The Quarantine team is responsible for caring for a diverse and constantly changing aquatic animal collection which includes a variety of fish, terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Quarantine works closely with the animal health staff to provide the utmost care and acclimation to human care for new aquatic animals while keeping the importance of biosecurity to prevent the spread of aquatic pathogens and disease.

This position is responsible for the acclimation care and maintenance of newly acquired animals as assigned.  The Aquarist represents Quarantine and the Fishes department as needed - including, but not limited to - through guest interactions, public relations activities, specialized tours and presentations. A basic working knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry, life support systems, and biosecurity procedures and protocols relating to maintaining varying quarantine practices is required

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.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values.
• Keep habitats and support areas clean and well maintained.
• Maintain a clean and healthy environment for the animals, staff, and public.   
• Animal husbandry –  
  • Possesses basic knowledge of essential requirements for the living collection.
  • Provides the highest quality care for animals while adhering to biosecurity standards.
• Cleaning responsibilities include:
  •  kitchens, utensils, floors, windows, habitats, and any other area or item in the Quarantine and support areas.
• Provides a diverse and species-appropriate diet for the animals in the collection.
• Observes animals daily and identifies and reports any abnormal behavior or appearance.
• Assists in animal treatments and procedures as required.
• Monitors water quality analysis for assigned systems, report abnormal water chemistry values to management and take appropriate measures to maintain values within established parameters. 
• Record keeping
  • Maintains detailed records of animal moves, acquisitions, disposition, interactions and observations using TRACKS.
  • These include all records deemed important to the care of the animals, the facility, or daily staff operation.
• Performs daily walkthroughs to ensure proper functionality of all area LSS systems.
• Performs minor maintenance/repair on LSS equipment, exhibit components or supplies needed for section. 
• Identify maintenance/repair problems in any section and report through established protocols.
• Other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a biological science or related field preferred. Relevant experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience:

• Familiarity with advanced aquatic animal husbandry and exhibition.  Additional experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to give and follow directions effectively.
• Effective use of strong leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and in a team setting.
• Efficient use of SCUBA for exhibit maintenance and/or open water diving.
• Proficient computer skills.
• This position may call for special scheduling and overtime needed, sometimes without much advance notice.  Must be able to work weekends, evening, early mornings and holidays as needed.
• Must have good hearing, vision, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with a variety of fresh and saltwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and invertebrates is preferable.