POSITION TITLE: Aquatic Biology Biologist-Associate
REPORTS TO: Aquatic Biology Supervisor
EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Non Exempt
LOCATION: On Site
PERCENTAGE OF FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT: 100%
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:
Sea Turtle and Aquatic Biology Biologist-Associate will demonstrate the ability to learn all aspects of the Sea Turtle & Aquatic Biology Department to support the goals and objectives as identified by the CMA management teams in accordance with federal policy. The primary responsibility will be to assist in providing daily healthcare to the CMA sea turtle and aquatic species population as outlined by FWC regulations, CMA policies, and standard operating procedures. In line with the mission of CMA, this position will maintain various programs, activities, and events that promote marine animal stewardship, increase community awareness and involvement in conservation based activities. Regular tasks required of the Sea Turtle and Aquatic Biology Biologist-Associate may also include administrative tasks, educating internal and external customers, public speaking, PR, internal and external correspondence, shift coverage and overnight observations, operation of vehicles and vessels, collection of data, and maintenance and storage of equipment. These job responsibilities will require the Sea Turtle and Aquatic Biology Biologist-Associate to maintain flexible working hours, be amenable to shifting priorities and other changes, and be able to adjust accordingly.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Possess a comprehensive knowledge of CMA’s Sea Turtle and Aquatic Biology Department and its function as it relates to the requirements outlined by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC), while demonstrating the ability to follow all requirements for permitting and reporting
- Begin to understand health and anatomy, natural history, and environmental enrichment through provided reading material, observation and department training about sea turtle, sting ray, shark, and fish
- Assist in the execution efforts for routine husbandry veterinary procedures
- Participate in, but not limited to, diet preparation, exhibit maintenance, water quality and life support systems, routine medical care, animal records, etc.
- Learn and demonstrate required comprehension about vitamins and prescribed medications and administration techniques and timelines
- Ensure the cleanliness, organization, and upkeep of all animal exhibits, and associated areas of care
- Responsible for entering the water to scan and remove any foreign objects that could injure our resident animals or team members – this may include standing on the pool ledge/rocks or diving
- Be able to perform unsupervised execution of various shifts for department
- Learn and execute appropriate use of behavioral logs, and any other record keeping processes, in compliance with FFWCC regulations (water quality, etc.), quarterly and annual reporting and annual refresher training
- Will assume an “on call” status as deemed necessary
- Drive and assist in the maintenance all vehicles assigned to the department as outlined by the company SOP’s
- Assist with the training of the sea turtle volunteer and intern programs
- Mentor interns and volunteers
- Follow safe polices and provide a safe working environment for animals, team members and guests
- Have flexibility with scheduling during a time of need (hurricane, cold stun or red tide events, animal husbandry concerns, etc.)
- Have a basic understanding of best practices in the field
- Assist with maintaining all inventory and ordering for all equipment and supplies for departmental needs
- Demonstrate complete comprehension of departmental and assigned facility SOP manuals, MSDS documents, FWC Handbook regulations, etc.
- Possess strong communication skills with clear, friendly and effective verbal and nonverbal communication
- Work with your Senior and management team to provide CMA departments with information about the department for the various communication outlets such as staff meeting minutes, social media, in house newsletters, nightly end of day (EOD) reports, etc.
- Bring ideas to your management team about the development and implementation of money generating programs involving aspects of marine animal care, education and conservation efforts
- Possess the ability to support all Animal Care departments as needed
- Provide unsupervised support during conservational education and outreach events
- Participate in some or all aspects of various types of research projects as directed by the management and approved by the CMA Research Committee
- Assist Sea Turtle and Aquatic Biology Supervisor and management in writing employee evaluations
- Assist with grant writing as needed
- Perform other duties as workload necessitates
EDUCATION /EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Current SCUBA and CPR certifications. Free diving experience required.
- BS degree with emphasis on Biology, Environmental Science or Zoology preferred
- Preference may be given to candidate that has previously been on a FWC marine turtle permit
- Must hold a valid driver’s license
- Minimum Open Water Diver certification from an internationally recognized diver training organization or ability to achieve within 90-day probationary period
- Preference will be given to current CPR and First Aid certifications
- Ability to complete training in safety programs including but not limited to: CPR certification, First Aid and dive safety
- Strong communication skills with clear, friendly, and effective verbal and nonverbal communication; able to interact with a variety of people from guests to co-workers to donors, all in a positive manner
- Demonstrate a team-oriented attitude
- Participate in education efforts with the public, using proper showmanship skills and media tactics, to impress the importance of the impacts from human interaction as it relates to the conservation of the sea turtle population during tours, educational programming, PR and media, marketing efforts, etc.
- Work towards possessing great time management skills with the ability to plan, organize and multi-task
- Be able to adapt in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrate the ability to be self-motivated, confident and disciplined with excellent work ethic
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Lift up to 20lbs to shoulders and above head – Moderate Frequency
- Lift up to 50lbs to waist level – Frequently
- Walk/stand for long periods of time – Frequently
- Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces – Frequently
- Safely climb ladders when needed – Moderate Frequency
- Squat, bend, kneel, twist and reach – Frequently
- Reach above the shoulders – Frequently
- Push and pull larger equipment – Moderate Frequency
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather – Frequently
- Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat – Frequently
- Pass a swim test - Annually
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.
All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.
