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Aquarist Resume Samples
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10+ years of experience
Assisted in Main Tank duties, Typhoon Lagoon’s Shark Reef needs, Quarantine and Large Animal Holding roles
- Participated in animal care and welfare of over 1,500 marine animals
- Prepared diets for various marine life species daily
- Contributed to the training of sharks and stingrays daily
- Maintained husbandry and training for various marine species including; guitarfish, parrotfish, and groupers
- Assisted with Quarantine and followed exact processes – cared for large and small marine life
0-5 years of experience
Cared for a wide variety of fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds within the aquarium.
- Performed dives using SCUBA and Hookah equipment to clean large habitats.
- Prepared food for animals; carried out feedings; cleaned habitats; ensured the health and well-being of animals and plants.
- Collected and analyzed water condition information and developed reports on habitats and health.
- Operated, maintained, and repaired a variety of specialized aquarium equipment.
- Assisted and trained other staff and volunteers on program activities.
- Reviewed technical publications to maintain proficiency.
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for daily training, observation, husbandry care and diet preparation of 7 harbor seals, 6 meerkats and 4 nurse sharks.
- Trained novel behaviors, such as a head jut and high five, corrected degraded behavior criteria, and maintained existing behaviors at proper criteria.
- Helped construct the aquarium training program including creating the structure for all training plans and reviewing all training proposals.
- Created and implemented daily novel enrichment for the harbor seals and meerkats
- Participated in harbor seals shows three times daily and initiate educational discussions with guests.
- Completed regular tank and exhibit maintenance, including water changes and water quality analysis.
- Performed necropsies, restraints of aquarium animals, and administered medication on as needed bases.
- Proficient in care of jellies, reptiles and amphibians.
0-5 years of experience
Managed and lead projects in 5 major areas, including leadership of barb-trimming team
- Assistant to veterinarian during examinations and led and assisted procedures on manatees, stingrays, sea turtles, and shark
- Handled animal quarantine procedures
- Educated children about animals and helped with animal interactions, including feeding and hands-on experience
- Performed clerical work, and provided orientation and training to new staff
0-5 years of experience
Headed a groundbreaking grouper aquaculture project (first in the United States)
- In-house expert responsible for advising clients on selecting proper species and care recommendations
- Successfully revived and rescued both adult and juvenile sharks
- Consistently maintained sales levels above recommended quota
- Created thousands of coral fragments in an effort to promote more sustainable practices
10+ years of experience
Oversaw 28 acre, state of the art wildlife refuge and multi-million dollar Macintosh Environmental Education Center
- Established and managed daily care of largest aquarium in Rhode Island
- Managed daily care of various species of captive wildlife including reptiles and birds
- Responsible for managing maintenance of all building and grounds working with contractors as needed
- Provided 24 hour security of grounds and building
- Established and managed internship, volunteer, and community service program
- Assisted with on-going resource development for the property including cash and in-kind donations
0-5 years of experience
Supervised penguin staff ranging in ages from 17 years to senior citizen.
- Prepared diet and hand-raised Little Blue, Rockhopper and African Penguins.
- Presented educational talks about penguins to media and patron groups up to 250 people.
- Recognized and developed a relationship with a US Fisheries and Wildlife Representative which resulted in a new program for Northeastern COOP students.
0-5 years of experience
Supervised small staff of aquarium attendants who maintained a system of fresh and saltwater aquariums throughout the historic marine life attraction.
- Scheduled employees, assigned tasks, identified purchasing needs for upkeep and maintenance of systems.
- Researched specific nutritional requirements of exhibited species.
- Studied, diagnosed and treated a range of fish diseases.
- Created exhibit displays and fabricated aquarium inserts.
- Conducted informational presentations for visitors about sea life and aquatic habitats.
0-5 years of experience
Prepared diets and preformed general husbandry for fish, sea turtles, stingrays, King, Macaroni and Gentoo penguins.
- Administered medication/vitamins to the animals.
- Changed filters and collected water from the exhibits for testing.
- Assisted the aquarists with the acclimation of new animals; provided training and enrichment
- Encouraged public interest through educational shows for guests.
6-10 years of experience
Prepared the food for all aquarium fish, invertebrates, and reptiles.
- Assisted with routine maintenance of Life support systems and husbandry for a series of smaller and larger exhibits.
- Collected and recorded data on feeding records, necropsies, water chemistries, and animal training records.
- Established excellent teamwork abilities.
6-10 years of experience
- Prepared the food for all aquarium fish, invertebrates, and reptiles.
- Assisted with routine maintenance of Life support systems and husbandry for a series of smaller and larger exhibits.
- Collected and recorded data on feeding records, necropsies, water chemistries, and animal training records.
- Established excellent teamwork abilities.
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for the care of aquarium animals 5 days/week.
- Acted as a docent to children and adults in all areas of the aquarium.
- Conducted a 1 hour-long informational talk each week geared towards educating children about marine turtles.
- Organized and led outreach programs for camps and school visits.
- Trained new volunteers for aquarium and terrestrial exhibits.
0-5 years of experience
Quarantined more than 5 elasmobranch species to prepare them for display.
- Collected, acclimated, and quarantined fresh and salt water fish species.
- Lead the program for acquiring, rearing, and releasing loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings.
- Trained and supervised one part-time aquarist and three volunteers.
- Processed all the artificial salt water used throughout the facility.
- Operated and maintained two independent Del Ozone Generators.
0-5 years of experience
Prepared diets, handfed, maintained feeding schedules and daily records for each Penguin
- Supervised volunteers and oversaw cleanliness of exhibit, staff support areas and food preparation areas
- Monitored health of three species of Penguin and gave informational speeches to the public twice a day
- Maintained cleanliness and observed Penguin breeding facilities whilst in charge of general well being of breeding Penguins and their offspring
0-5 years of experience
Assisted the Aquarists daily with caring for the animals by feeding them, preparing their meals, cleaning their homes, and transferring them within the [company name]
- Proactively volunteered to learn more about each animal and share the information with the visitors to the [company name]
- Strengthened and developed my public speaking skills by making daily presentations to the visitors
- Made and received calls on behalf of the [company name]
- Taught multiple sessions during the educational camps held at the [company name] and helped create daily activities for the students
0-5 years of experience
Completed 750 gallon water changes weekly
- Advised and helped reduce the amount of electrical waste
- Preformed the cleaning of industrial filtering equipment
- Maintained detailed daily records
- Completed tests weekly to determine water quality
0-5 years of experience
- Provided QC/QA of aquarium filtration systems for optimal maintenance to ensure animal health
- Facilitated instruction of tasks and projects for undergraduate interns and volunteers
- Performed aquarium maintenance activities such as ordering supplies, food, and media, cleaning and sterilization of equipment.
- Created and maintained records and logs used for water analysis, food and supplies, biological specimen collection, and educational tours.
- Assisted with field collection of specimens for display in aquarium and for biological supply.
0-5 years of experience
- Cared for exhibits and isolation units while providing enrichment for a variety of animal species
- Marine water preparation for four separate environments and filtration systems
- Observed and recorded daily behavior, breeding behavior, and nutritional and dietary behaviors
- Prepared food as well as maintained live food supplies including crickets, worms, brine, and algae.
- Assisted veterinarians with treatment, transport, and administration of medication
0-5 years of experience
A teaching facility where marine vertebrates and invertebrates are held for education, outreach, and classroom use. Tank volumes range from 2-2,000 gallons. The Shark Aquarist is responsible for overall elasmobranch health, maintaining elasmobranch exhibits, and providing necessary husbandry.
- Developed standard operating procedures for Shark Aquarist duties and husbandry responsibilities, such as a system for identifying individual elasmobranchs
- Organized and tracked data on shark eggs, shark mortality, juvenile elasmobranch growth rates, and seawater temperature; additionally, summarized data graphically using Excel
- Gained experience designing, plumbing, and maintaining aquarium exhibits, and monitoring water quality
0-5 years of experience
- Responsible for training and supervising team of 3 husbandry/lab staff on daily duties as well as proper use of lab equipment, life support equipment and advanced aquarium medications.
- Responsible for directing the receipt and acclimation of all incoming animals, and incrementally improving protocols.
- Researched and designed species-specific nutrition protocols that lead to increased health and welfare.
0-5 years of experience
Proper aquarium maintenance techniques: algae removal, exhibit diving, aquarium decorating
- Food preparation and animal feeding for 50+ Cow Nosed Rays, five Leopard Sharks, four Eagle Rays and a variety of tropical fish
- Aquarium husbandry techniques including taxonomy, record keeping and aquarium filtration
- Water quality testing, pH and temperature testing
- Lead and guided groups of guests to interactions with the Cow Nosed and Eagle Rays and ensured safety of both parties
0-5 years of experience
Taught several different marine based educational programs in the field and classroom
- Maintained and repaired numerous filter media
- Performed water quality testing
- Performed husbandry care for over 100 different fish species
0-5 years of experience
Work with team of aquarists to manage facility of 16,000 animals, direct husbandry experience with sea dragons, cuttlefish, jellyfish, and elasmobranchs
- Participated in adaptive management of daily procedures to streamline routines and improve standards in animal management
- Contributed in the pre-opening animal acquisitions and handling for opening of the aquarium in October 2013
- Conduct water quality analysis ensuring superior aquatic environments
- Communicate with public through formal and informal talks to educate guests on display animals and conservation efforts to ensure their success in the wild
- Understanding of basic life support and plumbing
0-5 years of experience
Assisted with the care of sharks, rays, and other fish, as well as overall exhibit appearance
- Educated the public regarding water quality
- Maintained water quality at all facility exhibits and managed water quality data in Excel
- Operated life support systems, including backwashing and maintenance of filters and pumps
0-5 years of experience
- Created lesson plans about marine ecosystems and presented them to audiences of 60+ adults and children during two hour guided tours of the REEF Aquarium.
- Maintained a lively yet focused tour atmosphere and kept the group on track, answering questions and meeting all needs and concerns of guests as they arose.
- Cared for animals and their habitats and kept aquarium environment clean and welcoming for guests.
0-5 years of experience
- Performed hands-on presentations for school groups, families, and other guests about the snakes, turtles, alligators, sharks, stingrays, invertebrates, and other fish in the aquarium
- SCUBA dove in 120,000 gallon tank to feed bonnethead, blacktip and lemon sharks, tarpons, cobia, puffers, groupers, grunts, damsels and other saltwater fish
- Demonstrated how to feed animals, supervised touch tanks, executed ticket and gift shop transactions, and monitored playground
0-5 years of experience
- Monitored and addressed overall penguin health on a daily basis.
- Assisted with transportation of animals between facility locations.
- Provided information and customer service to [company name] visitors.
- Managed, coordinated, and supervised 5-10 department volunteers daily.
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for daily operations of the water quality lab.
- Performed routine analysis of various water quality parameters.
- Assisted in animal health concerns including administering prescribed treatment regimes.
- Provided life support duties such as water movement, backwashing, and plumbing.
- Created and maintained several exhibits including Carribean and Pacific Coral Tanks.
0-5 years of experience
Served as the Table 3 coordinator which oversees, mentors, and grades students aquariums
- Maintained a multitude of both fresh and marine aquariums most notably our large shark tank
- Tested water quality parameters regularly to monitor animals well-being
- Assessed quality control records regularly
- Educated students and the community through giving lab tours
0-5 years of experience
Collected and analyzed water samples of all aquarium habitats and quarantine systems using the standard methods procedure
- Operated and maintained laboratory equipment including a spectrophotometer, refractometer, microscope, and pH meter
- Designed and constructed exhibits
- Collected and transported fish and invertebrates for exhibits
- Constructed, maintained and operated life support systems
- Prepared daily diets
- Responsible for preparing and using various chemicals to treat animals/exhibits
- Performed fish necropsies
- Supervised subordinate aquarium staff and volunteers
0-5 years of experience
- Managed diverse aquariums, including a 1500-gallon saltwater aquarium, for faculty and student research and study.
- Monitored and maintained critical habitat components, including filtration, water chemistry, and cleanliness, by following strict schedules and identifying issues to proactively resolve them.
- Prepared food and monitored the condition of a variety of marine life to ensure their wellbeing.
0-5 years of experience
SCUBA specialist
- Maintained and Managed Aquariums and Aquarium Animals in 1200 gal + systems
- Diagnosed system problems and failures; provided system treatments for disease
- Analyzed system chemistry and maintained records
0-5 years of experience
Fed several aquatic vertebrates daily with specific diets for each.
- Cleaned and monitored the chemical composition of aquatic habitats including large enclosures utilizing SCUBA equipment.
- Answered questions from guests of several different animals’ behavior, habitat, diet, and movement on a daily basis and during live animal demonstrations.
- Entertained guests while performing a live feeding demonstration within a 22′ deep enclosure.
0-5 years of experience
Prepared diets and fed a variety of fish species
- Cleaned aquariums, tested water chemistry, maintained life support systems, and monitored health of fish
- Gave talks to public and performed public feedings
- Accepted new fish, quarantined, and monitored transition to larger aquarium
0-5 years of experience
- Daily care of fish, marine invertebrates, reptiles and birds: observed animals, diet preparation, fed, kept daily records and administered medications.
- Assisted with rehabilitation of marine animals.
- Conducted public talks and feeding demonstrations, which includes animal encounters.
- Was responsible for maintenance of animal exhibits.
- Collected new animals for exhibits: fish, corals and sponges.
- Renovated exhibits: aquascaping, animal collection and exhibit reconstruction.
0-5 years of experience
- Maintained a memorable viewing experience of the exhibits for the public display
- Collected weekly water samples for lab analysis
- Evaluated water temperature and level to calculate chemical addition for appropriate tank ecosystems
- Prepared food and monitored feeding schedules for the Amazon as well as live coral tanks
- Removed algae and other harmful organisms from coral, live rock, acrylic and sand in back up tanks
- Exposure to extensive and productive volunteer training model allowing for high quality of work and low costs
0-5 years of experience
- Maintained and monitored 24 saltwater tanks from 29 to 600 gallons, exhibiting over 200 vertebrate and invertebrate species
- Aided laboratory and field research on the growth, reproduction and survivorship of fall spawned Bay Scallops, Argopecten irradians, in Nantucket Island Harbor through field collection, dissection, histological section preparation and microscopic examination
- Educated and involved the public on Nantucket species diversity and conservation
0-5 years of experience
Maintained the health of all aquariums through water quality testing, frequent tank cleaning, and equipment maintenance
- Responsible for the care of all animals through food collection, preparation, and administration
- Acted as educator and tour leader for groups aged 5- adult and taught about local species and geography
- Supervised up to 15 other employees at a time
0-5 years of experience
- Assisted Aquarist in the feeding, daily upkeep, breeding, and health of a colony of over 80 penguins.
- Trained and managed daily the penguin colony volunteers.
- Gave daily educational presentations to the public of up to 500 individuals.
0-5 years of experience
Maintain both saltwater, freshwater, and quarantine systems from a few gallons to 285,000 gallons holding sharks, rays, fish, otters, reptiles, and invertebrates.
- Perform exhibit maintenance dives utilizing both SCUBA and Hookah Diving.
- Achieve and utilize AAUS Scientific Diver Qualification to 30 foot depth limit.
- Perform and assist with medical procedures and necropsies on elasmobranchs, teleosts, reptiles, amphibians, and stranded cetaceans.
- Execute routine husbandry procedures and perform water quality testing.
- Create and assist with new projects designed to enhance the aquatic habitats.
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for the daily care, maintenance, diet preparation and record keeping for the Aquariums extensive collection of animals. (Saltwater fish, freshwater fish, penguins, reptiles, and Southern sea otters.)
- Involved in animal collection trips using SCUBA gear, cast nets, seine nets, hook and line, and various sizes of boats.
- Heavily involved in the Aquarium’s partnership with the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue program. Including the response to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.
- Extensive knowledge of life support systems, plumbing, exhibit renovation and gallery renovation.
- Helped with the design plans for renovations to Aquarium’s entrance and Caribbean Gallery.
- Experience managing Husbandry volunteers and interns.
0-5 years of experience
Conduct and supervise stock examinations in order to identify diseases or parasites.
- Monitor environments to ensure maintenance of optimum conditions for aquatic life.
- Maintained life support systems for exhibits
- Conducted daily examinations of livestock
- Collected varies species from local water sources for livestock inventory
0-5 years of experience
- Conducted a research project involving growth rate of four locally found species of algae
- Educated summer campers about a variety of marine species
- Measured and recorded salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH of each fish tank
0-5 years of experience
Worked with sting rays, meerkats, sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, frogs, reptiles, and a large variety of fish
- Food preparation and tank maintenance (siphoning, scrubbing algae off windows and décor)
- Helped with seal mammal training
- Performed necropsies on multiple species of fish
- Transferred a green sea turtle to and from the veterinarian’s office in order to get x-rays
- Collected tropical fish in the Atlantic Ocean using a seine net
0-5 years of experience
- Demonstrated thorough knowledge of husbandry tasks, including feeding and cleaning
- Maintained aesthetics, health and water quality within independent exhibit tanks and closed life support systems, and kept accurate records of these actions
- Performed water quality tests for ammonia, nitrogen compounds, pH and salinity
- Taught lessons for school programs and educational outreach
- Guided school groups on boat field trips to learn about marine mammals, water quality, and local marine life; practical knowledge and use of trawl nets and plankton tows
- Participated as a SCUBA diver in an annual pier dive clean-up at the Hartford Pier
6-10 years of experience
Maintained large aquarium systems; ensuring quality & health of fish, coral, and invertebrates.
- Assisted customers in selection of aquarium systems and livestock.
- Ordered inventory for resale merchandise as well as special order items.
- Delivered and install aquarium systems for customers.
- Continuous personal education on new technologies and products to better serve the customer.
- Key holder for the business; responsible for opening and closing duties.
Aquarist Duties and Responsibilities
While an aquarist’s day-to-day duties and responsibilities are determined by where they work, there are many core tasks associated with this role. Based on our analysis of job listings, these include:
Maintain Exhibits Aquarists maintain tanks and exhibits. They clean windows, vacuum sand, scrub tanks, and remove decorations for cleanings. They also redecorate as appropriate. Aquarists ensure that exhibits and tanks are presentable and well-maintained for specimens.
Prepare and Dispense Food Ensuring that specimens and marine animals receive their necessary nutrients, aquarists maintain food diets. They thaw and handle food and follow all necessary guidelines for preparing and dispensing meals.
Observe Animal Health Aquarists ensure that fish and marine specimens are healthy and that they are humanely supported. They watch for any changes in health and take note of symptoms that warrant medical attention. They also administer medication for animals and follow quarantine procedures as needed.
Participate in Field Collections As needed, aquarists take part in field collection trips. They use appropriate equipment to aid their collections, such as scuba gear, nets, and seines.
Maintain Pumps and Filters In addition to managing water quality and making changes as necessary, aquarists perform procedures such as hydro-cleaning and backwashing to maintain pumps and filters. They follow the schedule for pump, filter, and water maintenance.
Aquarist Skills and Qualifications
Aquarists should have an interest in marine life and animals. Required education for this position varies from employer to employer, but most companies typically look for those with a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field of study. Many employers also look for those with previous experience working in an aquarium or with aquatic systems. Candidates should possess the following skills and qualifications:
- Organization skills – aquarists manage calendars and organize cleanings and feedings for marine specimens and exhibitions. They have strong organization skills to handle schedules and maintain priorities
- Physical stamina – physical stamina is necessary for this role, as aquarists are expected to crouch, stoop, lift, carry, and stretch or reach to perform the duties of this position
- Life support systems – operating life support systems, aquarists are comfortable using equipment such as sand filters, UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, canister filters, and ozone generators
- Animal care – aquarists have strong knowledge of ecosystems and animal care. They have an understanding of specimen anatomy, behavior, and environmental needs. Aquarists also recognize health concerns and know how to act appropriately to ensure the needs of animals and specimens are met
- Communication skills – working with a variety of different departments and workers, aquarists have strong communication skills to guarantee that the needs of their company are being met. They attend meetings and also assist in recruiting and training staff, interns, and volunteers
Aquarist Education and Training
Most employers look for aquarists who have a bachelor’s degree in biology, marine science, or a related field of study. In addition, many employers look for those who have CPR and SCUBA certifications. Aquarists also typically have previous experience working with aquatic life or marine animals. On-the-job training is usually provided to help familiarize aquarists with the processes and procedures of their work site.
Aquarist Salary and Outlook
The median annual salary for aquarists, categorized by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as animal care workers, is $23,000. The lowest ten percent in this field earn about $19,000; meanwhile, the highest ten percent in this field earn about $56,000. Full-time aquarists typically earn benefits such as vacations, sick days, and health insurance. Industry employment for aquarists is projected to grow about 22 percent in the next ten years. This is faster than the average for all professions.
Helpful Resources
Are you interested in entering a career as an aquarist? We’ve gathered some outstanding resources to help get you started.
The Avant-Garde Marine Aquarist – written by Paul Baldassano, who has kept aquariums for over six decades, this book shares many insightful tips and advice on managing aquariums. Topics covered in the book include managing algae and pests, setting up tanks, and maintaining healthy water.
Reefs – dedicated to coral reef farming and aquariums, this blog offers a variety of helpful articles for interested aquarists. It includes interesting content on topics such as animal behavior, aquarium nutrition, parasites, and filtration. The website also includes up-to-date industry news.
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist – this book, written by Robert M. Fenner, offers scientific research on marine life. It touches on a variety of different topics such as ecology, conservation, and ecosystems, and appeals to anyone who is considering fostering marine animals in a saltwater tank.
Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies – filled with valuable information on raising fish in saltwater tanks, this book, written by Gregory Skomal, offers comprehensive and easy-to-follow directions on caring for marine life. Advice covered in this book include choosing fish, maintaining water conditions, ensuring animal health, and avoiding tank dangers.
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Last edited by: Gabriela Barcenas, CPRW, Content Writer II -
Gabriela Barcenas
CPRW, Content Writer IIGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career adviser. With 10 years of digital media experience and five years of resume writing expertise, her publication history includes fashion, education, travel, social justice, equitable design and career advice.
