Aquarist/keeper 1

At Discovery Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we fuel your passion for science and the natural world by delivering awe-inspiring exhibits and educational programs.
Our immersive experiences captivate, challenge, and empower audiences of all ages, sparking a spirit of discovery and lifelong learning. We hope to forge a future where science catalyzes, creating boundless opportunities, fostering hope, solving complex problems and driving positive change across the globe.

We’re looking for driven, talented individuals who share our passion for making an impact and having fun while doing it.

General Summary: Assists in the daily care and maintenance of the living collections and their life support systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Technical Skills - Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills. Shares expertise with others.
• Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming. Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Listens and gets clarification. Responds well to questions. Demonstrates group presentation skills. Participates in meetings.
• Team Work - Balances team and individual responsibilities. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Puts success of team above own interests. Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives. Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
• Cost Consciousness - Conserves organizational resources.
• Ethics - Works with integrity and ethically. Upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures.
• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment. Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time. Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent. Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Dependability - Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily. Seeks increased responsibilities.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity. Meets challenges with resourcefulness. Generates suggestions for improving work.
• Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions. Makes timely decisions.
• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals. Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles. Measures self against standard of excellence.
• Planning/Organizing - Uses time efficiently. Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks. Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner. Reacts well under pressure. Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position. Accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Quality - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. Applies feedback to improve performance.
• Quantity - Meets productivity standards. Completes work in timely manner. Strives to increase productivity. Works quickly.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures. Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines. Reports potentially unsafe conditions. Uses equipment and materials properly.

Qualifications:

• Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in biology or related field from a four-year college or university; or one to two years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Language Ability: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, coworkers, and the general public.
• Math Ability: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Computer Skills: Knowledge of word processing software, spreadsheet software, Internet browsers, and animal record keeping systems database software.
• Certificates and Licenses: Must have a valid NC Driver's license.
• Preferred PADI or equivalent SCUBA certification.
• Preferred CPR and First Aid training.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervises and trains volunteers and interns in the above tasks. Provides input for evaluation of curatorial assistant volunteers and interns. Monitors and assists educational staff in preparation for live shows.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); outdoor weather conditions and extreme heat (non-weather). The employee is frequently exposed to work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 lbs, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee must also be able to swim and operate a submersible air regulator. The employee must be comfortable working with all basic hand tools. The employee must be able to climb a 30-foot ladder and work comfortable working at heights of up to 40 feet.

Employees of Discovery Place should uphold the mission, vision and values of the organization. We strive to provide exceptional service through four core values: uncommon courtesy, the pursuit of personal excellence, teamwork and inclusion. We value the diversity of opinions and intellectual thought and encourage an environment where employees can share ideas openly.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities of this job. Other duties may be assigned. This job description may be changed to include new responsibilities and tasks or change existing ones as management deems necessary.