Aquarist

Great Lakes Aquarium is seeking an Aquarist to join our team in Duluth, MN. This position is a permanent, full-time position working 40 hours per week.

Position: Aquarist Pay Rate: $15 per hour

Job Description: As an Aquarist, you will be an integral part of our aquarium's operations, with a primary focus on the care and maintenance of both freshwater and marine exhibits. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Animal Husbandry: Provide exceptional care for a diverse collection of aquatic species. Ensure the health, nutrition, and overall well-being of the collection are maintained at the highest level. Detailed observations, medical treatments under the direction of the vet and/or curator, research, and record keeping are all essential components of this role. This position will be directly responsible for approximately five aquatic systems. This position will also help with coverage of a variety of exhibits and animals during primary keepers’ scheduled days off. Coverage care may include fresh and saltwater systems, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.


2. Aquatic System Maintenance: The aquarist is responsible for gravelwashing, backwashing, performing water changes, cleaning acrylic, and other necessary maintenance for assigned aquatic systems.


3. Aquatic food preparation: Prepare and feed diets for assigned aquatic systems


4. Water Quality Maintenance: Monitor and maintain optimal water conditions for assigned aquatic systems, including temperature, pH, DO, NH3, NO2, NO3. 


5. SCUBA Diving Operations: Utilize scuba to perform underwater tasks such as cleaning exhibits, feeding aquatic life, and conducting regular health checks in both freshwater and marine exhibits.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, fisheries management, zoology, or related field of study


• Previous experience in aquatic animal husbandry, preferably with both freshwater and marine species, in an aquarium or equivalent setting.


• SCUBA certification (Open Water Diver level or higher) or ability to become certified within 90 days of hire is mandatory.


• Ability to pass a swim test within the 90 days of hire, and dive in temperate and tropical conditions.


• Passion for conservation and environmental stewardship.


• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse audiences.


• Flexibility to work some holidays and occasional evenings.


• The ability to lift 50 pounds.

Work Schedule: The schedule for this position is Sunday-Thursday from 7:30am-3:30pm.

Start Date: September, 2025

Benefits:

• Earned paid Sick and Safe time


• 12 days PTO per calendar year with the ability to roll over/accumulate up to 300 hours


• 6 paid holidays


• Comprehensive health insurance with options for dental and vision insurance


• Additional benefits include deductible reimbursement plan, life insurance, short-term disability insurance, and 4 weeks of paid parental leave

Don't miss this chance to be part of a passionate and caring team, providing quality care to the animal collection, and creating memorable experiences for visitors. We can't wait to welcome you aboard as our newest Aquarist!

EOAA Statement:

 Great Lakes Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer. Great Lakes Aquarium shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

 Great Lakes Aquarium aims to be a supportive community for all people. If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for this position, please connect with our Access and Inclusion Coordinator, Annie Thors [email protected].