At the Tennessee Aquarium, our mission is to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. We are fortunate to have a chance to make a difference every day - for the animals, for conservation, and for over 750,000 visitors annually.

The Aquarist II duties include maintaining fish and aquatic invertebrates in closed aquatic systems, preventive health care and the identification of disease, understanding of exhibitory maintenance and development, and a thorough understanding of all areas of the two Aquarium buildings and animal care facility with the ability to cover all of the aquatic animal areas. This also includes directly participating in specific husbandry duties such as a focus on hard and soft corals as well as gallery coverage. This position also initiates and/or participates in husbandry related projects in the Aquarium and in the field.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain assigned gallery exhibits and backup areas including diet prep, feeding, and monitoring animal health.
• Routinely dive exhibits to provide proper animal care and ensure exhibit quality is maintained.
• Maintain appropriate records.
• Involved in breeding and/or culture of animals or food sources in our collection.
• Maintain exhibit stock through ordering and/or collecting fish.
• Assist with projects at the Aquarium and in the field.
• Assist in developing new exhibits and upgrading existing exhibits.
• Assist in areas assigned to other aquarists in their absence.

Key Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ichthyology, or zoology; equivalent experience in a related field may be considered in lieu of degree
• Prior experience with hard and soft corals required
• Prior experience with culturing is preferred
• Prior experience with LSS design and/or fabrication is a plus
• Ability to pass Aquarist II exam
• A minimum of 18 months of experience in aquatic husbandry
• Knowledge of native freshwater ichthyofauna
• SCUBA certification or the ability to attain certification within 6 months of hire
• Valid driver’s license required in order to operate Aquarium vehicles
• Able to work well with others and be a team player
• Good computer skills
• Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools
• Ability to administer CPR, First Aid and DAN O2

Full-time, hourly (Starting at $21/hour, commensurate on education and experience); weekend work required.