Kate on Conservation
Exhibits Technician I – Aquarist/keeper #02049
Kate on Conservation, Virginia Beach, Virginia, us, 23450
Exhibits Technician I – Aquarist/Keeper #02049
Date of Last Revision:
March 24, 2025 City of Virginia Beach Organizational Mission and Values
The City of Virginia Beach exists to enhance the economic, educational, social, and physical quality of the community and provide sustainable municipal services which are valued by its citizens. It is based on a belief in the democratic process and guided by values such as quality customer service, teamwork, leadership and learning, integrity, commitment, and inclusion and diversity. Class Summary
Assist in the husbandry and health maintenance of the live aquariums, habitats, and holding systems for the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. Responsibilities include assisting in the acquisition of live organisms, construction, maintenance, and repair of live exhibits and aquarium systems, as well as diving in both enclosed exhibit systems and open water environments. Representative Work Functions and Responsibilities
Demonstrate commitment to the Aquarium’s guest experience, mission, vision, and values. Support visitor engagement through public programs, tours, and spokesperson duties. Provide daily care to animals including feedings, exhibit maintenance, and water quality management. Perform animal husbandry and handling activities with a variety of species. Assist with upgrading existing exhibits and constructing new displays, including installation of life support systems. Maintain accurate paper and electronic records on care, health observations, and system maintenance. Participate in SCUBA diving operations, boat-based tasks, and occasional travel for animal collection and training. Performance Standards
Maintain exhibit quality standards, communicate effectively with the public, and perform animal care duties satisfactorily under the direction of senior staff. Minimum Qualifications
A combination of post-high school education and/or experience equivalent to two (2) years in related fields such as aquarist, exhibits technician, biologist, or animal keeper. Must hold a current SCUBA certification (Open Water Diver or higher) and possess or obtain a valid Virginia or North Carolina driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in biology, marine science, zoology or related field, along with experience in animal care, exhibit maintenance, and working in an AZA accredited facility. Special Requirements
May require additional work hours during emergencies or departmental needs. Might involve wearing personal protective equipment and working in inclement weather. Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and mandatory drug testing is required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Includes knowledge of aquarium science, animal husbandry, behavioral techniques, life support system maintenance, and quarantine protocols. Skills include safe animal handling, SCUBA diving, use of hand and shop tools, and effective communication with both colleagues and the public. Working Conditions
The position involves indoor and outdoor work, exposure to water and live animals, and sometimes boat operations, requiring comfort in diverse working environments. Disclaimer:
This description provides an overview of typical duties and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, which may be adjusted by supervisory staff as needed.
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Date of Last Revision:
March 24, 2025 City of Virginia Beach Organizational Mission and Values
The City of Virginia Beach exists to enhance the economic, educational, social, and physical quality of the community and provide sustainable municipal services which are valued by its citizens. It is based on a belief in the democratic process and guided by values such as quality customer service, teamwork, leadership and learning, integrity, commitment, and inclusion and diversity. Class Summary
Assist in the husbandry and health maintenance of the live aquariums, habitats, and holding systems for the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. Responsibilities include assisting in the acquisition of live organisms, construction, maintenance, and repair of live exhibits and aquarium systems, as well as diving in both enclosed exhibit systems and open water environments. Representative Work Functions and Responsibilities
Demonstrate commitment to the Aquarium’s guest experience, mission, vision, and values. Support visitor engagement through public programs, tours, and spokesperson duties. Provide daily care to animals including feedings, exhibit maintenance, and water quality management. Perform animal husbandry and handling activities with a variety of species. Assist with upgrading existing exhibits and constructing new displays, including installation of life support systems. Maintain accurate paper and electronic records on care, health observations, and system maintenance. Participate in SCUBA diving operations, boat-based tasks, and occasional travel for animal collection and training. Performance Standards
Maintain exhibit quality standards, communicate effectively with the public, and perform animal care duties satisfactorily under the direction of senior staff. Minimum Qualifications
A combination of post-high school education and/or experience equivalent to two (2) years in related fields such as aquarist, exhibits technician, biologist, or animal keeper. Must hold a current SCUBA certification (Open Water Diver or higher) and possess or obtain a valid Virginia or North Carolina driver’s license. Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in biology, marine science, zoology or related field, along with experience in animal care, exhibit maintenance, and working in an AZA accredited facility. Special Requirements
May require additional work hours during emergencies or departmental needs. Might involve wearing personal protective equipment and working in inclement weather. Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and mandatory drug testing is required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Includes knowledge of aquarium science, animal husbandry, behavioral techniques, life support system maintenance, and quarantine protocols. Skills include safe animal handling, SCUBA diving, use of hand and shop tools, and effective communication with both colleagues and the public. Working Conditions
The position involves indoor and outdoor work, exposure to water and live animals, and sometimes boat operations, requiring comfort in diverse working environments. Disclaimer:
This description provides an overview of typical duties and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, which may be adjusted by supervisory staff as needed.
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