The Fishes team works with a large cross-section of animals through-out the Aquarium. The Fishes staff care for fresh and saltwater species from around the world, including tropical fresh and saltwater, cold freshwater, and temperate saltwater exhibits and holding spaces. Taxa include a large variety of fish and invertebrates along with some herps, insects and birds.

Duties & 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.
• Basic animal care, husbandry and data collection, maintaining visually pleasing exhibits and supporting the other members of the special exhibits team.
• 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.
• Support record keeping using TRACKS.
• Perform minor maintenance/repair on gear, tanks or supplies needed for section.
• 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 in educational programs.
• 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. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years advanced aquatic animal husbandry experience
• Experience working with a variety of fresh and saltwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates is preferable
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to give and follow directions effectively
• 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

Certifications:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and passport
• Must possess current SCUBA certification from a professionally recognized SCUBA certifying agency

Other Requirements:

• Must possess strong swimming skills.
• Must be able to walk, bend, kneel, and climb stairs and ladders while in dive gear.
• Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.
• Must have cognitive and communication skills required to function within the department.
• Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds.
• Must be able to read, write and speak English.
• Must be safety conscious.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills with supervisors, co-workers and visitors in a variety of settings.
• Must have good organizational and time management skills.
• Employment contingent upon passing dive physical administered as directed by Shedd Aquarium’s dive program.

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.

If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know. In your application, please feel free to select which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs).