National Aquarium
Overview
Job Title: Senior Aquarist Posting Date: September 2025 Job Department: Blue Wonders/ACW Schedule: Full Time Job Type: On-site Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202 The National Aquarium is seeking a Senior Aquarist to join our team. This individual provides assigned specimens with excellent day-to-day care through approved husbandry practices; keeps systems/enclosures, support equipment, and workspaces well maintained to NA standards; participates in the acquisition/disposition, transport, acclimation, and quarantine of animals; participates in the design, construction and maintenance of exhibits and reserve tanks, including life support material and equipment, as assigned. Will be responsible for providing coverage for other areas as assigned. Will be primary contact for assigned areas. Serves as an advisor and mentor to Aquarist staff on all aspects of husbandry procedures and protocols. Trains staff and supervises volunteers, interns and team projects and acts as a leader and role model for other staff members. Primarily functions as a jelly aquarist within the Jellies Invasion gallery and Culture Lab in the Blue Wonders department. Please provide us with CV and Cover Letter in PDF format in your application Responsibilities
Responsible for the care and feeding of the animal collection and systems within assigned area. Completes inspection rounds of specimens, exhibits and reserve tanks twice daily to check status and identify and report potential problems. Resolves problems independently where possible. Prepares food and feeds assigned animals/systems/enclosures, in accordance with dietary needs. Cleans and provides daily maintenance to food preparation areas, food preparation equipment and utensils. Prepares diets and diet supplements according to established protocols to ensure nutrition and vitamin content are maintained to keep animals at peak health. Follows established feeding schedules and feeds appropriate amounts to maintain animals at a healthy weight. Develops strategies to get in-appetent animals to feed. Monitors weights of animals. Utilizes various feeding techniques and develops new strategies to overcome the challenges of getting the correct diet to all animals in systems/enclosures housing multiple animals and species. Observes and recognizes medical conditions that may require attention and reports observations. Discusses best course of therapy with Animal Health and Curatorial staff. Administers medications and implements routine quarantine procedures as needed. Maintains detailed, daily husbandry records and reviews records regularly to identify important trends. Orders hardware, life-support supplies, aquarium supplies, and live animals as needed with Curatorial approval. Maintains current knowledge of all animal species under their care and their natural history (biology and environmental needs) and husbandry requirements through hands-on experience, upkeep with current literature, keeper exchange programs, and symposium participation (as approved). Researches species to determine established or new husbandry techniques; conducts literature review or hands on research. Assists with annual and routine physicals of animals. Participates in the acquisition and transport of plants and animals. Arranges the acquisition of plants and animals from professional collectors, other institutions, and wholesalers. Participates in field collection trips using appropriate equipment. Lead and manage national collection trips, as assigned, including securing location, travel, and other logistics and developing budget and plan proposals. Executing collection trip while being fully accountable for finances and safety of staff participating. Ensures adequate animal holding facilities in accordance with biological requirements of the animals are available prior to collection of specimens. Maintains acquisition and disposition database. Prepares and maintains a manual with up-to-date information on all assigned systems/enclosures, reserve tanks, and their associated life-support systems and animals. Maintains weekly coverage notes for specific husbandry instructions. Responsibilities (continued)
Participates, taking a lead role, in the design and construction of new and renovated systems, maintenance, and appearance of existing exhibits and tanks, including life support materials and equipment. Maintains cleanliness and artistic quality of the displays through cleaning glass and decor, scrubbing algae and removing debris to meet established National Aquarium standards. Performs cleaning tasks, water changes, backwashing and other procedures necessary to care for pumps, filters, and maintain water quality standards, and determines appropriate schedules for maintenance and trouble-shooting guides. Cleans back-up areas including scrubbing, mopping, vacuuming water and pest control. Maintains current knowledge of all pumps, valves, filters, and chillers dealing with life support for the building. Participates in system design and fabrication in keeping with animal behavior and biological needs. Public Representation
Serves as a representative of the Aquarium to the public and the media. Participates in and presents at workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs and tours. Produces specific applied research projects. Offers advice to other aquariums and zoos regarding aquarium techniques and advises home hobbyists on husbandry problems. Trains and mentors new personnel including staff, volunteers, interns and visiting professionals in all aspects of husbandry. Able to work well with supervisors and staff. As Assigned serves as a volunteer or intern coordinator, conducts interviews and annual performance reviews. Responds to diver, life-support, and animal related emergencies, at times after hours. As scheduled, works cooperatively to execute response to mitigate alarms for planned incidents or drills, including after-hours when needed. May have responsibility for occasionally being on-call or responding to emergencies after-hours; responsibility may cross more than one department/section. Provides back-up support to other departments as needed. Possess keen observation skills and be highly detail-oriented and adept at problem solving. Ability to oversee section, as assigned, in the absence of Curators and Assistant Curators. Plans and implements special projects including minor exhibit renovations/ repairs. Recommends species acquisitions that support exhibit themes and enhance visitor experience and learning. Possess an affinity for animals, education orientation and conservation ethics. Support organization mission. Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures. Qualifications
Other duties as assigned or required. Required Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Oceanography, or related major, or equivalent experience Minimum of three years’ experience in aquarium or zoological field with emphasis on closed aquatic systems Previous experience training and mentoring paid and/or unpaid staff within assigned section. Significant experience caring for and culturing a variety of jellyfish species Ability to be certified in the operation of a power lift truck and overhead crane Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings Ability to obtain and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and ability to learn to operate a variety of vehicles Preferred Experience culturing live foods Open water scuba certification CPR/AED and basic First-Aid Certification Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and an acceptable driving record with the ability to operate a variety of vehicles Competencies
Act as a role model within and beyond the division; demonstrate good judgment and communication skills, fostering a learning culture. Promote teamwork and a positive work environment. Develop and maintain professional relationships with coworkers, volunteers, interns, and external partners. Intermediate computer skills with NA software. Decide when to act independently and when to seek curatorial input. Mentor new staff, volunteers, and interns while maintaining high technical skill. Competence in research components including publications and research. Use independent judgment and critical thinking to problem solve with animal welfare in mind; adapt as needed. Stay current with field trends to evolve NA programs and protocols. Compensation
Hourly range: $21.78-27.67
per hour, overtime eligible for hours over 40 per week, with benefits including four weeks PTO, six floating holidays, paid family leave, and other benefits as described. Health care eligibility after 30 days, 401(k) with employer match, and membership benefits. About The National Aquarium
Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium is AZA-accredited and provides immersive habitats across thousands of animals. Our mission and values emphasize diversity, inclusion, curiosity, optimism, service, and wellbeing, with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. See internal policy for full details.
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Job Title: Senior Aquarist Posting Date: September 2025 Job Department: Blue Wonders/ACW Schedule: Full Time Job Type: On-site Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202 The National Aquarium is seeking a Senior Aquarist to join our team. This individual provides assigned specimens with excellent day-to-day care through approved husbandry practices; keeps systems/enclosures, support equipment, and workspaces well maintained to NA standards; participates in the acquisition/disposition, transport, acclimation, and quarantine of animals; participates in the design, construction and maintenance of exhibits and reserve tanks, including life support material and equipment, as assigned. Will be responsible for providing coverage for other areas as assigned. Will be primary contact for assigned areas. Serves as an advisor and mentor to Aquarist staff on all aspects of husbandry procedures and protocols. Trains staff and supervises volunteers, interns and team projects and acts as a leader and role model for other staff members. Primarily functions as a jelly aquarist within the Jellies Invasion gallery and Culture Lab in the Blue Wonders department. Please provide us with CV and Cover Letter in PDF format in your application Responsibilities
Responsible for the care and feeding of the animal collection and systems within assigned area. Completes inspection rounds of specimens, exhibits and reserve tanks twice daily to check status and identify and report potential problems. Resolves problems independently where possible. Prepares food and feeds assigned animals/systems/enclosures, in accordance with dietary needs. Cleans and provides daily maintenance to food preparation areas, food preparation equipment and utensils. Prepares diets and diet supplements according to established protocols to ensure nutrition and vitamin content are maintained to keep animals at peak health. Follows established feeding schedules and feeds appropriate amounts to maintain animals at a healthy weight. Develops strategies to get in-appetent animals to feed. Monitors weights of animals. Utilizes various feeding techniques and develops new strategies to overcome the challenges of getting the correct diet to all animals in systems/enclosures housing multiple animals and species. Observes and recognizes medical conditions that may require attention and reports observations. Discusses best course of therapy with Animal Health and Curatorial staff. Administers medications and implements routine quarantine procedures as needed. Maintains detailed, daily husbandry records and reviews records regularly to identify important trends. Orders hardware, life-support supplies, aquarium supplies, and live animals as needed with Curatorial approval. Maintains current knowledge of all animal species under their care and their natural history (biology and environmental needs) and husbandry requirements through hands-on experience, upkeep with current literature, keeper exchange programs, and symposium participation (as approved). Researches species to determine established or new husbandry techniques; conducts literature review or hands on research. Assists with annual and routine physicals of animals. Participates in the acquisition and transport of plants and animals. Arranges the acquisition of plants and animals from professional collectors, other institutions, and wholesalers. Participates in field collection trips using appropriate equipment. Lead and manage national collection trips, as assigned, including securing location, travel, and other logistics and developing budget and plan proposals. Executing collection trip while being fully accountable for finances and safety of staff participating. Ensures adequate animal holding facilities in accordance with biological requirements of the animals are available prior to collection of specimens. Maintains acquisition and disposition database. Prepares and maintains a manual with up-to-date information on all assigned systems/enclosures, reserve tanks, and their associated life-support systems and animals. Maintains weekly coverage notes for specific husbandry instructions. Responsibilities (continued)
Participates, taking a lead role, in the design and construction of new and renovated systems, maintenance, and appearance of existing exhibits and tanks, including life support materials and equipment. Maintains cleanliness and artistic quality of the displays through cleaning glass and decor, scrubbing algae and removing debris to meet established National Aquarium standards. Performs cleaning tasks, water changes, backwashing and other procedures necessary to care for pumps, filters, and maintain water quality standards, and determines appropriate schedules for maintenance and trouble-shooting guides. Cleans back-up areas including scrubbing, mopping, vacuuming water and pest control. Maintains current knowledge of all pumps, valves, filters, and chillers dealing with life support for the building. Participates in system design and fabrication in keeping with animal behavior and biological needs. Public Representation
Serves as a representative of the Aquarium to the public and the media. Participates in and presents at workshops, seminars, lectures, member programs and tours. Produces specific applied research projects. Offers advice to other aquariums and zoos regarding aquarium techniques and advises home hobbyists on husbandry problems. Trains and mentors new personnel including staff, volunteers, interns and visiting professionals in all aspects of husbandry. Able to work well with supervisors and staff. As Assigned serves as a volunteer or intern coordinator, conducts interviews and annual performance reviews. Responds to diver, life-support, and animal related emergencies, at times after hours. As scheduled, works cooperatively to execute response to mitigate alarms for planned incidents or drills, including after-hours when needed. May have responsibility for occasionally being on-call or responding to emergencies after-hours; responsibility may cross more than one department/section. Provides back-up support to other departments as needed. Possess keen observation skills and be highly detail-oriented and adept at problem solving. Ability to oversee section, as assigned, in the absence of Curators and Assistant Curators. Plans and implements special projects including minor exhibit renovations/ repairs. Recommends species acquisitions that support exhibit themes and enhance visitor experience and learning. Possess an affinity for animals, education orientation and conservation ethics. Support organization mission. Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures. Qualifications
Other duties as assigned or required. Required Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Oceanography, or related major, or equivalent experience Minimum of three years’ experience in aquarium or zoological field with emphasis on closed aquatic systems Previous experience training and mentoring paid and/or unpaid staff within assigned section. Significant experience caring for and culturing a variety of jellyfish species Ability to be certified in the operation of a power lift truck and overhead crane Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings Ability to obtain and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and ability to learn to operate a variety of vehicles Preferred Experience culturing live foods Open water scuba certification CPR/AED and basic First-Aid Certification Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and an acceptable driving record with the ability to operate a variety of vehicles Competencies
Act as a role model within and beyond the division; demonstrate good judgment and communication skills, fostering a learning culture. Promote teamwork and a positive work environment. Develop and maintain professional relationships with coworkers, volunteers, interns, and external partners. Intermediate computer skills with NA software. Decide when to act independently and when to seek curatorial input. Mentor new staff, volunteers, and interns while maintaining high technical skill. Competence in research components including publications and research. Use independent judgment and critical thinking to problem solve with animal welfare in mind; adapt as needed. Stay current with field trends to evolve NA programs and protocols. Compensation
Hourly range: $21.78-27.67
per hour, overtime eligible for hours over 40 per week, with benefits including four weeks PTO, six floating holidays, paid family leave, and other benefits as described. Health care eligibility after 30 days, 401(k) with employer match, and membership benefits. About The National Aquarium
Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium is AZA-accredited and provides immersive habitats across thousands of animals. Our mission and values emphasize diversity, inclusion, curiosity, optimism, service, and wellbeing, with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. See internal policy for full details.
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