(Sr.) Aquarist, Tropical Marine Invertebrates

\t\t\t\t\t

John G. Shedd Aquarium

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

(Sr.) Aquarist, Tropical Marine Invertebrates

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

DEPARTMENT: Aquarium Team

\t\t\t\t\tREPORTS TO: Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability

\t\t\t\t\tSTATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt

\t\t\t\t\tPAY RATE: $26.00 - $28.00/hour; (Sr.) $30.00 - $35.00/hour

\t\t\t\t\tLOCATION: Chicago, IL. - Onsite

\t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\tWe 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.

\t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\tTime Commitment: \t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Orientation (First Week): Monday-Friday

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Onboarding & Training (1 Month Minimum): Thursday-Monday

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Regular Schedule (Ongoing): Sunday - Thursday.

\t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\tPOSITION 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. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

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.

\t\t\t\t\tESSENTIAL 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. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\tCore Responsibilities

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd Aquarium\s vision, mission, and values.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Achieve assigned operational goals and support the daily care and wellbeing of the animal collection.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Provide high-quality husbandry, including diet preparation, feeding, enrichment, behavioral observations, recordkeeping, and habitat maintenance.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Maintain accurate animal records using TRACKS and communicate observations, concerns, and updates in a timely manner.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Provide primary care for Shedd Aquarium\s coral collection and maintain tropical marine invertebrate habitats, supporting collection planning and animal wellbeing.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Maintain front-of-house habitats and back-of-house areas at inspection-ready standards.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Collaborate with Animal Health to support preventative care, assessments, and treatments.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Perform routine maintenance on equipment and habitats, identifying and reporting larger maintenance needs.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Supervise, coach, and support interns and volunteers, providing feedback and accountability.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Collaborate across the Aquarium Leadership Team and Animal Care Leadership Team to support animal training, nutrition, enrichment, and departmental goals.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Develop expertise in assigned animal groups, husbandry techniques, and emerging animal care practices, applying continuous learning to improve animal welfare.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Evaluate work practices and recommend improvements that enhance animal care, operational efficiency, and team effectiveness.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Support coworkers and collaborate across divisions to achieve organizational priorities.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Maintain compliance with applicable safety, legal, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Participate in required meetings, organizational initiatives, and Shedd\s DEAI commitments.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Perform other duties as assigned.

\t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

Additional Responsibilities at the Senior Level

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Take primary ownership of designated habitats, collections, programs, or operational responsibilities, ensuring consistent, high-quality execution.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Serve as a role model by demonstrating excellence in animal care, professionalism, collaboration, and safety.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to Aquarists, interns, and volunteers.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Apply advanced knowledge of habitat systems and husbandry practices to troubleshoot issues, improve operations, and support departmental success.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Lead assigned projects, programs, or operational initiatives while helping coordinate priorities and maintain consistent standards across the department.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Promote knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and operational continuity across the Aquarium Team.

\t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

\t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\tMinimum Qualifications:

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Bachelor\s degree in marine biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• 1+ years of experience providing aquatic animal care in an accredited zoo or aquarium.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Experience caring for marine teleosts and marine invertebrates, including corals.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry, training, enrichment, and collection planning.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Working knowledge of water chemistry and water quality management for marine systems.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Demonstrated ability to safely care for and handle aquatic animals.

\t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

Additional Qualifications for Senior Consideration

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• 3+ years of experience providing aquatic animal care in an accredited zoo or aquarium.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Demonstrated experience caring for marine teleosts and marine invertebrates, with advanced experience supporting coral collections.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Proven ability to independently manage complex animal care responsibilities, habitat operations, and departmental priorities.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Broad knowledge of aquatic habitat systems and the ability to troubleshoot issues and improve operations across multiple program areas.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Experience mentoring, coaching, or providing day-to-day guidance to team members.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Demonstrated ownership of departmental programs, operational functions, projects, or cross-functional initiatives.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Strong judgment, initiative, and decision-making skills with the ability to balance team, animal care, and organizational priorities.

\t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

Certifications:

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Must possess a valid driver\s license or obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Must possess a valid passport or obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• 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.

\t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

Physical Readiness:

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

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.

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Lift up to 40 pounds

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Sit

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Stand

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Stoop

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Kneel

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Walk

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Swim

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Hear

\t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

Working Environment:

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

This person may be exposed to:

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Water

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Heat

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Cold

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Hazardous Chemicals

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Low noise

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Moderate Noise

\t\t\t\t\t\t

• Loud Noise

\t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

Further Comments

\t\t\t\t\t

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tMedical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options \t\t\t\t\tVision and Dental Insurance \t\t\t\t\tAccrued Paid Time Off \t\t\t\t\tUp to 12 Paid Holidays \t\t\t\t\tLife Insurance \t\t\t\t\tParental Leave and Adoption Assistance \t\t\t\t\t401(k) \t\t\t\t\tDiscounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies \t\t\t\t\tEmployee Assistance Program \t\t\t\t\tEmployee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive \t\t\t\t\tEmployee Discounts \t\t\t\t\tEmployee Tickets \t\t\t\t\tReasonable Accommodations: \t\t\t\t\tShedd 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. \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\tWe 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.

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

Salary

\t\t\t\t\t

$26.00 - $28.00/hour; (Sr.) $30.00 - $35.00/hour

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t

How to Apply

\t\t\t\t\t

Please apply directly through the job link - https://sheddaquarium.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a23xwy519ybr/aaam

\t\t\t\t\t

John G. Shedd Aquarium

1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Chicago, IL 60605

\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t Return to All Job Posts \t\t\t\t\t