Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability

This position works closely with their manager and the rest of their team – along with Animal Health, Environmental Quality, and Facilities – to ensure the smooth and effective operations involving animals and habitats, especially as they relate to the planning, husbandry and welfare. They will work with the Conservation and Research Team to 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.    

The Supervisor is expected to serve as a leader in the Animal Care and Science Division. They embody inter-departmental productivity and participation in strategies to meet institutional objectives and initiatives requiring support of the Animal Care Department and serve as an aquarium spokesperson as needed.    

• Perform daily feedings, health checks, and behavioral observations on all species to ensure their health and well-being.
• Conduct routine cleaning, water quality monitoring, and life support system adjustments tomaintainoptimalhabitat conditions.
• Implement and document animal training programs using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage natural behaviors and mental stimulation.
• Maintainaccuratelogs of animal health, training sessions, feedings, and habitat conditions using Shedd’s animal management software.
• Perform scheduled dives for habitat cleaning, maintenance, and animal care within exhibitsas needed.
• Assistwith animaltransports, acclimations, and habitat introductions, following established protocols.
• Conduct feeding demonstrations,assistin educational presentations, and provide behind-the-scenes tours as needed to enhance guest experiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Support the onboarding, training, and development of aquarist team members; guide daily tasks and ensure best practices in animal care.
• Conduct weekly 1:1 check-ins with aquarists, document performance, andassistin creating professional development plans.
• Prepares Performance Assessments for their direct reports to be completed and delivered in collaboration with the Manager.
• Assist the Manager with supply orders, inventory tracking, and departmental reporting.
• Ensure adherence to accreditation standards and regulatory requirements in collaboration with the Manager.
• Support initiatives involving Conservation, Research, Animal Health, Facilities, and Guest Relations teams to align with Shedd’s mission.
• Participate in daily team meetings and bi-weekly meetings with the Manager to discuss operational updates and project needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in animal husbandry, with knowledge of modern aquaculture practices and larval fish and marine invertebrate rearingtechniques.
• Proventrack recordin the care, handling, and behavioral training of animals.
• Familiarity with life support systems, water quality management, and veterinary protocols.
• Familiarity with collection planning, sustainability initiatives, and conservation priorities in an aquarium setting.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards for animal care, including transport and accreditation requirements.
• Ability to effectively present information to all One Shedd team members.
• Ability to lead, inspire, and manage people.
• Ability to execute department planning and strategy.
• Ability to understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas.
• Ability to understand and employ intermediate-level accounting mathematics.
• Ability to evaluate and recommend behavioral solutions foroptimalwelfare and sustainability of animals in Shedd’s care.
• Ability to plan fordevelopmentof animals in Shedd’s care for public engagement, sustainability, and research.
• Ability to develop and manage a department budget.
• Proficiencyin Microsoft Office programs.
• Proficiencyin theuse of animal management software such as TRACKs.
• Ability to learn multiple software applications for accounting, employee management, and interdepartmental business operations.

SPECIAL SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS:

• Proficient in record-keeping and animal management software.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a focus on critical thinking in a dynamic environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Proficient in using animal management software foraccuraterecord-keeping and reporting.
• Flexibility to workweekends andholidays, and adjust schedules as needed.
• Commitment to Shedd's mission, vision, and values, with a passion for conservation.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Mustpossessa valid driver's licenseor canobtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
• Mustpossessa valid passportor be able to obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
• Mustpossessaminimum ofopen water SCUBA certification. Employment is contingent upon passing a dive physical and check-out protocol administered by Shedd Aquarium's Dive Operations.
• Must possess AALSO Operator 1 and AALSO Water Quality 1 Certificateor canobtain within 12 months from the start of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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

WORK 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

• 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