SUMMARY:
Special Exhibits team deals with a large cross-section of animals through-out the building. The current exhibit houses fresh and saltwater species from around the world, but staff are also responsible for temperate and tropical saltwater exhibits, live foods for the building, sea jelly collection, and a sea star touch exhibit. Knowledge of filter systems and habitat design is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values.
• Aquatic animal experience, including general husbandry, water quality, life support concepts and operation, animal health concerns including disease recognition and treatment.
• Work directly with Animal Health, as directed, to provide optimal animal care.
• Animal care, husbandry and collection management techniques including development of breeding programs, novel display opportunities, etc.
• Record keeping – Assists in maintaining detailed records of all animal interactions and observations. These include diet, vitamins, medication, behavioral notes, medical notes, animal weights, physical observations, graphs, temperatures, and any other records deemed important to the care of the animals, the facility, or daily staff operation.
• Assist with the development and area management of animal records using TRACKS.
• Perform minor maintenance/repair on gear, tanks or supplies needed for section. Identify major maintenance/repair problems in any section and report through established protocols
• Assist to ensure compliance with all applicable safety and security procedures and protocols in Wild Reef and in other areas of the Aquarium as needed.
• Support the Fishes department in fulfilling requests for other departmental programing, content review, guest interactions, public relations, development activities and special requests as needed and assigned
• Keep area/exhibits clean and well maintained.
• Participate on aquarium committees and taskforces as needed.
• Coordinate projects as assigned.
• Participate in collection planning.
• Participate in educational programs.
• Help to train and supervise volunteers and interns.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• BA or BS in Biology or related field with coursework in Zoology, Aquatic Biology and Chemistry, or Equivalent Experience.

Other Qualifications, Experience, Skills & Designations:

• Must possess current SCUBA certification from a professionally recognized SCUBA certifying agency or must obtain certification within 6 months of employment
• Must pass a diving physical examination given by an authorized Shedd Aquarium doctor yearly, and before being employed as an Aquarist/Diver.
• Must be able to work and communicate well with fellow employees and the public.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License and insurance, or be able to obtain one within 60 days of employment, and be able to safely drive any company vehicle.
• This position may call for special scheduling or overtime needs throughout the week, sometimes without much advance notice. Must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Must be comfortable handling a variety of species including insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals.
• Must be comfortable giving educational presentations to small and large audiences.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to give and follow directions effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and in a team setting.

Physical Demands

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must pass a diving physical examination given by an authorized Shedd Aquarium doctor yearly, or before being employed as an /]
• Aquarist/Diver.
• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Sit
• Stand
• Stoop
• Walk
• Climb Ladders
• Walk on unstable surfaces/terrain in and around exhibits

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This person may be exposed to:

• This position may call for special scheduling or overtime needs throughout the week, often without much advance notice. Must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Water
• Smoke
• Heat
• Cold
• Air particles
• Falling materials
• Electrical shock
• Hazardous chemicals
• Fire
• Emergency vehicle traffic
• Low noise
• Moderate Noise
• Loud Noise

Signature Employee: ____________________________________

Print Name: ___________________________________________

Date: _______________________________________________

Manager Signature: ____________________________________

Date: _________________________________________________