Senior Aquarist for Snorkle Lagoon

Senior Aquarist Snorkel Lagoon Job Description

Position Summary

This position will work at a 5-star resort located in Longboat Key, outside of Sarasota, Florida. As a Senior Aquarist of the snorkel lagoon experience you will be responsible for championing and leading the aquarists through the day-to-day operations of the exhibit as well as the Guest service and safety. This position is part of a diverse team that is responsible for creating a memorable and impactful guest experience. Primary responsibilities include the care and wellbeing of all animals under the facility’s care; maintenance of the habitat; guiding guest through the snorkel programs; regular diving; teamwork and collaboration within the Animal Care Department and throughout the hotel. We are looking for an energetic leader, mentor and team-player who loves animals and educating the public as much as we do.

Duties & Responsibilities

Senior Aquarist is responsible for all usual responsibilities of an Aquarist I & II. Additional responsibilities specific to the Senior Aquarist role may look like but are not limited to the following:

• Daily duties include but are not limited to: cleaning exhibits internally and externally, prepping and feeding food, treating any injured/diseased individuals, making observations, recognizing abnormal animal behavior/appearance, acting on/reporting such changes in a timely manner and completing all necessary paperwork thoroughly.
• Serves as the main point of contact between the aquarist staff and the Curator. Is accountable as the MOD or department representative in the LSM’s absence.
• Supervises Aquarist’s daily animal care performance in assigned areas. Ensures daily tasks are accomplished within established SOP timeframes using strong time management skills
• Partners with LSM to achieve department, leadership, team, and individual tasks & objectives.
• Assists with the development of aquatic staff by operating as a mentor and resource to the team
• Teaches staff with demonstrated knowledge in aquatic animal care, life support systems, and water quality to ensure safety, competence, and efficiency
• Champions a supportive and fun team synergy by having excellent interpersonal approach and a collaborative spirit
• Trains, develops and oversees the work of volunteers, Interns, and trainees
• Develops and evaluates animal enrichment based on behavioral goals. Identifies areas where training and enrichment can be used to optimize husbandry practices, reduce stress and improve welfare
• Follows direction and acts in accordance with all established protocols and procedures. Compliance with all accreditations, environmental, and USDA standards. Assists in recognizing areas where written protocols need to be created or advanced in pursuit of compliance, welfare and consistency in care
• Regular exhibit diving as needed
• Monitors exhibit functionality, air and water parameters, identifying and communicating anomalies/ concerns in a timely fashion
• Accurate recordkeeping for short- and long-term monitoring of health, behavior, tracking trends and advancing animal practices
• Engages guests in pursuit of education and conservation goals. This includes chats, tours, media appearances, ambassador animal programs, etc. Able to represent our institution with professionalism and in support of mission-oriented efforts
• Practices good judgement in decision making, particularly in the LSM absence, with minimal interruptions to the guest experience and daily operations as it relates to animal care, emergency situations, LSS repair & any other projects
• Recommend strategies and ideas to engage and enhance the guest experience
• Possesses strong communication skills, including listening and thoughtful dialogue
• Regularly proposes solutions to problems. Looks for creative and productive ways to address problems
• Leads by example. Takes ownership. Has a positive attitude, practices high standards, models professional behavior, and maintains positive impact on teambuilding and morale
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

• Three years + experience with saltwater husbandry required.
• Three years + of hospitality or heavy customer service experience required.
• Previous working experience with rays, jellyfish and reptiles preferred
• PADI Rescue Diver or equivalent preferred
• First Aid, Emergency O2, and AED certification required.
• 4-year degree in wildlife/marine biology or relevant work experience required.
• Background in saltwater aquariums, reptiles, amphibians, birds or small mammals required.
• Experience in the care of flora and fauna in a public aquarium setting preferred.
• Competency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Strong listening, presentation and decision-making skills
  
  

Abilities

• The individual must possess the following abilities to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some or a combination of the abilities
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to read, listen and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system
• Hearing and visual ability to observe and detect signs of emergency situations.
• Requires the ability to perform the physical, visual and hearing requirements in the working conditions below
  
  

Other

• Upon employment all team members are required to comply with the standards, rules and regulations, which may be established by the Company and updated from time-to-time. Team members who violate property rules or have irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment
• The leisure business functions seven days a week. Due to the seasonal nature of the industry, team members may be required to work varying schedules, weekends, holidays and overtime to reflect the business needs of the property. Team members may also be required to attend group and/or department meetings in addition to the work shift as necessary.
• This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that a team member in this position may be asked to perform
  
  

Salaried or Hourly

Hourly

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