Zookeeper (Aquarist) - Shores

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Aquarist to join our team at the Shores region of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. As an Aquarist, you will be responsible for the daily care and maintenance of our aquatic animals, including fish, amphibians, invertebrates, marine mammals, avian, and reptiles.

• Animal Care: Provide daily care for the regions animals, including food preparation, feeding, monitoring diets, watering, bathing, enrichment, water changes, observing medical and behavioral changes, and assisting with medical treatment as prescribed by Zoo Veterinarians.
• Exhibit Maintenance: Clean and maintain the regions exhibit areas, including servicing life support systems, using water quality testing equipment, and performing basic horticulture work within the exhibit.
• Education and Outreach: Provide educational information about the regions animal population through interactions with the public, conducting keeper talks, staffing interpreter stations, conducting tours and workshops, attending docent meetings, composing articles for zoo publications, and conducting volunteer trainings.
• Collaboration and Communication: Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business, and provide input to the Curator on all aspects of the region.
• Leadership and Training: May provide leadership and training to seasonal employees, interns, volunteers, and zooschool students, including providing daily work direction and informing management of problems.

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent, and a Bachelor's degree in zoology, animal science, biology, or a related field is required. Four years of relevant zookeeping experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Experience: Experience in zookeeping (6 months to one year), or approved equivalent, and C.U.B.A. certification is required or the ability to obtain S.C.U.B.A. certification within one year of employment.
• Skills: Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing, develop and deliver informational presentations to small, medium, or large groups, and perform strenuous physical work.

• Animal Husbandry Experience: Minimum six months animal husbandry experience working with fish, amphibians, invertebrates, marine mammals, avian, and reptiles.
• Aquarium Maintenance: Experience in the maintenance of aquariums, aquatic life support systems, and use of water quality testing equipment.
• Disease Diagnosis and Treatment: Experience in diagnosis and treatment of common diseases of fish and invertebrates.

• Proof of Negative TB Screening: Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter.
• Flexible Schedule: Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Guest Service: Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the Make it G.R.E.A.T. standards.
• Criminal History Background Check: Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually.
• Standard Operating Procedures: Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols.
• Valid Driver's License: Possession of a valid state-issued motor vehicle operator's license and a good driving record required, as well as the ability to operate standard shift vehicles.
• Drug-Free Workplace Policy: Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, and follow-up treatment.