Salary: $25.52 Hourly
Location : Gumbo Limbo, Boca Raton, FL
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 04716
Department: Recreation Services - BPD
Division: Gumbo Limbo 64/31032
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 7/6/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: U
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General Statement of Job:
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center has multiple aquariums on site, including four large outdoor tanks, as well as numerous smaller systems. All of the animals at Gumbo Limbo are native to our area and provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to learn more about conservation of marine and coastal habitats.
The Gumbo Limbo Aquarist provides daily care to all animals on site. This includes all fish in the aquariums as well as terrestrial animals including snakes, tortoises, turtles, insects, arachnids, and others. All work is done according to the most updated industry approved husbandry practices. This work includes the daily upkeep of exhibit tanks, habitats, and enclosures and the related life support systems, water quality, and workspaces.
The Aquarist participates in the acquisition, transport, quarantine and acclimation of new animals. In addition, this position assists with establishing protocols for animal care and handling, prepares daily diets, and observes behavior and health of all animals on site. Assists with design, construction, and repair of animal habitats. The aquarist also assists with the maintenance of the open flow seawater pumping system at Red Reef Park. Work is performed under general supervision of the Senior Aquarist.
Essential Functions
Essential Functions
- Maintains aesthetics of all aquatic exhibits including but not limited to; the viewing surface, adding and removing specimens, proper lighting, and habitat development and maintenance.
- Monitors performance and troubleshoots water intake equipment and pumps; repairs and replaces City owned equipment as necessary and communicates problems/failure of equipment to appropriate personnel.
- Maintains water quality by frequent water testing; cleans tanks and makes repairs to pipes and related valves, drains, etc.
- Performs general aquarium and quarantine maintenance without direct supervision.
- Assists in acquiring required specimens after identifying sources and permits.
- Assists in transport, quarantine, acclimation, and introduction of specimens into exhibits.
- Working with the veterinary team and Senior Aquarist, determines and documents the dietary needs of specimens; prepares food and feeds specimens.
- Examines and observes animals to detect signs of illness, disease, or injury; uses animal disease control techniques; maintains and records animal health by observing and diagnosing health issues.
- Performs necropsies and administers medications under supervision of Senior Aquarist or veterinarian.
- Responds to questions from patrons and volunteers to provide information about animals including behavior, habitat, breeding habits, or facility activities.
- Assists in the coordination, scheduling, training and supervision of volunteers.
- Works with Exhibits Coordinator and Senior Aquarist to develop interpretive educational media for the exhibits.
RELATED TASKS:
- Inspects equipment and investigates problems; makes recommendations on technical matters.
- Develops Standard Operating Procedures and protocols for animal husbandry, tank maintenance, and life support maintenance including scheduled maintenance and preventative maintenance needs.
- Provides specifications for materials, parts, and equipment.
- Orders materials and maintains inventories.
- Assists with training, education, and media relations, including staff, volunteers, school classes, camp participants and interns.
- Prepares and conducts presentations for visitors and group tours.
- Assists in opening and closing of the facility
- Keeps and organizes appropriate records.
- Performs related tasks as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Proper function and care of saltwater display tanks and related pumping/flow/drainage systems used to support water clarity
- Husbandry tasks related to marine and terrestrial life under the Center's care
- Saltwater tank repair and cleaning
- Nutritional needs of the animals in care
Skilled in:
- Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office Suite, Windows, Internet and Email.
- Exhibitory skills, including maintaining professional and engaging displays
- Observational skills for identifying signs of illness or injury in specimens
Ability to:
- Handle husbandry tasks related to marine and terrestrial life
- Repair and clean saltwater tanks
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with co-workers, volunteers, and the general public.
Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Marine Science, or a related biological field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience.
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with medium- to large-scale aquariums (5,000-30,000 gallons).
- Experience with filtration system design, installation, and repair.
- Experience working with a diverse range of aquatic species, including freshwater and saltwater fish and invertebrates.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of Florida marine life
- Experience delivering educational presentations to the public
Additional experience is accepted as a minimum requirement in lieu of the postsecondary degree on the following basis: an additional four (4) years in lieu of the bachelor's degree, and an additional two (2) years in lieu of an associate degree.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid State of Florida Class "E" driver's license with no more than six (6) points within the past three (3) years.
- Open Water SCUBA certification.
- CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration certifications required within three (3) months of hire.
POST OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:
Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:
- Criminal Background Check
- Employment Verification
- Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) Check
- Certification/License Verification
- Physical Examination
- Drug and Alcohol Screening
Physical and Environmental Demands and Conditions
The environmental conditions and physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Continuously ascend or descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
- Continuously move self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
- Occasionally remain in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods.
- Continuously move about within the immediate work area to accomplish tasks.
- Occasionally move from one worksite to another.
- Occasionally adjust or move objects up to 30 pounds in all directions.
- Continuously communicate with others to exchange information.
- Continuously repeat motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
- Continuously operate a computer and other equipment using motions requiring manual dexterity or fine motor skills.
- Occasionally operate machinery and/or power tools.
- Occasionally operate motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
- Continuously assess the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
- Continuously observe details accurately and identify variances.
- Occasionally lift/carry objects 50 pounds or less.
- Occasionally push/pull objects 50 pounds or less.
- Occasionally work in a normal office environment with few physical discomforts.
- Continuously work in an area that is somewhat uncomfortable due to drafts, noise, temperature variation or the like.
- Occasionally work in an area that is very uncomfortable due to extreme temperature, noise levels, or other environmental conditions.
- Continuously work in an outdoor area where exposure to animals, reptiles and/or insects may occur.
- Continuously work with equipment or perform procedures where carelessness would probably result in minor cuts, bruises or muscle pulls.
- Continuously have regular in office/onsite attendance.
Essential Employee Designation
When normal operations of City departments are suspended or interrupted due to a declaration that a state of emergency exists, any employee may be deemed essential by the City. For the preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail, employees deemed necessary shall be required to work.
The City of Boca Raton is an Equal Opportunity, Inclusive, Veteran's Preference Employer and Drug Free Workplace. It is the policy of the City of Boca Raton to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
CITY OF BOCA RATON - BENEFITS SUMMARY
Part-Time Employees
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: To be eligible to receive Paid Leave and to contribute to the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, a part-time employee must have worked at least 1,040 hours in the prior fiscal year
PAID LEAVE: Employees who work a minimum of 1,040 hours per fiscal year will receive twelve (12) hours of Paid Leave on October 1st. This Paid Leave shall be used no later than September 30th of that fiscal year or it will be forfeited. These hours may not accumulate and may only be granted with the approval of the employee's supervisor. This paid leave has no cash value at separation of employment.
MISSION SQUARE 457 DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees who work a minimum of 1,040 hours per fiscal year will be allowed to participate in the 457 Deferred Compensation Plan. The City will not provide any matching funds.
01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?
02
Do you possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license with no more than six (6) points in the last three (3) years prior to employment? - Or are you able to obtain within thirty (30) days of hire?NOTE: You must attach proof of a valid license with your application. Failure to do so may result in your application being marked as incomplete and removed from consideration.
- Yes, I have a valid Florida driver's license - a valid driver's license with no more than six (6) points in the last three (3) years prior to employment
- No, I do not have a Florida driver's license but can obtain within thirty (30) days of hire
- No, I do not have a Florida driver's license and cannot obtain within thirty (30) days of hire
03
What is the highest level of education you have completed?NOTE: You must attach proof (diploma or degree or transcripts) of highest education completed with your application. Failure to do so may result in your application being marked as incomplete and removed from consideration.
- Less than High School
- High School Diploma or GED
- Trade or Vocational School
- Associates Degree or 60 credits of college courses
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree
04
Do you possess a bachelor's degree in Biology, Marine Science, or a related biological field? If no, do you possess relevant industry experience that may qualify as an equivalent combination of education and experience?
- I possess a bachelor's degree in biology.
- I possess a bachelor's degree in Marine Science.
- I possess a bachelor's degree in a related biological field.
- I do not possess a bachelor's degree, but I have an equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience.
- None of the above
05
If you selected that you have relevant industry experience that may qualify as an equivalent combination of education and experience, please describe your experience in detail, including your employer(s), job title(s), dates of employment, and the duties and responsibilities that demonstrate your qualifications for this position.
06
How many years of experience do you have working with medium-
