Aquarist - Lakes, Rivers, Coasts

• Orientation (First Week): Monday–Friday
• Onboarding & Training (1 Month Minimum): Thursday–Monday
• Regular Schedule (Ongoing): Sunday - Thursday.

TheAquarist,Lakes, Rivers, Coasts,reports to theManagerofFreshwater and Temperate Marine Habitats andperformsthe daily husbandryofShedd Aquarium's collection, with a specific focus onTemperate Marine habitatcare.This rolealsoparticipatesin thecare of otheranimalsunder thedepartment’s responsiblerole as needed.The Aquaristwill assumeprimaryresponsibility forhabitats and animals assigned to them, which may includecold waterInvertebrates such as sea stars, Giant Pacific Octopus,andanemones, along with an array of temperateteleost andanimals inourkelp forest habitat.This Aquarist position will have the opportunity to work in a space with new habitats,temperateanimalspecies, and programsin the upcoming new gallery.

This position works closely with theirManagerandthe rest of theirteam – along with Animal Health, Environmental Quality, and Facilities – to ensure the smooth and effective operationsinvolving animalsandhabitats, especially as they relate totheplanning,husbandry, andwelfare.They willalso work with the Conservation and ResearchTeamto 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.

Aquarists arelearningto serve asleadersin the Animal Care and ScienceDivision. TheywillassistSenior Aquarists and Managers withinter-departmental productivityandparticipationinstrategies to meet institutionalobjectivesand initiatives requiring support of theAnimal Care Department, andmay get the opportunity toserve as an aquarium spokespersonwhen ready.

• Demonstratescommitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values.
• Achievesgoals andobjectivesassignedfor short-term and long-term operations.
• Producesandmaintainsgoodanimal records in accordancewith Aquarium Team standards and as directed by the Manager,including the use ofTRACKsanimal record keeping software.
• Prepares diets and feedsanimalsto meet theirnutritionalrequirementsas assigned.
• Develops,applies, and recordsenrichment for animalsto meet theirpsychological requirements as assigned.
• Maintains front-of-house habitats at an inspection level of readiness.
• Maintainsback-of-house areas andhabitatsat aninspection level of readiness.
• Worksproactivelywith Animal Healthto provideoptimalanimal care, assessment, and treatment as needed.
• Assistsin animal treatments and procedures asrequired.
• Performsminor maintenance/repair on gear, tanks, or supplies needed for the section.
• Identifiesmajor maintenance/repair problems in any section and reportsthroughtheir manager.
• Providestimelycommunication to the managerand coveredstaff members. 
• Maintains awareness and communicationexpectationsby checking emaildaily, along with anyadditionalplatforms used by the Animal Care departments.  
• Maintains dailyanimalobservations,records,andreportsany abnormal behavior or appearance.
• Provides training and development of skills for junior andsecondaryAquarists.
• Manages the daily work ofinterns and volunteers,including evaluating performance, coaching, advancement, and accountability.
• Workseffectively with the AquariumLeadership Team to achieve strategicgoals andobjectivesof theAnimal Care and Science Division.
• Demonstratesgain ofknowledge of all the primary animal groups cared for by the Aquarium team.
• Works with the Animal Care Leadership team to ensureproper animal training,enrichment, and nutritionforanimals.
• Demonstratesgain ofknowledge andunderstanding of modern husbandry techniques and a thorough understanding of the use of emerging science to advance animal care and welfare.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of practices and procedures and recommends improvements.
• Provides support forcoworkers in their responsible roles as needed.
• Maintainslegal compliance measures such as tracking of respirator use, adherence to OSHA standards, etc.
• Participatesin1-on-1, teammeetings,department meetings, division meetings, and OneShedd meetings.
• Participates in Shedd’s DEAI objectives. 
• Workswith otherdivisions asassignedto meetstrategicobjectives.
• Begins to liaise with professional colleagues as a representative of the aquarium.
• Assistsin the continuousdevelopmentand implementation ofanimal care and sustainability innovations.
• Providesprimary care and planning for Shedd Aquarium’sTemperate Marinecollection, including:
  • Stays current onTemperate Marineteleostand invertebratecarepracticesandtechnology advancements. 
  • MaintainsallTemperateMarinehabitats,assistingwith choosing species for display. 
  • Responsible for the overall husbandry ofTemperate Marinesystems, including lighting, flow, water quality, andanimalcondition. 
  • Ensuresprimary animalsthroughout the aquarium are kept to Shedd Aquarium’s standards of well-being, andmaintaingood body condition 
  • Long-term planning to ensure all displays and experiences are always appropriatelypopulatedin accordance withthe Institutional Collection Plan. 
  • Assistsin the setup of newTemperate Marinehabitats. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Education: Bachelor’s degreein marine sciences, biology, zoology, or related field (ordemonstratedcomparable knowledge).

Experience:

• 1+ years of experience in animal care at an accredited zoo or aquarium with a focus on aquatic animals.
• 1+years of experiencecaring fortemperate marine invertebrates.
• 1+years of experiencecaring fortemperate marine teleost.
• Knowledge of water chemistry and quality as they pertain to living marine systems.
• Knowledge of proper animal care, training, and enrichment.
• Knowledge of collection planning processes.
• Demonstrated success in careand handlingof aquatic animals,with a focusoncold-water species.

Certifications:

• Mustpossessa valid driver's licenseorobtain one within 6 months from the startof employment.
• Mustpossessa valid passportorobtain one within 6 months from the startof employment.
• Mustpossessaminimum ofopen water SCUBA certification. Employment contingent upon passing a dive physical and check outswim testprotocol 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 Leaveand Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program, including Preventive Care Incentive
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Tickets