The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for two Aquarist 1 – Diving to join the Tropical Fish and Invertebrate team. The Aquarium’s fish and invertebrate collection includes temperate and tropical water invertebrates, cartilaginous and teleost fishes. The Aquarist I – diving furthers the Aquarium’s mission through providing management and care for the animal collection. They are responsible for assigned husbandry duties in the Aquarium’s fish and invertebrate team.  

Key functions: 

• All FIT staff are responsible for the care and management of the Aquarium’s fish and invertebrate collection. This Aquarist I – diving position is responsible for the following, including but not limited to:
• To work and engage others in line with the Aquarium’s Mission, D.E.I and S.A.L.I.S.H values.  
• Preparing, storing and distributing food according to established amounts, types and diets; monitoring feeding habits and reporting any changes or abnormalities.
• Cleaning and performing routine maintenance and minor repair of animal habitats and holding areas to assure the health of animals and the presentation of the species in an attractive environment. Maintaining water quality to keep aquatic animals in a healthy condition.
• Assisting with administration of medications and treatments according to established procedures and veterinary instructions. Providing assistance in handling or restraining animals in accordance with established safety procedures as necessary to ensure animal welfare. 
• Maintaining records and reports regarding assigned species, including daily veterinary reports, habitat maintenance, food consumption records and other reports specific to the assigned area.
• Supervising the work of animal care volunteers, interns, and temporary animal care personnel by identifying, assigning and monitoring tasks.
• Observing animals and evaluating behavior to determine physical and behavioral health and well-being.
• Assisting with animal acquisition, acclimation, and quarantine.
• Using scuba and surface-supplied air systems for in-tank animal care and habitat maintenance. Position may include field diving for animals, research, or other tasks. 
• All Aquarium staff and volunteers are expected to participate in advancing and integrating into their work Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Regenerative practices in alignment with our S.A.L.I.S.H. Values.

Additional responsibilities:

• Acting as role model for compliance with all Aquarium safety protocols.
• Assuring the safety of animals, employees and the visiting public from injury or mishap.
• Performing emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Serving as a customer service liaison through daily contacts with visitors providing information and answering questions.
• Performing other duties as assigned as appropriate for level of the role.

Required skills and experience: 
 The skills and abilities listed below may be demonstrated through a combination of relevant cultural and community programs, jobs, internships, volunteer experience, and/or formal or informal education. If you meet some of the requirements and you are passionate about our mission and our ocean, we encourage you to apply and look forward to learning more about you.

• B.A./B.S. degree in biology, marine biology, or related field an advantage.
• Minimum of one years’ experience involving the care and husbandry of animals in a zoo, aquarium, or related environment (AZA facility preferred).
• Must have or be able to obtain a Washington state driver’s license.
• Most hold current CPR, first aid and AED certifications.

Diving Responsibilities and Requirements:  

Scientific Diver- This scientific diving classification allows for full participation in the Aquarium’s diving program.  This includes surface-supplied and open-circuit diving and tending in Seattle Aquarium exhibits and open-circuit field diving in support of the Aquarium’s animal collecting and research goals. 

To qualify for evaluation as a Seattle Aquarium diver, candidates must meet the following general criteria:

• Possess a scuba certification to the level of rescue diver (or equivalent) from a nationally recognized certification agency.
• Possess a recent (less than 12 months) approval for recreational scuba diving signed by a physician (MD or DO).
• Successfully pass an AAUS watermanship requirements swim test.
• Pass a Seattle Aquarium scuba skills evaluation dive.
• In addition, the new staff diver candidate must complete and pass the following aquarium diver physical exam, training classes and deadlines:
• Pass a Seattle Aquarium occupational diving physical exam.
• Emergency oxygen provider training within one year of hire.
• Staff habitat diver training and evaluation within one year of hire.
• The position-defined level of scientific diver training and evaluation within one year of hire.

Working conditions:

• Requires handling, working with or exposure to large, dangerous animals, animal diseases, animal feces and toxic chemicals.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Occasionally required to lift more than 50 pounds.
• Must be able to be on their feet six or more hours a day; be physically active through physical motions.
• Required to work outdoors year-round, near water, on wet and slippery surfaces and at heights.
• Must be able to swim and pass and maintain any and all required scuba diving skills and certifications, if in a diving position. 
• Must have ability to use fall restraint equipment, respirators, and other appropriate safety gear; may be required to work in confined spaces.
• Must be willing to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays and an occasional 24-hour emergency call.

Salary and benefits: $25.55 - $27 per hour Dependent on experience. Please include salary expectations in your materials. Full-time staff are eligible for the Seattle Aquarium’s comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental, an employer-funded health reimbursement account, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, 403b retirement fund with employer match, access to a subsidized ORCA pass, a Seattle Aquarium Family Plus membership and generous paid time off.