#120121 Aquarist - Penguins

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the non-profit public exploration center for world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, earth and ocean science and features five-dozen interactive elements. Birch Aquarium has an annual attendance of more than 460,000. The aquarium is the largest K-12 ocean science education provider in San Diego County, reaching more than 55,000 school children each year through its on-site and off-site programs.

At the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, we connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet. As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, we share the spirit of curiosity that drives Scripps’ global research to understand our planet. We engage people in science and invite them to ask questions, explore, and observe to better understand how our world works - Earth, ocean, atmosphere, and life - and our unique role in our global ecosystem. We use science to guide conservation action to support a healthy thriving planet where we feel hope for the future and empowered to make positive change. We connect people with each other, with nature, with science, and with a shared sense of purpose to care for our amazing one-and-only planet Earth.

Our values can be found here..

Job Location: Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general supervision of the Associate Aquarium Curators, responsible for the basic care and upkeep of the marine specimens and life support systems at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Primary responsibility is for the care and health of penguins in holding and exhibiting. Maintain appearance and maintenance of penguin areas, provide proper husbandry, and assist in supervising Assistant Aquarists and Volunteers as needed. Regular, timely, and clear communication with guests, team members, curators, and vendors, is critical.

• Sunday - Thursday work week.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science degree in Biology or related field and/or equivalent experience. Demonstrated college-level knowledge of avian husbandry, marine biology, fisheries science, and/or ecology and/or three (3+) or more years of penguin husbandry experience in a public zoo or aquarium.

• Hands-on experience with penguin health assessments, restraint, and treatments.

• Experience with avian incubation and rearing practices.

• Serves as coverage to other Aquarists in Husbandry area (fishes, invertebrates, diving, life support, and reptile).

• Knowledge of operant conditioning techniques prior to training animals.

• Dives in exhibits to clean and maintain AAUS/Cal OSHA diving standards.

• Experience in public tours, animal ambassador programs, or guest experience with public zoos or aquariums.

• Assists in training new keepers, interns, and volunteers.

• Assists in directing the activities of Assistant Aquarists, interns, and volunteers.

• Demonstrated organization skills: ability to keep accurate, consistent records relating to all aspects of animal Care and systems maintenance.

• Proven ability to work well with others supporting, facilitating, and participating in a team.

• Proven verbal and written communication skills.

• Proven ability to follow all safety precautions for equipment and procedures while working on the job.

• Demonstrated knowledge of aquarium water quality parameters. The protocols in testing and in making adjustments.

• Must possess strong observational skills to ensure animal health and safety.

• Must possess sound judgment and the ability to use common sense for effective decision-making

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results.
• Must be able to work weekends, occasional nights, major holidays, and during other staff's absence.
• Must be able to respond to emergencies.
• Must acquire (AAUS) Scientific Diver SCUBA certification with Scripps Institution of Oceanography within 6 months of hire.
• Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18); completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) training will be required. Must meet CANRA compliance requirement per California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act ("CANRA," Penal Code sections 11164-11174.4).
• Sunday - Thursday work week.

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

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