Aquarist I, Aquatic Sustainability

The Aquarist I position at Georgia Aquarium focuses on the cultivation and care of larval fish and jellyfish, contributing to aquaculture development and sustainability. Responsibilities include daily operations, maintaining aquaculture systems, conducting research, and documenting activities. Candidates should have an associate degree in marine biology or related fields and experience in marine aquaculture. This is a full-time, on-site role based in Atlanta, GA.
Position Title: Aquaculture Aquarist I

Department: Aquatic Sustainability

Classification: Non-Exempt

Employee Type: Full-Time / TSN – Team Specialist Non-exempt

Direct Report: Associate Curator, Aquatic Sustainability
• Position Summary:

The Aquaculture Aquarist I plays a pivotal role at Georgia Aquarium, focusing on the cultivation and care of larval fish and jellyfish. This position is integral to the Aquarium's efforts in aquaculture development, collection sustainability, and technology sharing. The position aims to optimize growth conditions, ensure the health and vitality of larval fish and jellies, and support the institution's conservation goals.

Responsibilities:
• Executes daily operations related to jellies and larval fish cultivation, ensuring optimal feeding, water quality, and health monitoring.
• Cultivates a consistent supply of high-quality live feeds, including microalgae, mysids, artemia, rotifers, and copepods, tailored to the nutritional needs of various polyps and larval stages.
• Apply protocols for spawning, egg incubation, larval rearing, and the transition to juvenile stages, incorporating the latest aquaculture innovations.
• Ensure the proper function, maintenance, and cleanliness of all aquaculture systems and life support equipment, adjusting water chemistry and conditions to meet the specific needs of jellies, larval fish and live feeds.
• Identify and address any system issues promptly, maintaining a stable environment for all cultures. 
• Engage in ongoing research to enhance the efficiency of larval and jelly rearing processes and live feed production, collaborating with scientific teams to explore new methodologies and technologies.
• Document experimental designs, procedures, and outcomes, contributing to Georgia Aquarium's research portfolio and to the broader scientific community.
• Keep comprehensive records of aquaculture activities, including detailed logs of breeding, feeding schedules, water quality data, and health assessments of larval fish and live feeds.
• Generate and present reports summarizing project progress, challenges, and successes to Aquarium management. 

 

III. Qualifications:
• Associate degree in marine biology, Aquaculture, or a related field is required. 
• A minimum of one year of experience in marine aquaculture, with a strong emphasis on jellyfish or larval rearing and the cultivation of live feeds such as microalgae and zooplankton.
• Proven history in maintaining aquatic systems and understanding water chemistry.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of individuals and teams. 
• Proficient in using data management software and tools for research and reporting purposes.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

 

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands, handles, objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 100 feet. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. An employee must also have the ability to travel by car, boat, and air as needed, conduct field work in the collection and research of animals, and maintain daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals.

Commitment:

I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:

Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.

Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.

Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion