A wide range of animal care, conservation, and other positions are needed for Aquarium operations. In general, the following positions require at least a four-year degree in biology, zoology, or a related field, and practical knowledge and experience.
Animal Care Positions
The Aquarium’s husbandry staff is responsible for maintaining the animal collection.
They are involved in all aspects of care such as exhibit cleanliness, food preparation, monitoring animal health, medical treatments, acquisition of new animals, exhibit design and installation, behavioral training, breeding, and record keeping.
Aquarists
Aquarists are responsible for all aquatic systems, both freshwater and marine. SCUBA certification is required. For more information, visit the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists website at http://www.asih.org/pubs/ichjobs.htm
Aviculturists
Aviculturists maintain the Aquarium’s bird collection. For more information, visit American Federation of Aviculture Web site at http://www.afa.birds.org
Herpetologists
Herpetologists care for the Aquarium’s reptile, amphibian, and invertebrate collection. For more information, visit the Society for the Study of Amphibian and Reptiles website at http://www.ssarherps.org/
Mammalogists/Marine Mammal Trainers
Mammalogists care for the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. SCUBA certification and public speaking skills are necessary. It is a postion that often seems glamorous to outsiders but patience, skill, and a unique understanding of animal behavior are required. For more information, visit the Society for Marine Mammalogy Web site at http://www.marinemammalogy.org
Veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are responsible for the health of the entire animal collection. They perform “rounds” every week, talking to the husbandry staff to correct any existing health problems and prevent future ones from occurring.
They make diagnoses, recommend treatments, and perform surgeries, preventive tests, and physicals.
Veterinarians have a doctorate in animal medicine and specialized training. Veterinary technicians have a two or four year specialized degree and license.
For more information, please visit the American Veterinary Medical Association Web site at http://www.avma.org.
Conservation Positions
The Aquarium is deeply commited to extending the knowledge and resource gained through day-to-day operations toward the betterment of the natural environment.
Conservation Technicians
Conservation technicians work with volunteers to restore and monitor tidal wetland and sea grass habitats at various locations throughout the Chesapeake Bay. They also coordinate school-based wetland nursery programs and participate in community outreach designed to educate the public about wetland conservation.
Conservation Education Staff
Conservation Education staff are responsible for teaching others about marine biology through formal education programs, visitor interactions, public presentations, and exhibitry. By sharing this knowledge, educators strive to promote environmental stewardship. For more information, please visit the National Marine Educators Association Web site at http://www.marine-ed.org.
Water Quality Postions
Creating a safe environment for the Aquarium's animals is a full time job.
Water quality Technicians
Water quality technicians use specialized laboratory equipment to monitor aquarium water for dissolved oxygen levels, ammonia levels, nitrate levels, temperature, and salinity. They work with aquarist staff to ensure that the water composition is both healthy and safe for aquarium animals.
