologist, you need a solid background in marine biology, aquatic animal care, and water chemistry, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in biology or a related field. Experience with water quality testing equipment, aquarium filtration systems, and professional certifications such as SCUBA or animal handling are often required. Strong observation skills, teamwork, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills that enhance performance in this position. These abilities are crucial for maintaining aquatic animal health, ensuring safe living environments, and supporting educational or conservation goals within aquarium facilities.

How do you become an aquarium biologist?

To become an aquarium biologist, typically a bachelor's degree in marine biology, biology, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or working in aquatic environments helps develop relevant skills, and advanced positions may require a master's or doctoral degree. Knowledge of aquatic ecosystems, research methods, and sometimes certifications in scuba diving or animal care are also beneficial.
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Aquarium Biologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aquarium Biologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.

Newport Aquarium Biologist I - Penguin and Herps

Newport Aquarium

Newport, KY • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Newport Aquarium rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Husbandry and Exhibit Management
  • Serves as the primary biologist for assigned exhibit(s), consistently maintaining high exhibit standards with minimal corrective guidance.
  • Provides support and coverage to additional exhibits as training, competency and need allow.
  • Conducts daily cleaning, feeding, environmental maintenance, and animal monitoring to ensure exhibits consistently meet established standards.
  • Performs daily husbandry in accordance with institutional standards, AZA standards and USDA regulations as required.
  • Conducts daily cleaning, feeding, environmental maintenance, and animal monitoring to ensure exhibits consistently meet established standards.
  • Understands species-specific nutritional needs and ensures diets are formulated and delivered to support individual animal health, overall wellbeing, and exhibit/environmental requirements.
  • Escalates exhibit and animal wellbeing concerns to senior biologists or the Assistant Curator to aid in decision making.

Animal Health and Veterinary Support
  • Recognizes and accurately assesses abnormal behavior, appearance, or changes in animal condition. Promptly communicates concerns to supervisory or veterinary staff while working to correct environmental concerns that may lead to compromised health.
  • Assists with veterinary-directed treatments and health procedures under supervision, ensuring proper technique, documentation, and follow-through to support positive medical outcomes.

Life Support System and Water Quality Management
  • Understands the flow of water through a life support system (LSS), components, and the required maintenance. Monitors system performance using metrics such as flow rates, filter pressure, water quality, etc.
  • Demonstrates working knowledge of the different filtration methods and the mechanical function of aquarium life support systems.
  • Performs basic PVC plumbing tasks for life support system optimization and operational reliability.
  • Interprets water-quality results with accuracy and actively maintains water-quality parameters within required ranges by making timely proactive and corrective adjustments.
  • Ensures optimal system performance through effective gas-exchange management, balanced nutrient loads, and appropriate bio-load oversight.

Animal Handling
  • Participates in animal captures, transports, and procedures appropriate to their experience level, demonstrating safe, low-stress handling techniques while taking opportunities to assist in additional areas as development opportunities allow.
  • Participates in animal shipments as determined by experience and need.

Scuba Diving
  • Functions effectively as a safety diver or working diver, depending on certification and training level, ensuring safe execution of dive operations for self and team.
  • Performs SCUBA diving tasks to support exhibit maintenance, animal care, and monitor the overall maintenance efficacy, adhering to all safety and operational protocols.

Training and Enrichment
  • Applies enrichment principles to design and construct appropriate, goal-driven enrichment devices that support species-specific behaviors and welfare.
  • Develops and submits enrichment and training plans for approval, revising and refining them based on supervisor or veterinary feedback.
  • Implements animal and environmental enrichment, documenting outcomes and adjusting to ensure effectiveness and animal wellbeing.

Leadership, Team Communications and Operational Function
  • Applies critical thinking to identify early signs of animal care or operational issues and resolves routine concerns-such as feeding inconsistencies, exhibit upkeep needs, or emerging stress indicators-by selecting and implementing the appropriate established protocols.
  • Works under direct supervision while developing technical and professional skills, with no independent leadership or decision-making responsibilities.
  • Maintains compliance with all established safety and operational protocols, and any additional direction set by Assistant Curator.
  • Demonstrates advanced communication skills by providing verbal and written updates that are timely and clear to team members, supervisors, and veterinary staff on animal observations, concerns, and workflow, while ensuring accuracy and consistency.
  • Engages and guides volunteers, providing clear direction and support to ensure daily husbandry and operational objectives are completed to standard.
  • Actively participates in training and team learning to strengthen husbandry skills, applying coaching and feedback to advance knowledge and technical proficiency.
  • Assists with routine departmental projects with supervision and guidance while taking on limited independent project responsibilities as assigned.
  • Regularly demonstrates behaviors that are consistent with the "Lead with Love" philosophy.

Administrative Duties
  • Completes required documentation, logs, and Tracks entries accurately and on time; maintains competency in all forms of documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 4-year degree in related field and/or relevant and adequate experience at an AZA accredited institution.
  • 1 year of paid experience at an AZA accredited institution performing in a relevant role.
  • Open Water SCUBA certification.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening and background check
  • Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions
  • Physical strength, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potential dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g. goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.
WHAT YOU'LL GET:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vison insurances
  • 40 sick hours, 40 personal hours, 8 Holidays, 80 Vacation Hours annually
  • Profit Sharing and 401K Plan with company match
  • Free entrance for you and your dependents which extends to most Herschend Enterprises' properties
  • Earn 1 General Admission complimentary ticket, that you can give to anyone, per pay period
  • Discounts at Sharky's Café, Sweet Dreams Candy Company, and the gift shop
  • Discounted tickets and annual passes for friends and family
  • Training and development

You can expect to work on projects that have never been done before - ideas that are unproven, and concepts that make people smile. You can expect to have fun and be treated with respect the minute you start...and through to the end. You can expect to work in an environment that is highly innovative and low in politics - truthful and filled with smart people; all while providing the BEST GUEST EXPERIENCE IN THE NATION!
And most of all, you can expect to work hard and make a difference in our world by helping to bring families closer together.
Looking to pursue your education without debt? Grow U has hundreds of programs available from certifications to college prep to associates, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Most of these programs are fully funded. Learn more at: https://www.newportaquarium.com/Careers/Benefits/GrowU
Newport Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Enterprises, prides itself on creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values - greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and constantly improving - give us purpose and guidance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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