Cnidarian Biologist

Job consists of overseeing care and proper upkeep of exhibits and animals in their area of responsibility. Responsibility of insuring all displays are ready for guests and job tasks are completed on a daily basis. Assists Assistant Curators and Animal Husbandry Manager with staff supervision and as assigned.

POSITION AUTHORITY:

The incumbent is authorized to take reasonable action necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities, provided such action is consistent with position guidelines as outlined below.

POSITION GUIDELINES:

Position guidelines include, but are not limited to, established company and department policies and procedures and all supervisory directives. The incumbent is expected to exercise sound, reasonable judgment and initiative, and give high priority to accuracy and details in the performance of job responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Professional Animal Care

• Be knowledgeable about natural history, behavior and conservation of collection species in areas of responsibility, including individual specimen histories
• Assist with animal acquisitions
• Research husbandry and natural history information on prospective acquisitions
• Be knowledgeable about animal capture, restraint and transport procedures
• Be knowledgeable about Moody Gardens accepted animal husbandry policies, procedures and routines
• Be knowledgeable about water quality system mechanics and maintenance
• Be knowledgeable about disease diagnosis and treatment protocol
• Be knowledgeable about larval/infant care and appropriate husbandry and/or hand rearing techniques
• Be knowledgeable about medical treatment as directed by the veterinarian
• Be knowledgeable about animal nutrition & pest control measures
• Be knowledgeable about pest control measures
• Perform daily routines as scheduled or when needed
• Demonstrate staff development through hands on training and mentoring
• Demonstrate personal professional development within and outside Moody Gardens (professional organizations, networks, etc.)

Communication

• Communicate regularly with staff through department meetings, individual meetings and written memos or instructions
• Meet with Assistant Curator to plan day’s events, projects, etc., daily or as appropriate.
• Maintain animal records
• Conduct tours for guests/visitors and relate facility and animal knowledge
• Conduct public presentations
• Orient and train new Biologists
• Convey relevant species and specimen information to animal and education staff
• Represent the Moody Gardens and the L.S. &E.O. Department in media events

Supervision of Personnel

• Direct Biologists in all aspects of animal care
• Train Biologists in relevant facility, animal and safety procedures
• Know department and facility rules, policies and procedures, instruct employees, implement policies and procedures
• Coordinate with Assistant Curator to assure exhibit readiness for opening, schedule employees, and arrange for shift coverage when necessary
• Set example for Biologists by reporting to work on time and maintaining a clean, professional appearance

Facility maintenance

• Maintain all facilities, exhibits and equipment within area of responsibility.
• Maintain supplies necessary for all aspects of exhibit maintenance.
• Demonstrate knowledge about work order processes, ordering/requisition processes, price agreements and petty cash procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge about cleaning/disinfection procedures.
• Be knowledgeable about basic exhibit landscape maintenance and exhibit decoration

• Any and all other duties as assigned; duties are subject to change as management deems necessary to best serve the needs of Moody Gardens

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree with major course work in Biology, Zoology or related field and 5 years professional animal care experience or a relevant combination of education and experience
• Must be a certified S.C.U.B.A. certified diver if required in work area
• Current member of professional organizations, including AZA that support professional growth and Moody Gardens’ operations
• Must have valid driver’s license, truck and van experience

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Must be reliable and responsible
• Must have working knowledge of life support systems, animal husbandry, disease prevention, treatment and control and animal rearing techniques
• Must be organized, self-motivated with eagerness to complete all projects
• Must be willing to participate in public education and interaction
• Must be prepared to work odd or unscheduled hours
• Must represent Moody Gardens in a professional manner with all guests
• Able to revise daily routines to increase staff efficiency
• Able to revise food acquisitions to increase food/diet quality while maintaining costs
• Increase staff professional opportunities, in turn increasing productivity and morale
• Observe and help maintain areas not normally within area of responsibility
• Be available to work as required
• Be ambitious and self-motivated
• Have strong observational skills
• Have ability to work with other employees, and volunteers

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Subject to possibility of bites, stings and other work related biological risks
• Work in water, both man- made and natural, with temperatures ranging from 45 – 90o
• Heavy lifting (50 pounds or more), walking and working within a wet environment
• Outdoor work on occasion, under variety of conditions: cold weather, hot weather, rain, mud, ocean environments, and dry land
• Availability for overtime, both non-emergency and emergency situations