Position Summary
The Biologist 1 position will be expected to execute routine husbandry in the area to which they are assigned. This position is expected to play a supportive role in caring for and managing The Florida Aquarium’s (TFA) Wetlands collection. This includes food preparation and feeding, habitat maintenance, LSS maintenance/ operation, and recognizing indications of illness or abnormal behavior. They will develop skillsets both independently, and as part of a team, in providing the highest level of animal care. This position is expected to work a minimum of 28 hours per week.
Essential Position Functions
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Performs general daily husbandry functions including the maintenance of live exhibits, holding systems and quarantine facilities at a high level of quality
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Develops and demonstrates acumen in universally accepted aquarium husbandry skill areas including:
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Bird, Reptile, and Fresh and Marine organism handling, transport, acclimation and care
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Animal quarantine, clinical treatments and marine animal health
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Aquarium Life Support Systems (LSS) operation and maintenance
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Live exhibit maintenance
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Ensures accurate animal record keeping through consistent utilization of electronic record keeping system (Tracks)
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Assure behavior meets the TFA’s values of Respect, Trust and Excellence
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Interacts with Aquarium guests, donors and team members in a positive and professional manner
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Maintain Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) inspection readiness for exhibit, service, holding, and backup areas
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Communicates ideas for exhibit improvements and modifications independently
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Executes behavior shaping plans for aquatic and terrestrial animals
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Identifies and solves obstacles with projects and tasks in a team setting
Secondary Functions
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Maintains tools and equipment necessary for the care of the collection
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Follows Animal Care Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
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Works with volunteers and interns within scope of position
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Participates in meetings with curators, biologists, and other Aquarium departments
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All other duties as required
Education, Requirements, and Technical Skills
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Previous experience in a facility working with terrestrial and aquatic organisms, including but not limited to birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fishes, and plants preferred
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Knowledge of habitat requirements, including Life Support Systems and Water Quality parameters for aquatic and terrestrial species preferred
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Knowledge of animal record keeping systems (ZIMS/Tracks) preferred
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Knowledge of Windows and Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
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Must be willing and able to obtain a valid State of Florida Driver’s License
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Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays
Competencies
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Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs. Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility. Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.
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Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork — Support, facilitate, and participate in activities that promote team effectiveness; demonstrate sensitivity for the feelings and needs of team members and support team goals.
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Communication (oral and written) — Effectively express ideas verbally and non-verbally and actively listen to individuals and groups; prepare and focus presentations to the characteristics and needs of the audience; express ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.
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Concern for Detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item.
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Work Standards—Applies high performance standards to all work-related activities.
Typical Physical Requirements
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Standing (up to 4 hours per day)
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Walking (up to 4 hours per day)
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Bending/Stooping/Squatting/Kneeling/Balancing — Frequently
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Crouching/Crawling — Occasionally
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Sitting (up to 2 hours per day)
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Climbing heights (12’) — Frequently
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Reaching above shoulders — Frequently
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Pushing/Pulling — Frequently
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Carrying (up to 70 lbs.) — Occasionally
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Lifting (up to 70 lbs.) — Occasionally
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Using hands for repetitive movements — fine manipulating
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Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
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Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment) so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained
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Operating machinery
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Ability to travel as needed — locally and/or nationally
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Ability to operate in the field
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Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate