The Central Coast Aquarium Director of Husbandry is responsible for the wellness, feeding and care for all aquatic animals in the Central Coast Aquarium. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to scheduling and management of animal feeding and care, tank/habitat upkeep, tank maintenance, and the collection and assimilation of new animals.
Additional responsibilities include, the management, care and upkeep of our closed salt water system, to ensure safe water quality conditions and sound pump room equipment and tanks and their smooth operation. The Director of Husbandry will also be responsible for the effective curation of all aquarium exhibits, with emphasis on exhibit appearance and acrylic care, while ensuring that all exhibits are reflective of the Central Coast Aquarium’s mission and values.
The Director of Husbandry will establish a culture of excellent animal care and will ensure a similar standard for volunteer aquarists. This will include regular and effective monitoring of animal well-being and health and the proper management and treatment of animals in quarantine or for animals not on exhibit.
The Director of Husbandry will be responsible for training, evaluating, scheduling and directly supervising staff, interns and volunteer aquarists.
The Director of Husbandry will provide assistance to the Director of Education and Programs and Aquarium Manager in teaching of both public and school based marine science education programs, when necessary and will also lead public feeding tours/talks when required.
The Director of Husbandry also ensures that there is sufficient inventory of all supplies and food needed for the feeding and care of the animals and for the safe and effective operation of the water systems. The Director of Husbandry will work with the Executive Director to develop, execute, and evaluate all aquarium exhibits to ensure a high quality visitor experience. Additional duties as assigned including but not limited to fundraisers, beach clean up events, outreach events and aquarium functions.
Responsibilities as Director of Husbandry: Oversee volunteer aquarists ensuring proper animal care, feeding and tank/habitat maintenance, upkeep, collection and assimilation of new animals. Ensure volunteer aquarists can manage, care and diligently upkeep closed salt water systems, water quality, pump room and tanks. Water runs to the Cal Poly Pier require training and may need to be executed by the DOH. Oversee the volunteer aquarists to ensure proper training of aquarist volunteers.
Grants: Responsible for writing grants from local, statewide and on the federal level to help support the organization’s marine science educational programs, exhibits and mission.
Qualifications:
- BA/BS Degree in Marine Biology or equivalent
- Must be able to work well independently and maintain a high level of productivity
- Must bring a high level of enthusiasm, excitement and passion to the workplace
- Experience as an aquarist and working in a marine science field
- Teaching experience and experience with exhibit and/or tank curation
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with a diverse population of volunteers
- Ability to interact with a positive and friendly attitude with the general public and a representative of the CCA
- The ability to prioritize and handle and work on multiple projects
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including excellent writing skills
- Flexible, well organized and able to work on several projects simultaneously
- Background in closed salt water systems a plus
- Ability to perform the manual work required, including lifting, carrying at least 60 lbs., climbing, crawling, and jumping.
- Must be willing to work weekends and holidays
- Must be knowledgeable about safety precautions and be willing to work with normal hazards associated with an animal care facility (for example disinfectants, chemicals, potential zoonotic diseases, being wet)
- Working on plumbing/irrigation is a plus
- Must have a valid California driver’s license and pass background check
