Senior Animal Health Aquarist - 128713

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 03/15/2024 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 03/26/2024. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

Birch Aquarium at Scripps aquarium.ucsd.edu is a non-profit exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The aquarium showcases over 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates. The interactive museum features research discoveries by Scripps scientists and engages visitors of all ages.

Our goal is to promote conservation efforts that protect our ocean planet. We educate visitors on how our world works and inspire them to become stewards of the planet. Our conservation efforts are based on scientific research, and we aim to connect people with nature and with a shared sense of responsibility to care for our planet Earth.

Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037.

The Senior Animal Health Aquarist is a dynamic role encompassing various responsibilities crucial for the well-being of the aquarium's diverse aquatic collection. Primarily, the position involves managing animal health tasks, collaborating with veterinarians, and executing quarantine, diagnosis, and treatment procedures. The Senior Aquarist oversees the daily husbandry, maintenance, and design of exhibits and enclosures, ensuring optimal living conditions for the animals. Establishing standards for aquatic health and environmental quality is paramount, as is collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance the guest experience. Leadership duties involve directing Aquarist staff, training teams in acquisition and care protocols, and acting on behalf of the Curatorial team when necessary. Additionally, the role includes scientific diving responsibilities, maintaining AAUS standards, and assisting in habitat maintenance. The Senior Aquarist represents the aquarium at conferences, conducts research projects aligned with the institution's mission, and engages in outreach through media interviews and presentations, contributing to the aquarium's commitment to professional competence and ethical practices in animal care and research.

• Four-year (4) degree in biological science or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience.

• Four (4) years of hands-on experience in aquatic fish and invertebrate husbandry within a zoo, aquarium, or similar facility.

• Two (2) years experience in management of staff, volunteers, programs, or projects at zoo, aquarium, or related facility

• Knowledge of fish and invertebrate quarantine, medical protocols, disease diagnosis, treatment, and medications.

• Demonstrated understanding of the mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering aspects of maintaining biological systems.

• Proven experience in the acquisition, collection and transport of aquatic animals

• Demonstrated knowledge of aquarium life support systems, e.g. temperature sensors, O2, ORP, filters, compressed air, plumbing, heating, cooling, electrical

• Ability to operate and manipulate small power boats while conducting various collection procedures

• Demonstrated knowledge of water quality testing and analysis of aquarium systems

• Ability to work well with others

• Must be able to work weekends, occasional nights, major holidays, during other staff's absence, and to respond to emergencies.

• Job offer contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

• SCUBA certification required. Rescue diver certification preferred. Will accept basic open water certification but must acquire AAUS Scientific Diver certification (Scripps Institution of Oceanography dive class) within 6 months.

• Must possess and maintain valid California Driver's license

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).

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $58,548 - $94,190 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $28.04 - $45.11

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

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