Part Time Water Quality Aquarist

Part Time Water Quality Aquarist

Turtle Back Zoo //
West Orange, NJ //
Posted on: August 23, 2022 //
Apply by: October 3, 2022
Application Information: **QUALIFIED APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT RESUMES TO ROBERT JACKSON, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT [email protected]

Under direction, manages the aquariums and
life support systems for a diverse collection of marine mammals, carnivores, small mammals, reptiles,
elasmobranchs and bony fishes, cephalopods, and reef invertebrates.

Functions & Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Daily water quality analysis utilizing a variety of analytical instrumentation
• Cleans tanks and removes algae from tank windows.
• Attends to aquatic plants and decorations in displays.
• Maintains a high level of organization and cleanliness in work areas.
• Acquisition and disposition of species in the collection.
• Design and manage LSS systems for continued improvements, upgrades and new exhibits.
• Work closely with leadership during the design and implementation of new exhibits, especially
involved in husbandry/animal exhibits with special attention to specific LSS concerns
• Observes collection to detect disease and injuries, may treat fish according to instructions.
• Prepares specimens for exhibits.
• Serves as an instructor or guide to provide conservation education experiences for visitors.
• Presents information about marine life through slide shows for staff, develops and distributes
handbooks as needed.
• Assist during educational field trips or in schools.
• Keeps an accurate inventory of stock and supplies.
• Keeps records and makes reports.
• Responsible for development and upkeep of protocols, programmatic guidelines and management to
meet AZA accreditation standards.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

Assist in repairs and plumbing of LSS systems on property

Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge of aquatic life, its origin, behavior, disease, and life processes.
• Knowledge of the relationship of fish and other aquatic life to their environment.
• Ability to present fish and other aquatic life specimens for educational tours and presentations
• Knowledge of advanced LSS and ability to adapt to changing exhibits and systems.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in adverse conditions
• Ability to operate a forklift and other heavy machinery.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to care for fish and fish tanks, and to keep the area clean.
• Ability to instruct others in caring for aquatic life and fish tanks.
• Ability to present facts and other information before small groups consisting of school-age children,
and adults.
• Ability to develop handbooks containing basic facts and information concerning marine life.
• Ability to schedule and confirm tours, make reports, and keep accurate records.
• Ability to recognize signs of diseases, behavior characteristics of various species of fish, and other
characteristics critical to their care and preservation.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems
used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of
this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of
communication.

Education & Experience

Minimum of one (1) year experience managing a of diverse collection of fish, aquatic mammals
and other aquatic life in an aquarium, museum or AZA zoo. Includes experience in raising, care,
and breeding of tropical fishes and other aquatic life which entails a knowledge of diseases,
behavior, breeding, and feeding characteristics of various species. NOTE: Satisfactory
completion of six (6) semester hours of credit in graduate level marine biology, marine science,
or ichthyology or related field from an accredited college or university may be substituted for
the above experience.
• LICENSE: Appointees will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the
operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential
duties of the position.

Job Requirements

Physical Requirements

Lift 50 lbs. on a repetitive basis
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in adverse conditions
Comfortable climbing, crouching and working in tight spaces

Working Conditions

Requires working in loud areas around LSS systems.
Walking through the zoo, up and down hills.
Communicating clearly both in writing and verbally
Ability to work outside in all conditions

Salary & Benefits
Salary: $13/hr