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Shedd Aquarium

Benefits Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

At Shedd Aquarium, we have a vision of a world thriving with aquatic life, sustained by people who love, understand, and protect it. To get there, we need exceptionally talented and driven people. We ...

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What are some common challenges faced by Shedd Aquarium staff working in animal care roles?

Staff in animal care roles at Shedd Aquarium often face challenges such as maintaining rigorous standards for animal health and habitat cleanliness, adapting to rapidly changing situations with animal behavior, and collaborating closely with veterinarians and other specialists. The work can be physically demanding and requires strong attention to detail, as well as the ability to follow strict protocols. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as staff must coordinate daily routines, enrichment activities, and emergency responses to ensure the well-being of all animals in their care.

What are Shedd?

Shedd is not a widely recognized job title in most professional contexts. If you are referring to 'Shedd' as a company, such as the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, then employees may be referred to as Shedd staff or associates. Otherwise, if you are referring to another context, more information may be needed to clarify the job role associated with the term 'Shedd.'

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Shedd Aquarium employee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an employee at Shedd Aquarium, you generally need a background in biology, zoology, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with animal care systems, aquarium management software, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong teamwork, public communication, and problem-solving skills are crucial for engaging with visitors and supporting conservation initiatives. These competencies ensure the well-being of aquatic animals, effective educational outreach, and a positive experience for guests.
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Infographic showing various Shedd job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
(Sr.) Aquarist, Tropical Marine Invertebrates

(Sr.) Aquarist, Tropical Marine Invertebrates

Shedd Aquarium

Chicago, IL • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 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 35 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

TITLE: (Sr.)Aquarist, Tropical Marine Invertebrates
DEPARTMENT: Aquarium Team
REPORTS TO: Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability
STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt
PAY RATE: $26.00 - $28.00/hour; (Sr.) $30.00 - $35.00/hour
LOCATION: Chicago, IL. - Onsite
We are open to hiring at either the Aquarist or Senior Aquarist level. Placement will be determined based on demonstrated experience, scope of past work, leadership, and ability to independently manage complex creative projects.
Time Commitment:
  • Orientation (First Week): Monday-Friday
  • Onboarding & Training (1 Month Minimum): Thursday-Monday
  • Regular Schedule (Ongoing): Sunday - Thursday.
POSITION OVERVIEW: This Aquarist is responsible for the daily husbandry, care, and welfare of a diverse collection of tropical marine invertebrates and reef fishes, including cnidarians, crustaceans, gastropods, cephalopods, and marine teleosts. Working as part of a collaborative team, the role supports Shedd Aquarium's living reef, Indo-Pacific coral, cuttlefish, and mixed marine habitats.
A key focus of this position is the care and propagation of Shedd Aquarium's coral collection through water quality management, routine health assessments, culture and propagation, enrichment, and support of veterinary procedures. This role contributes to advancing Shedd's standards for animal welfare, coral conservation, and exceptional guest experiences.
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.
Core Responsibilities
  • Demonstrate commitment to Shedd Aquarium's vision, mission, and values.
  • Achieve assigned operational goals and support the daily care and wellbeing of the animal collection.
  • Provide high-quality husbandry, including diet preparation, feeding, enrichment, behavioral observations, recordkeeping, and habitat maintenance.
  • Maintain accurate animal records using TRACKS and communicate observations, concerns, and updates in a timely manner.
  • Provide primary care for Shedd Aquarium's coral collection and maintain tropical marine invertebrate habitats, supporting collection planning and animal wellbeing.
  • Maintain front-of-house habitats and back-of-house areas at inspection-ready standards.
  • Collaborate with Animal Health to support preventative care, assessments, and treatments.
  • Perform routine maintenance on equipment and habitats, identifying and reporting larger maintenance needs.
  • Supervise, coach, and support interns and volunteers, providing feedback and accountability.
  • Collaborate across the Aquarium Leadership Team and Animal Care Leadership Team to support animal training, nutrition, enrichment, and departmental goals.
  • Develop expertise in assigned animal groups, husbandry techniques, and emerging animal care practices, applying continuous learning to improve animal welfare.
  • Evaluate work practices and recommend improvements that enhance animal care, operational efficiency, and team effectiveness.
  • Support coworkers and collaborate across divisions to achieve organizational priorities.
  • Maintain compliance with applicable safety, legal, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards.
  • Participate in required meetings, organizational initiatives, and Shedd's DEAI commitments.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities at the Senior Level
  • Take primary ownership of designated habitats, collections, programs, or operational responsibilities, ensuring consistent, high-quality execution.
  • Serve as a role model by demonstrating excellence in animal care, professionalism, collaboration, and safety.
  • Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to Aquarists, interns, and volunteers.
  • Apply advanced knowledge of habitat systems and husbandry practices to troubleshoot issues, improve operations, and support departmental success.
  • Lead assigned projects, programs, or operational initiatives while helping coordinate priorities and maintain consistent standards across the department.
  • Promote knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and operational continuity across the Aquarium Team.

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 1+ years of experience providing aquatic animal care in an accredited zoo or aquarium.
  • Experience caring for marine teleosts and marine invertebrates, including corals.
  • Knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry, training, enrichment, and collection planning.
  • Working knowledge of water chemistry and water quality management for marine systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to safely care for and handle aquatic animals.

Additional Qualifications for Senior Consideration
  • 3+ years of experience providing aquatic animal care in an accredited zoo or aquarium.
  • Demonstrated experience caring for marine teleosts and marine invertebrates, with advanced experience supporting coral collections.
  • Proven ability to independently manage complex animal care responsibilities, habitat operations, and departmental priorities.
  • Broad knowledge of aquatic habitat systems and the ability to troubleshoot issues and improve operations across multiple program areas.
  • Experience mentoring, coaching, or providing day-to-day guidance to team members.
  • Demonstrated ownership of departmental programs, operational functions, projects, or cross-functional initiatives.
  • Strong judgment, initiative, and decision-making skills with the ability to balance team, animal care, and organizational priorities.

Certifications:
  • Must possess a valid driver's license or obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
  • Must possess a valid passport or obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
  • Must possess a minimum of open water SCUBA certification. Employment contingent upon passing a dive physical and checkout swim test protocol administered by Shedd Aquarium's Dive Operations.

Physical Readiness:
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

Working 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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