Nature Center Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

LEAD AQUARIST

Maymont is a 100-acre historic estate and park, located in Richmond, Virginia, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation, committed to creating experiences that delight, educate and inspire its guests.

The Maymont Foundation is seeking a full-time Lead Aquarist. 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 systems, teaches public programs on aquarium operations and fish biology, and may work in animal care outside the Nature Center building as needed. This position will work closely with the Environmental Education department to ensure that animal needs for programs are met. Reports directly to the Sr. Manager of Zoology.

Essential Functions:

• Maintains health and appearance of all animals within the Nature Center such as fish, amphibians, reptiles (including venomous), raptors and mammals. This includes, but not limited to, making diets, feeding, cleaning, observation, enrichment and animal training using operant conditioning and positive reinforcement.
• Will act as a team lead for daily operations, projects, and programs.
• Maintains and reports supplies, feed, and medical inventory, which includes ordering and reporting.
• Maintains and/or coordinates with other aquarists for the maintenance of exhibit appearance.
• Will work closely with Director of Programming and Community Engagement, Sr. Manager of Zoology, and Manager of Environmental Education in regards to species acquisition and planning.
• May work in other animal areas such as the Children's Farm and Wildlife Habitats as needed.
• Performs and/or coordinates the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of life support systems (LSS)
• Maintains daily records including (but not limited to) inventory, animal health and water quality data.
• Will be responsible for training and supervising interns and volunteers.
• Will be responsible for budgeting a portion of the Program Supplies annual budget.
• Educates and informs individuals and groups through answering questions, programs, guiding behind-the-scenes tours, teaching workshops, supervising interns, volunteers, and students.
• Analyzes water samples for dissolved gases, nutrients, heavy metals, pH, salinity, temperature and medications to assure adequate water quality for animal health
• Researches data to properly understand and maintain the animals within area of responsibility.
• Participates in exhibit improvement, design and other planning.
• Must be flexible in schedule availability; weekends and some holidays will be required.
• Participates in community events as needed, which may be outside of regular work schedule.
• Assists with other duties and tasks as assigned.

Competencies:

• Must have SCUBA certification within six months employment. SCUBA certification prior to employment is preferred.
• Knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry to include disease and parasite control, animal nutrition, animal breeding, animal behavior and animal training.
• Understanding of biology, ecology, physics, and chemistry principles.
• Basic knowledge of electricity, plumbing and mechanical aspects of aquarium life support systems is preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers and Maymont visitors.
• Ability to follow detailed written or oral instructions.
• Must be willing to work weekend and holidays if required
• Will be required to pass scheduled Basic First Aid and CPR employer-provided training
• Must be knowledgeable about safety precautions and be willing to work with normal hazards associated with an animal care facility (for example: disinfectant chemicals, potential zoonotic diseases, being wet).
• Additional skills and abilities preferred: experience in animal restraint and handling, use of operant conditioning techniques, use of hand and gardening tools, power tools, personal computer, microscope, first aid equipment.
• Ability to pass a background check
• Valid drivers license with reliable transportation to/from Maymont

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ichthyology, marine science, zoology, or related natural science field preferred and two years of professional experience in a public aquarium, zoo or related facility utilizing life support systems
• Additionally, the ideal candidate will be familiar with various Virginia wildlife and well-versed in their captive care.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking and talking for extended periods
• Frequent climbing, bending, stooping and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work inside and outside in all-weather conditions throughout the year
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid-time-off and health, dental, vision, disability and life insurance.

FLSA Status: Full-Time Hourly

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Maymont Foundation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

** Ability to pass a background check needed