Aquatic Biology Manager

Position Description

POSITION TITLE: Aquatic Biology Manager

REPORTS TO: VP of Zoological Care

SUPERVISES: Aquatic Biology Biologists, Interns, and Volunteers

EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Exempt

Primary Responsibility

The Aquatic Biology Manager will support and oversee the goals and objectives of the Aquatic Biology department by performing the responsibilities including but not limited to the following standards of operations and care identified in this position description. The Aquatic Biology Manager will be responsible for the CMA resident aquatic animal collection to include, resident sea turtles, all fish systems. The Manager will know and fully understand the guidelines as outlined by FWC at the federal and state level for permitting purposes for all animals under their direct care while balancing the goals and objectives of the aquarium within the established CMA policy. It is preferred the manager can be responsible for meeting requirements for holding turtle permits without limitations (reference Marine Turtle Permit Rules 68E-1.004).

The incumbent will be responsible for directing the work of the supervisor(s), staff, volunteers and interns, managing both work and workers, getting projects completed on time, keeping costs within budget and maintaining established quality standards according to established policy and protocols. Accountabilities to also include orienting and training employees, employee evaluations, hourly wage recommendations, job safety, guest safety, equal opportunity compliance, discipline and promotion recommendations to senior management. The Manager will act as a liaison between the Aquatic Biology Department and the other departments at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The Manager will assist the supervisor(s) with developing plans and projects to enhance staff knowledge and advanced husbandry and training techniques while maintaining safety. The incumbent will communicate and coordinate with Animal Health team in all aspects of animal care including research efforts. Overall, this position will perform all job assignments with a positive attitude which reflects the mission of CMA.

The goal of the Aquatic Biology Manager will be to work with CMA Management to support the mission, vision, and values of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. They will work with senior leadership to lead, support, and participate in departmental planning and projects, enhance team knowledge and advance techniques.

Essential Job Functions

• Be able to maintain working relationships with all internal and external entities, including, but not limited to, staff, volunteers, interns, and Municipal, County, State and Federal employees at all times
• Use independent judgment and discretion to develop relationships with government agencies to ensure Clearwater Marine Aquarium is following and in compliance with all permit requirements
• Oversee and ensure the animal collection is properly cared for in compliance with the FWC Marine Turtle Conservation Handbook, and approved CMA and Veterinary care SOP’s for all resident sea turtles and fish species maintaining responsibility for these activities
• Maintain compliance with FWC regulations (water quality, etc.), quarterly and annual reporting and annual refresher training
• Follow safe policies and provide a safe working environment for the animals, team and guests of CMA
• Oversee routine medical procedures (i.e. blood draw, injections, wound care, tube feedings) for all sea turtles and aquatic fish at the facility and assist in advanced veterinary procedures and surgeries if/when necessary
• Interface effectively with other departments to maintain the highest quality dive safety standards
• Teach and monitor biologist’s proper husbandry, training methods and techniques, stage presence, habitat oversight/improvements, and safety guidelines through active participation
• Assist in the minor maintenance of animal exhibits as necessary
• Responsible for entering the water to scan and remove any foreign objects that could injure our resident animals or team members – this may include standing on the pool ledge/rocks or diving
• Institute and maintain the preventative maintenance program for all diving related equipment
• Maintain logs both paper and electronic
• Use independent judgment and discretion to review, maintain, and update departmental SOP’s as necessary
• Collaboratively work with teams and outside vendors to manage ordering and inventory for supplies, medical equipment, and aquatic animal food while maintaining an established budget outlined within the fiscal year
• Maintain and adjust aquatic animal dietary needs based on health/species requirements
• Leverage animal acquisition stories to drive CMA’s mission forward with the public at conferences and other professional opportunities within and outside the industry
• Network with other facilities, organizations for best practices in the field
• Attend professional conferences and sharing advancements within the aquatic animal industry by participating in peer review research presentations and assist in publications
• Possess foresight and innovation to take an active role in the design and development of exhibits and animal acquisition
• Collaborate with other departments for animal acquisition, design exhibits, identify habitat parameters
• Understand, enforce and update departmental and assigned facility SOP manuals, including MSDS documents
• Ensure there is complete employee compliance in all safety programs including but not limited to: CPR certification, First Aid, Biohazard training, and dive safety
• Assist with grant writing as needed
• Work with, and coordinate with, CMA departments to provide information for the communication outlets within CMA such as social media (e.g. Facebook, Periscope, and podcasts), in house newsletters, weekly e-mail updates, nightly end of day reporting, etc.
• Interacts with and responds to public/media requests for information. Participates in PR, VIP guest sessions, facility tours and lectures as necessary
• Possess a strong business focus by contributing to the development and implementation of money generating programs involving aspects of marine animal care, dive, education, and conservation efforts
• Possess great time management skills with the ability to plan, organize and multi-task
• Experience using independent judgement and discretion to solve complex problems quickly and efficiently
• Work with VP of Zoological Care to promote animal stewardship, working towards increasing community awareness and involvement in conservation based activities
• Foster a positive work team atmosphere while managing staff, volunteers, interns by promoting morale and motivation throughout the department
• Provide open communication between management and all team members in both departments giving updates and priority lists as they arise
• Self-motivated, confident and disciplined with excellent work ethic acting as a leader and role model for other staff members
• Must have the ability to be contacted/on call at all times unless otherwise discussed with CMA management teams including but not limited to nights, weekends, holidays, etc.
• Perform other duties as workload necessitates
• May assist in intakes, advanced veterinary procedures and surgeries
• May assist in necropsies in the capacity approved by Vet of Record and in conjunction with Animal Care teams, including, but not limited to, carcass recovery, documentation, gross examination, tissue collection and analysis, generation of necropsy report, and carcass disposal
• May be asked to assist Vet of Record, Sea Turtle & Aquatic Biology Supervisor with the maintenance of FWC Marine Turtle Holding Facility Quarterly Reports and FWC Marine Turtle Holding Facility Annual Report
• Demonstrate efficiency in computer related tasks or assignments, including but not limited to data entry, MS Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Proficiency in the safe operation of four-wheel drive vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, hand tool and shop equipment
  
  

Education/Experience Requirements

• BS degree in biology, environmental science, zoology or related field, or equivalent experience preferred – experience may substitute for the degree
• Minimum 7 years’ experience in the animal care field
• Minimum three years’ experience as a supervisor or manager
• Preferred minimum of four years’ experience in the diving industry
• Marine animal training and familiar with fish systems preferred
• Listed as an authorized person for sea turtles as outlined in the Marine Turtle Permit Rules 68E-1.004, or have the ability to become an authorized individual, previous permit holder preferred
• Must hold a valid Florida driver’s license
• Current SCUBA and CPR certifications or ability to be certified within 90 days of hire date. Free diving experience required.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in communication with the organizational teams, outside agencies and vendors
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50lbs to waist level - Frequently
• Walk/stand for long periods of time - Frequently
• Maneuver safely on uneven terrain or in tight spaces - Frequently
• Reach above the shoulders - Frequently
• Push and pull larger equipment – Frequently
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions and adapt to changing weather – Frequently
• Work indoors, under cover without air conditioning or heat – Frequently
• Safely climb ladders when needed – Occasionally
• Lift up to 20lbs to shoulders and above head – Occasionally
• Squat, bend, kneel, twist and reach - Frequently
• Pass a swim test - Annually
  
  

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium reserves the right to revise job descriptions or work hours as required.

All job requirements are subject to change to reflect the evolving position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.

Company is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Clearwater Marine Aquarium participates in E-Verify, please view the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Notice of Right to Work.