Aquarist Aide

Job Overview

The Living Collections Department oversees all animal care, aquarium, animal conservation, and animal welfare at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Aquarist Aides support the Aquarists in the Living Collections Department by working on a variety of assignments and projects directly related to providing top notch animal care. Aquarist Aides must be comfortable with public speaking as behind-the-scenes tours and feeding events are common. This role requires a set schedule working both Saturdays and Sundays and a mutually agreed upon third day, with reasonable time off requests honored.

Primary duties
• Provide daily cleaning and care of assigned exhibits and life support systems.
• Ensure daily and weekly check sheets are current.
• Feed animals according to established feed schedule, recommend changes as necessary.
• Lead behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and related public events.
• Make daily observations of animals for health assessment and report suspected incidence of disease immediately to the management; collaborate on appropriate therapy.
• Maintain written records in accordance with established practice and policy.
• Participate in the construction and care of exhibit life support systems, including routine preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Provide alternate coverage for other Aquarists as assigned.
• Ensure all husbandry areas are kept clean, organized and hazard free; report maintenance needs; perform minor maintenance tasks.
• Provide superb customer service for all visitors.
• Study reference materials about animals in assigned areas.
• Implement emergency procedures as directed.
• Work safely with and around potentially hazardous chemicals and dangerous animals.
• Extended periods of standing and heavy lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
• Will typically possess a background related to living organisms.
• Experience with, understanding of, and aptitude for maintaining animals in captivity is helpful.
• Comfort with public speaking for tours and animal encounters.
• A High School Diploma is required.
• SCUBA certification is helpful.
• Ability to interact in a courteous and professional manner.
• Must be capable of dealing with emergencies calmly and efficiently.
• Must learn quickly and be self-motivated to elevate personal skill set.
• Must possess good decision-making skills to make sound, independent judgments.
• Must possess good problem-solving skills to identify problems and suggest solutions.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
• Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check.

About us
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is an outgrowth of the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site, is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame, and supports a national outreach program called RiverWorks Discovery.

The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.

How to apply
To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.org/join. Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, and references to apply@rivermuseum.org or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.

We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.