BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY – JOB POSTING
TITLE: Aquarist - Belle Isle Aquarium
SUMMARY: Belle Isle Conservancy is seeking to fill a position for an aquarist at the Belle Isle Aquarium. These staff members are responsible for assisting in aquarium animal husbandry including carrying out all work regarding the care, display, propagation, and procurement of the Aquarium’s animal collection (including fish, insects, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and live feed cultivation). Performs maintenance of life support systems, facilities, and equipment. Assists with implementing animal habitats, building renovations, exhibits, and signage. Supports all elements of Aquarium and Belle Isle Conservancy operations, events, contracts, projects, and tasks. This includes supporting interns, volunteers, education, training, outreach, donors, and institutional partners.
POSITION: Full-time, exempt. $45,000/year
REPORTS TO: Curator, Belle Isle Aquarium
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist fellow staff in animal husbandry and Aquarium maintenance and operations.
- Perform daily feedings, live feed cultivation, health and behavioral observations, enrichment activities, water quality monitoring, and tank and exhibit maintenance for the animal collection.
- Maintain supplies inventory including ordering, organizing, and tracking.
- Actively use and support facilities maintenance, collection, volunteer, event/group booking management software, and document work and provide reports.
- Assist in training, coaching, mentoring, and managing new staff, interns and volunteers; lead by example and provide encouragement and growth opportunities.
- Assist with facility maintenance and operation including equipment preventative maintenance, building repair, housekeeping, landscaping, rental and special events.
- Assist with educational content, collection management, special exhibits, and AZA accreditation.
- Provide informal educational presentations, stations, and talks with Aquarium patrons and assist them.
- Be a proactive self-starter in accomplishing tasks and self-managing daily work activities.
- Commitment to an exceptionally positive work environment that embraces change as a constant.
- Passion and motivation for the work and mission of Belle Isle Conservancy & the Aquarium.
- Must be able to work on the weekends and occasional evenings as needed.
Experience
- 2+ years of professional experience in animal husbandry required.
- Aquarium, zoo, or museum experience preferred.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in biology or related field with course work in zoology/fisheries/aquatic/marine biology, or equivalent preferred.
Applying
Belle Isle Conservancy (BIC) operates the Belle Isle Aquarium, which was built in 1904, and is America’s oldest aquarium. BIC is an equal employment opportunity employer that is committed to a diverse working environment that promotes creativity and reflects the population we serve.
We encourage all qualified candidates to apply by submitting a brief cover letter and resume to bia@belleisleconservancy.org. Please indicate “Aquarist” in the subject line. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled, therefore we recommend that interested applicants apply as soon as possible.
Belle Isle Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.
We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Summer Ritner at 313-331-7760 or ritners@belleisleconservancy.org
