The National Aquarium is currently seeking qualified applicants to fill both a
Rehabilitation Biologist and a Rehabilitation Manager position within the
Animal Rescue Department. Interested and engaged applicants should apply
through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation
can be made by e-mailing h...@aqua.org.
Rehabilitation Biologist
Provides excellent day-to-day husbandry and medical care of marine turtles and
marine mammals undergoing rehabilitation for the purpose of release back to the
natural environment. Keep rehabilitation pools, equipment, and workspaces well
maintained to National Aquarium and NOAA Fisheries Service and US Fish and
Wildlife Service
standards. Fully accountable for the patients and systems under their care.
Participates in planning and implementation of special projects (renovations,
enrichment, animal transports & releases) as assigned. Train and mentor
volunteers and interns.
Essential Functions:
* Organizes the day to day husbandry and feeding of sea turtles and marine
mammals in
* Completes inspection rounds of patients, life support systems, and
enclosures daily to check status and identify and report any potential Resolves
problems independently where possible.
* Prepares daily diets and feeds patients according to their medical
plan and dietary Cleans and provides daily maintenance to food preparation
areas, equipment and utensils.
* Prepares diets, supplements, and medications according to established
protocols to ensure nutrition and vitamin content are maintained to improve
animal
* Follows established feeding schedules and feeds appropriate amounts to
reach and maintain a healthy Develop strategies to get inappetent patients to
eat. Monitor patient weights.
* Administers oral supplements and
* Utilizes various feeding techniques and develop new strategies to
overcome the challenges of getting the correct diet and medications to the
appropriate patients when animals are housed
* Monitors health of patients, and works with manager and Animal Health
staff to implement treatment plans as
* Observes and recognizes changes in patient behavior, medical
condition, and appetite and reports Discusses best course with the senior
Animal Rescue staff and Animal Health & Welfare staff as appropriate.
* Administers medications and maintains quarantine protocols when
working in and between animal rescue
* Provide safe restraint and handling of animals during husbandry and
clinical
* Maintains detailed, daily animal and medical records in accordance
with federal and aquarium standards using computerized medical system and
hardcopy Reviews records regularly to identify important trends and reports
them to the Rehabilitation Manager.
* Develops basic understanding of behavioral models to accomplish
conditioning, enrichment, and husbandry goals for animals in rehabilitation,
with an emphasis on ensuring releasable animals maintain natural
* Plans and conducts enrichment sessions and opportunities as
* Participates in the admission, rehabilitation, transport, and release
of
* Monitors patient food supply and ensures proper food Orders food,
hardware, husbandry supplies, medical treatment supplies, and supplements as
needed.
* Observes animal behavior such as intra- species aggression, feeding,
habitat use, , and gathers data to advise on management decisions.
* Responds to animal emergencies, at times after
* Provide daily cleaning and maintenance of rehabilitation facilities, life
support, animal enclosures, &
* Services and cleans rehab enclosures and pools
* Monitors and records temperature and water chemistry data,
* Monitors, operates, and maintains life support Performs water changes,
backwashing and other procedures necessary to care for pumps, filters, and
maintains water quality standards.
* Maintains current knowledge of all pumps, valves, filters, and
chillers dealing with the life support of rehabilitation areas
* Maintains cleanliness and organization of workspaces, rehab
facilities, food prep, and support
* Assists with enclosure improvements and implementing new
* Maintains safety, animal, and response equipment as
* Gives input to rehabilitation protocols and procedures to help improve
the
* Assists in pest
* Participates in outreach and continuing
* Supports collection of digital content (photos, videos, etc) as
* Provides back-up tours, presentations, and guest engagement as directed
* Participates in and presents at workshops, lectures, seminars,
trainings, and other continuing education opportunities.
* Participates in formal and informal public presentations
* Represents NA in partnerships with outside organization working on
common projects or
* Participates in research projects
* Maintains established Aquarium protocols, policies, and
* Coordinates departmental volunteer and intern
* Assists with the training of less experienced staff, new staff,
volunteers and interns
* Acts as section liaison and lead in the absence of managerial staff as
* Attends weekly staff department meetings, committee meetings, and
quarterly full staff meetings
* Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures
* Other duties as assigned or
* Assists with necropsy of animals, including collection and
distribution of
Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:
Required:
* Bachelor’s degree in biology, aquatic sciences, environmental or related
science or equivalent
* Minimum one year previous professional work experience with a
rehabilitation, and or stranding response organization with preference to those
with experience with both pinnipeds and sea turtles (especially cold stunned
sea turtles).
* Employees assigned to this position will be required to possess and
maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license, have an
acceptable driving record, and possess the ability to drive a variety of
vehicles (cars, vans/trucks).
Preferred:
* Ability to mentor and train interns and
* Previous experience with animal husbandry, diet preparation, life support
and record keeping in a professional
* Necropsy experience
Competencies: Must have basic knowledge about marine biology and have an
affinity for animals, including a reasonable comfort level around large and/or
aggressive animals. Competent regarding wound treatment, administration of oral
medications, and familiar with quarantine protocols. Must be able to apply
solid knowledge of biology, and zoology to a rehabilitation setting. Adept at
observation and the ability to watch for changes in patient health, monitor
eating patterns, and any changes in behavior.
Must be able to work productively in a teamwork environment. Must
have the capacity to make decisions, based on the best interest of the animals,
public health, and staff safety. Familiarity with computers is necessary,
including MS Office software (Word/Excel) and Adobe; ability to learn &
effectively use all proprietary Aquarium software. Must be able to follow
established policies and protocols. Must be able to work well under direction
and have capacity to absorb feedback from manager or staff, and have the
capacity to decide when to act independently and when to seek consultation from
manager. Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule that will include
weekends, holidays and possible evening hours.
Physical Requirements: These are physical and mental requirements of the
position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these
physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate
or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the
Company may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements,
depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and
the proposed accommodation.
The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who
bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply.
Rehabilitation Manager
General Purpose:
Responsible for managing all aspects of the care and welfare of live animals
undergoing rehabilitation with Animal Rescue, including directing the
day-to-day husbandry and medical care of marine turtles and marine mammals
undergoing rehabilitation for the purpose of release back to the natural
environment; Responsible for maintaining Animal Rescue department long-term
rehabilitation facilities (multiple sites) and associated life support systems.
Manages staff and volunteers participating in the daily care and treatment of
animals undergoing rehabilitation. Works collaboratively with the Stranding
Response Manager on the care of pinniped in triage and assists with the care
and final disposition of stranded marine animals in the field as needed. As
scheduled, provide rotating, on-call coverage of the 24-hr Stranding Hotline
Essential Functions:
Manage all aspects of the care and welfare of live animals undergoing long-term
rehabilitation.
* Directs the daily care and treatment of marine mammals and sea turtles in
rehabilitation, and provides liaison between Animal Health and animal
care/husbandry staff to manage active medical cases.
* Monitors medical case history of patients, recognizes signs of behavioral
or medical conditions, and triages cases requiring additional attention.
* Performs or assists with necropsy of animals, including collection and
distribution of samples.
* Ensures all required records are made, duplicated, and managed according
to federal guidelines.
* Manages and ensures accuracy of all animal, accession, and related
records in accordance with federal and Aquarium standards using computerized
medical system and hardcopy files.
* Accountable for the safe restraint and handling of animals during
husbandry and clinical procedures.
* Develops dietary goals, and ensures daily food and prescribed medications
are administered as directed.
* Oversees purchases of food, supplies, and equipment and maintains proper
rotation of inventory.
* Develops and evaluates behavioral models to accomplish conditioning,
enrichment, and husbandry goals for animals in rehabilitation, with an emphasis
on ensuring releasable animals maintain natural behaviors.
* Develops and manages the daily schedule for husbandry staff, volunteers,
and interns.
* Responsible for the maintenance of rehabilitation facilities (multiple
sites), life support, and animal enclosures.
* Directs and manages the acquisition, disposition, transport, release and
post-release monitoring of animals.
* Monitors and analyzes current husbandry practices as they relate to
disease prevention.
* Oversees all rehabilitation facility projects (facility
maintenance/upgrades, rehab animal exhibit, etc) relating to Animal Rescue and
ensures environmental, animal care, staff, and quarantine needs are met.
* Responsible for staff and animal safety.
Works collaboratively with the Stranding Response Manager to direct the care of
pinnipeds in triage and assists with the care and final disposition of stranded
marine animals in the field as needed.
* Coordinates and assists with necropsy of animals, in conjunction with
Animal Health and/or MD the Department of Natural Resources.
Manages area staff, volunteers, and interns.
* Recruits and hires husbandry staff for Animal Rescue, and oversees the
supervision of area staff, interns and volunteers.
* Plans staff schedules, department projects, and monitors work
* Prepares and conducts performance evaluations for section staff (and
volunteers/interns) and participates in merit raise determination.
Provide liaison with the Regional and National Stranding Networks, and
collaborate with federal, state (MD Department of Natural Resources) and local
municipalities in all matters relating to wildlife rehabilitation at the
National Aquarium.
* As scheduled, provide 24-hour coverage of Stranding Hotline, and provide
exemplary customer service.
* Communicates and cooperates with NOAA Fisheries Service and US Fish and
Wildlife Service, per federal permitting regulations.
* Ensures compliance with federal tissue sample requests pertaining to
stranded marine mammals and sea turtle, and works with Medical Laboratory staff
to manage tissue submissions to NOAA and USFWS.
* Collaborates with pertinent government organizations, non-government
organizations, and partner institutions for disposition of stranded animals.
Participates in outreach, continuing education, and research.
* Participates in all Animal Rescue-focused research activities involving
live animals.
* Executes outreach education events/programs as directed.
* Coordinates and assists with public/media relations as directed.
* Disseminates important information to colleagues through presentation and
publication.
* Attends lectures, seminars, etc to obtain continuing education credits
needed to maintain certifications and licenses.
* Support digital content needs for social media, including photos, video,
and blog updates.
Complies with NAI’s environmental objectives and goals by contributing to
internal conservation initiatives. Participates in one conservation event per
year. Serves as a leader of fiscal conservation efforts.
Other duties as assigned or required.
Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements:
Required:
* Bachelor’s degree in biology, aquatic sciences, psychology, or related
science preferred.
* Minimum of three years’ experience in an aquarium or zoological, or
wildlife rehabilitation field (or similar), with experience caring for aquatic
reptiles and/or marine mammals.
* Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends,
holidays, and occasional evenings
* Employees assigned to this position will be required to possess and
maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license, have an
acceptable driving record, and possess the ability to drive a variety of
vehicles (cars, vans/trucks).
Preferred:
* Veterinary Technician experience or license.
* Experience with closed aquatic systems.
* Previous experience managing staff, volunteer, or interns.
* Ability to learn operating a vehicle over sandy beach conditions.
Competencies: Must be highly knowledgeable about marine biology and have an
affinity for animals, including a reasonable comfort level around large and/or
aggressive animals. Must have the capacity to make decisions, based on the best
interest of the animals, public health, and staff safety; occasionally in
emergency situations. Should be proficient in marine mammal and aquatic reptile
husbandry (diet, behavior, enrichment) and operant conditioning theory. Must be
able to work productively in a teamwork environment. Should be adept at
observation to watch for any signs of illness or injury, monitor eating
patterns or any changes in behavior. Must be competent in basic research
including writing publications and data collection. Familiarity with computers
is necessary, including MS Office software (Word/Excel) and Adobe; ability to
learn & effectively use all proprietary Aquarium software. Must be able to
follow established policies and protocols. Should be highly detailed oriented
and adept at problem solving. Must be able to work well under direction and
have capacity to absorb feedback from manager or staff. Must have the ability
to provide constructive feedback to staff. Must be able to oversee multiple
projects and priorities simultaneously. Must have capacity to decide when to
act independently and when to seek consultation from manager. Must have the
ability to work a flexible schedule that may include weekend, evening hours,
and travel with possible extended stays. Must be available to be on-call on a
regular schedule. Must possess ability to perform strenuous filed activities in
various weather conditions/terrains, including, but not limited to: lifting and
carrying 50 lbs (with or without assistance), reaching, pushing, etc. Should be
a proficient public speaker and be able to communicate effectively with the
visitors, and staff in both formal and informal presentations. Should possess
ability to mentor less experienced staff, volunteers, and interns. Ability to
attain SCUBA certification is ideal.
Physical Requirements: These are physical and mental requirements of the
position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these
physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate
or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the
Company may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements,
depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and
the proposed accommodation.
The National Aquarium is committed to diversity and invites individuals who
bring a diversity of culture, experience and ideas to apply.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM
Recently named one of Baltimore’s Best Places to Work, the National Aquarium
opened in 1981 as a nonprofit aquatic education and conservation organization,
the jewel of the city’s Inner Harbor redevelopment. SmartCEO Magazine honored
the National Aquarium with the Healthiest Workplace award and the Corporate
Culture award in 2016. With a mission to inspire conservation of the world’s
aquatic treasures, the Aquarium is consistently ranked one of the nation’s two
top aquariums and has hosted over 51 million guests since opening.
Today, the National Aquarium builds on a 40-year history of local, regional and
global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting
marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has
rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered
sea turtles throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Welfare and Science
teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean
conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and
federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy,
the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to change the way humanity cares for
our ocean planet.
KATE SHAFFER
Rehabilitation Manager
410-986-2378
410-986-2362
kshaf...@aqua.org
aqua.org
We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire conservation of the
world’s aquatic treasures.
National Aquarium
501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202 (Aquarium)
111 Market Pl, STE 800, Baltimore, MD 21202 (Office)
Please consider our ocean planet before printing.
[NAISIG1]
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