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Full Time Aquarium Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National Aquarium

Life Support Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$17.64 - $22.74/hr

Life Support Schedule: Full Time Job Type: On-site Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202 JOB SUMMARY: The National Aquarium is seeking a Life Support Engineer (LSE) to ...

National Aquarium

Facilities Technician

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$21.78 - $27.67/hr

Facilities Schedule: Full Time Job Type: On-site Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202/ACRC 901 E. Fayette St Baltimore, MD 21202/Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 ...

National Aquarium

Veterinary Technician

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$18.27 - $24.87/hr

Animal Health Schedule: Full Time Job Type: On-site Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202/ACRC 901 E. Fayette St Baltimore, MD 21202 National Aquarium is seeking a ...

Aquarium

Biologist

Houston, TX

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 ...

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How much do full time aquarium jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time aquarium in the United States is $18.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.74 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Full Time Aquarium vs Full Time Marine Biologist?

AspectFull Time AquariumFull Time Marine Biologist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in animal careBachelor's or higher in Marine Biology or related field; advanced certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic aquariums, zoos, or marine centers; indoor facilitiesResearch labs, fieldwork at marine sites, universities
Job FocusAnimal care, exhibit maintenance, visitor educationResearch, conservation, scientific study of marine life

Full Time Aquarium roles focus on animal care and public education within aquarium settings, requiring certifications in animal handling. Full Time Marine Biologists conduct research and conservation work, often with higher educational requirements. Both roles are vital in marine environments but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

What does a full time aquarium employee do?

A full time aquarium employee typically works at a public or private aquarium, performing tasks such as caring for aquatic animals, maintaining tanks, monitoring water quality, and educating visitors. Their responsibilities may include feeding fish and other marine creatures, cleaning exhibits, assisting with animal health checks, and helping with conservation or research projects. They often work as part of a team to ensure the well-being of the animals and the smooth operation of the aquarium facility. Some roles may also involve administrative or customer service duties, depending on the size and scope of the aquarium.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aquarium technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aquarium Technician, you need knowledge of aquatic biology, water chemistry, and animal husbandry, often supported by a degree in marine biology or a related field. Familiarity with water testing kits, filtration systems, and aquarium maintenance equipment is essential, and certifications like SCUBA may be required for larger installations. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help in monitoring animal health and coordinating with team members or clients. These skills ensure the well-being of aquatic life, maintain optimal tank environments, and support smooth daily operations.

What are some common challenges faced by full-time aquarists, and how can they be addressed?

Full-time aquarists often manage the delicate balance of maintaining optimal water quality, ensuring the health of aquatic species, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Challenges can include sudden changes in water parameters, disease outbreaks, and the need to coordinate with veterinary staff and other team members for animal care. Staying proactive with routine testing, thorough record-keeping, and open communication with colleagues helps address these challenges. Additionally, ongoing education about aquatic husbandry practices supports both animal welfare and professional growth.
More about Full Time Aquarium jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Aquarium jobs? The most popular types of Aquarium jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Aquarium jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Aquarium jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Full Time Aquarium jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Full Time Aquarium jobs are:
Full Time Aquarium jobs near you

Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability

Shedd Aquarium

Chicago, IL • On-site

$32 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Shedd Aquarium rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 37 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

TITLE: Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability
DEPARTMENT: Aquarium
REPORTS TO: Manager, Saltwater Habitats
STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt
PAY RATE: $32.00 - $34.00/hour
LOCATION: Chicago, IL, Onsite
Shedd Aquarium is committed to the highest standards of animal care and welfare, fostering meaningful public engagement through an "animals-first" approach. We create complex environments and use innovative training to promote natural behaviors.
POSITION OVERVIEW: The Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability oversees the daily care, welfare, and management of Shedd Aquarium's live food culture programs, larval fish and invertebrate development initiatives, and specialized marine exhibits. Reporting to the Manager of Saltwater Habitats, this position balances hands-on animal husbandry with team leadership, predominantly working alongside aquarists while supervising daily operations, developing staff, and advancing Shedd's aquaculture goals. The Supervisor leads a team responsible for the care of a diverse collection of marine organisms, including teleost marine fishes, syngnathids, cold-water invertebrates, sea jellies, and live food cultures such as phytoplankton, copepods, mysid shrimp, and Artemia. The supervisor provides leadership for the Aquarium's internal and collaborative AZA collection sustainability priorities.
This position works closely with their manager and the rest of their team - 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. They will work with the Conservation and Research Team to advance in-situ and ex situ research goals. 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 support of the aquarium's SCUBA diving program as directed by the Dive Program Manager.
The Supervisor is expected to serve as a leader in the Animal Care and Science Division. They embody inter-departmental productivity and participation in strategies to meet institutional objectives and initiatives requiring support of the Animal Care Department and serve as an aquarium spokesperson as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Hands-on Animal Husbandry (approximately 32-36 hours per week):
  • Perform daily feedings, health checks, and behavioral observations on all species to ensure their health and well-being.
  • Conduct routine cleaning, water quality monitoring, and life support system adjustments to maintain optimal habitat conditions.
  • Implement and document animal training programs using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage natural behaviors and mental stimulation.
  • Maintain accurate logs of animal health, training sessions, feedings, and habitat conditions using Shedd's animal management software.
  • Perform scheduled dives for habitat cleaning, maintenance, and animal care within exhibits as needed.
  • Assist with animal transports, acclimations, and habitat introductions, following established protocols.
  • Conduct feeding demonstrations, assist in educational presentations, and provide behind-the-scenes tours as needed to enhance guest experiences.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory (approximately 4-8 hours per week)
  • Support the onboarding, training, and development of aquarist team members; guide daily tasks and ensure best practices in animal care.
  • Conduct weekly 1:1 check-ins with aquarists, document performance, and assist in creating professional development plans.
  • Prepares Performance Assessments for their direct reports to be completed and delivered in collaboration with the Manager.
  • Assist the Manager with supply orders, inventory tracking, and departmental reporting.
  • Ensure adherence to accreditation standards and regulatory requirements in collaboration with the Manager.
  • Support initiatives involving Conservation, Research, Animal Health, Facilities, and Guest Relations teams to align with Shedd's mission.
  • Participate in daily team meetings and bi-weekly meetings with the Manager to discuss operational updates and project needs.
  • Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education: Bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology, animal science, a related field, or demonstrated equivalent knowledge.
Experience:
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in animal husbandry, with knowledge of modern aquaculture practices and larval fish and marine invertebrate rearing techniques.
  • Proven track record in the care, handling, and behavioral training of animals.
  • Familiarity with life support systems, water quality management, and veterinary protocols.
  • Familiarity with collection planning, sustainability initiatives, and conservation priorities in an aquarium setting.
  • Familiarity with regulatory standards for animal care, including transport and accreditation requirements.
  • Ability to effectively present information to all One Shedd team members.
  • Ability to lead, inspire, and manage people.
  • Ability to execute department planning and strategy.
  • Ability to understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas.
  • Ability to understand and employ intermediate-level accounting mathematics.
  • Ability to evaluate and recommend behavioral solutions for optimal welfare and sustainability of animals in Shedd's care.
  • Ability to plan for development of animals in Shedd's care for public engagement, sustainability, and research.
  • Ability to develop and manage a department budget.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
  • Proficiency in the use of animal management software such as TRACKs.
  • Ability to learn multiple software applications for accounting, employee management, and interdepartmental business operations.

SPECIAL SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS:
  • Proficient in record-keeping and animal management software.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities with a focus on critical thinking in a dynamic environment.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
  • Proficient in using animal management software for accurate record-keeping and reporting.
  • Flexibility to work weekends and holidays, and adjust schedules as needed.
  • Commitment to Shedd's mission, vision, and values, with a passion for conservation.

CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Must possess a valid driver's license or can obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
  • Must possess a valid passport or be able to obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
  • Must possess a minimum of open water SCUBA certification. Employment is contingent upon passing a dive physical and check-out protocol administered by Shedd Aquarium's Dive Operations.
  • Must possess AALSO Operator 1 and AALSO Water Quality 1 Certificate or can obtain within 12 months from the start of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
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

WORK 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 Leave and Adoption Assistance
  • 401(k)
  • Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive
  • Employee Discounts
  • Employee Tickets
Reasonable Accommodations:
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org.
We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

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