Aquarist Position Available In Dougherty, Georgia

Aquarist Flint RiverQuarium Albany, Georgia Job Type Permanent
Salary $23,000 – $30,000 per year
Benefits Paid sick/vacation time after probationary period; health, dental, vision, and life insurance policies available; free membership to Artesian Alliance facilities for you and family
Deadline Jun 27, 2025 Flint RiverQuarium is looking for a motivated professional to join our animal husbandry team. We are enrolled in AZA’s Pathway towards Membership pilot program and are committed to ensuring high standards of animal care and positive guest experience. The ideal candidate will be a dedicated person with a solid working knowledge of aquatic and terrestrial animal husbandry, aquarium safety, and animal care best practices. Teamwork is also essential to complete large projects and while participating in maintenance and show dives. We are committed to providing all staff with opportunities for development and advancement, both within and outside our facilities.

BASIC JOB DUTIES

Prepare diets, feed, and provide water to assigned animals
Clean exhibits and conduct water changes on a regular basis using best standard practices
Sanitize/clean enclosure decor and food/water dishes as scheduled or necessary
Perform approved enrichment and training activities
Assist in the capture and restraint of animals
Monitor water quality, including temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved Oxygen, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, copper, ozone, chlorine, and other miscellaneous levels
Perform dive maintenance and diving demonstrations in the 175k gallon “Blue Hole” exhibit, as well as dive maintenance in our Gallery and Spring Run Creek exhibits
Inspect animals for health problems; assist veterinarians with medical exams and procedures; administer medications to animals as trained
Record relevant information in facility’s recordkeeping database (ZIMS)
Perform routine repairs and maintenance on exhibits/enclosures as needed; construct improvements, furnishings, and decorations for exhibits; demolish unwanted structures; may shovel, rake, or scrub enclosure surfaces; may replace substrate, control weeds, and collect browse
Assist in planning and conducting educational and interactive guest programs; engage the public to encourage curiosity and facilitate a positive experience

EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES

High School Diploma, or equivalent (Aquarist I)
Associate’s Degree in a related field (Aquarist II)
Previous aquatic animal husbandry and dive experience preferred
Adequate knowledge about exotic animal husbandry and captive management; ability to build upon this knowledge and to adapt as necessary to animal collection changes
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to/from work
Basic computer skills
Must be able to lift 60 pounds and work outdoors in all weather conditions on a daily basis; must be able to tolerate strong odors, dust, hay, dander, and dampness; may be required to stand or sit for extended periods of time and/or to twist, bend, crouch, squat, climb, crawl, kneel, jump, swim, or carry objects for short distances; may be exposed to chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts, vehicles, and potentially dangerous animals
Willingness to work weekends, holidays, or on-call as scheduled/needed, as well as overtime work
Willingness to participate in staff vaccination program to prevent zoonotic disease transfer, scheduled as recommended by CDC; may include tetanus, TB skin test, rabies, Hepatitis A & B, Covid-19, Influenza; vaccinations may be provided to successful candidates
Current CPR/AED/First Aid certification or receipt of certification within 90 days of employment
Current SCUBA certification or receipt of certification within 90 days of employment
All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a drug and background investigation.

ALBANY AREA

The Albany Metropolitan area includes welcoming cities such as Leesburg, Putney, Sylvester, and Sasser. These cities boast cost-of-living numbers much lower than the national average and are all within easy commute of Flint RiverQuarium.

Leesburg:

13% lower COL, 18 minute commute

Putney:

28% lower COL, 15 minute commute

Sylvester:

26% lower COL, 28 minute commute

Sasser:

24% lower COL, 22 minute commute

PAY AND BENEFITS

Full-time (40-hours per week), hourly
Commensurate with experience, generally $23k-30k per year
Benefits include paid vacation; paid sick leave; vision, dental, life, and health insurance
Participation in staff vaccination program
Relocation package available to eligible new hires.