TITLE: (Temp) Animal Care Specialist, Tropical Marine Invertebrates
DEPARTMENT: Aquarium Team
REPORTS TO: Supervisor, Tropical Marine Invertebrates
STATUS: Full-time, Temp, Non-Exempt
DURATION: 8 Months
PAY RATE: $20.00/hour
 
POSITION OVERVIEW: This Animal Care Specialist position is responsible for the daily husbandry, care, and welfare of a diverse collection of tropical marine invertebrates and smaller teleost’s, including cnidarians, crustaceans, gastropods, cephalopods and a variety of reef fishes. The role works as part of a team of aquarists caring for Shedd Aquarium’s 28,000-gallon living reef habitat, 6,000-gallon Indo-Pacific coral habitat, cuttlefish cultures and exhibits, and several mixed marine fish and invertebrate exhibits throughout the aquarium.   

A significant aspect of this role involves working closely with the aquarium’s coral collection, participating in routine water quality assessments and water chemistry management, culturing and growing of various coral and cephalopod species, conducting routine health assessments, facilitating medical procedures, and implementing enrichment strategies to promote natural behaviors and overall welfare. The position plays an active role in advancing Shedd Aquarium’s standards for coral care, conservation, welfare, and guest engagement. 

This position works closely with their Manager and the rest of their team – along with Animal Health, Environmental Quality, and Facilities – to ensure the smooth and effective operations involving animals and habitats, especially as they relate to husbandry and welfare. This position works cooperatively with the animal care management teams to ensure compliance with all accreditation and regulatory requirements for departmental operations.  

Animal Care Specialists are entry level and just beginning to learn animal operations in the Animal Care and Science Division. They will assist Aquarists, Senior Aquarists and Managers with inter-departmental productivity and begin participation in strategies to meet institutional objectives and initiatives requiring support of the Animal Care Department.   

TIME COMMITMENT/SCHEDULE: Thursday - Monday, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.   

• Demonstrates commitment to Shedd's vision, mission, and values. 
• Assists staff to achieve goals and objectives for short- and long-term operations. 
• Provides assistant care for Shedd Aquarium’s Tropical Marine Invertebrate collection. 
• Produces and maintains good animal records in accordance to Aquarium Team standards and as directed by Manager (Uses TRACKS animal record keeping software). 
• Demonstrates a basic knowledge of animal diets and nutritional needs. 
• Assists, provides and records enrichment for animals on an ongoing and as needed basis. 
• Keeps back of house area/exhibits clean and well maintained. 
• Assists in animal treatments and procedures as required. 
• Performs minor maintenance/repair on gear, tanks or supplies needed for section. 
• Provides timely communication to manager and primary staff members. 
• Checks emails daily along with any additional forms of communication as dictated by direct Manager. 
• Observes animals daily and identifies and reports any abnormal behavior or appearance. 
• Ensures proper animal training and enrichment for collection animals. 
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of modern husbandry techniques and a thorough understanding of the use of emerging science to advance animal care and welfare. 
• Evaluates effectiveness of practices and procedures and recommends improvements. 
• Provides support for coworkers in their responsible roles as needed. 
• Implements legal compliance measures such as tracking of respirator use, adherence to OSHA standards, etc. 
• Works effectively with other departments, contributing to the well-being and exhibition of the living collection. 
• Participates in 1-on-1, team, and department meetings.  
• Participates in Shedd’s DEAI objectives.  
• Works with other departments throughout the aquarium to meet organizational goals and objectives. 
• Liaise with professional colleagues as a representative of the aquarium. 
• Helps to continually develop and implement animal care and sustainability innovation at Shedd. 
• Other projects and duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in marine sciences, biology, zoology, or related field (or demonstrated comparable knowledge) 
 
Experience:   

• 1+ years of experience caring for aquatic and terrestrial animals  
• Knowledge of water chemistry and quality as they pertain to living marine systems preferred. 
• Knowledge of proper animal care, training, and enrichment preferred. 
• Knowledge of collection planning processes preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint. 
• Ability to learn other business operation software as assigned, including the animal management software TRACKs. 

Certifications: 

• Must possess a valid driver's license or can obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment. 

Physical Readiness: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job including while wearing dive gear. 

• Lift up to 40 pounds  
• Sit 
• Stand 
• Stoop 
• Kneel 
• Walk 
• Swim  
• Hear 

Working Environment:  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

This person may be exposed to: 

• Water 
• Heat 
• Cold 
• Hazardous Chemicals 
• Low noise 
• Moderate Noise 
• Loud Noise 

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT SHEDD: We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization. 

• Accrued Paid Time Off
• 401(k)
• Discounted Parking and Public Transit Subsidies
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness program
• Employee discounts
• Employee Tickets 

Reasonable Accommodations: 
Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process, please email us at jobs@sheddaquarium.org. 

We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply. Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.