Lead Aquarist, Mast Center

General Summary

This posting will remain open until the position is filled. Priority screening for applications received by March 31, 2023.
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ABOUT THE MaST CENTER:*
The MaST Center is the marine laboratory for Highline College and is used for Highline and community classes, research, and other activities. The facility has approximately 3,500 gallons of flow-through aquariums and houses over 250 species of marine life from the Puget Sound/Salish Sea. The MaST Center is open every Saturday to the public during its Discovery Days and hosts over 15,000 visitors annually. During the rest of the week, the MaST Center is used for Highline classes, school groups, and other activities that support its mission.

Located in the Redondo neighborhood of Des Moines, WA, the MaST Center is about 10 minutes south of the main campus and is halfway between Seattle and Tacoma. It is located on a 270 ft. pier that extends out into Poverty Bay. Redondo is one of the top dive sites in the entire Puget Sound and features one of seven Octopus Protection Areas in the state.
MISSION
By engaging our community through lifelong learning and exploration, the MaST Center contributes to a strong, invested community and fosters a culture of environmental stewardship.
The Lead Aquarist at Highline College’s MaST Center Aquarium is responsible for all aspects of the 3,500 gallon flow-through aquarium system which includes over 250 species from the Puget Sound. The Lead Aquarist is the primary life support and husbandry staff person and leads a small team of part-time and volunteer life support staff. Tasks include managing and training the life support team, all aspects of life support and animal husbandry, food preparation, maintenance, plumbing, animal acquisition, cleaning and tank exhibit design.
This position requires specialized knowledge of Northwest fish species and marine biology, and utilizes that knowledge to make independent, informed decisions about MaST life support functions.
This is a at-will, full-time, overtime eligible exempt staff position that typically works 5 days a week Monday through Friday, normally including 2-3 evenings per week and occasional weekends.

Essential Tasks

Reporting to the Director of the MaST Center, this lead position is responsible for all aspects of the care and management of the Aquarium’s fish and invertebrate collection and life support systems including but not limited to:

• Coordinates and leads the work and training of the life support team which includes volunteers, interns, student workers, and staff;
• Assisting and supporting the educational team and the MaST Center as a whole with animal display and care as well as related educational program support as needed;
• Using scuba for field diving for animal collection, life support maintenance, research or other tasks;
• Responsible for all aspects of animal husbandry and life support, including cleaning and performing routine maintenance, repair, and remodel of animal exhibits and holding areas to assure the health of animals and the presentation of the species in an attractive environment and in accordance with the needs of the facility and its mission;
• Performs other relevant duties as needed or assigned.
• On call as one of the primary team members for emergency life support systems;
• Develops procedures and provides daily care of animal exhibits including diet preparation, feeding and general care, medication, record-keeping and quarantine;

COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to work effectively with individuals of various ethnic, cultural, educational, and socio-economic backgrounds;
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision, possess organizational skills, be self-motivated, and able to communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, collaboration, team-building skills, share responsibilities and perform assignments in concert with the team’s efforts;
• Act as role model for compliance with all MaST Center and Highline College safety protocols and standards;
• Maintain a safe environment at the MaST Center for all;
• Possess public speaking skills necessary to interpret marine biology, natural history and conservation issues effectively with the public and other staff in both formal and informal settings.
• A clear and strong understanding of fish and invertebrate biology and technical knowledge of marine biology, water quality analysis, marine exhibits, aquatic life support systems and marine animal health especially including Puget Sound marine life;
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others;

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CONDITIONS OF WORK:*

• Must hold current CPR, first aid and AED certifications;
• Rescue SCUBA certification with their own gear;
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds;
• Required to work outdoors year-round, near water, on wet and slippery surfaces and at heights;
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs and ladders; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear; taste or smell.
• This position is part of the MaST 24-hour emergency on-call response team;
• Although most of the hours are during traditional work hours, the applicant will work 2-3 evenings per week and must be willing to work occasional nights, weekends and holidays;
• Requires handling, working with or exposure to potentially dangerous animals, animal diseases, animal feces and toxic chemicals;
• Must have a driver's license and access to dependable transportation;

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of three year’s full-time equivalent experience involving the life support and the care and husbandry of marine vertebrates and invertebrates in a zoo, aquarium, or related environment
• Bachelor’s in biology, oceanography or a related field or equivalent experience and knowledge; OR

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Leadership and independent work experience in all aspects of life support and animal

husbandry in marine aquariums;

• Experience improving less than 1,000 gallon aquarium systems including building and

designing, life support and husbandry;

• Current Scientific Diver Certification, Dive Master Certification, or Master SCUBA Diver
• Experience working in informal education;

Certification at a minimum;

• Rescue SCUBA certification.
• Possess scuba gears of their own.

Supplemental Information

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
THE COLLEGE:
Highline College prides itself on its commitment to diversity and equity, its institutional culture of collegiality and innovation, its globalization of curricula and its inclusion of the community in its programming. Founded in 1961, Highline College is situated in a diverse community just 15minutes south of Seattle. The college annually serves more than 16,500 students –– a student population of over 70% students of color, representing 35 nations and more than 100 languages. The college embraces equity, inclusion and social justice, with core goals of student attainment, diversity, community Engagement and sustainability. The student body at Highline College is made up of Transfer students, Running Start students, Professional- Technical students, International students, Comprehensive Transition Program for students with intellectual disabilities, Adult Basic Education and English Language Learners. In addition, we offer six bachelor of applied science, four-year degrees.
MISSION AND VISION:
As an essential part of our mission and vision, diversity, equity and inclusion are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Your online application must include the following to be considered complete:
1. A detailed resume that addresses the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS of the position;
2. A letter of application/cover letter (two-page maximum, recommended) that addresses your ability to meet the QUALIFICATIONS, and KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES for the position;
3. A one-page response to the Supplemental Question.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• National Criminal Background Check may be required.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE AT:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/highline
NEED APPLICATION HELP?
Should you have any difficulties uploading your documents or navigating the application process, please contact NEOGOV Technical Support at 1-855-524- 5627, Monday - Friday 6:00 AM to 6:00PM Pacific Time.
HIGHLINE COLLEGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Highline College is an equal opportunity employer. The College is committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff, as well as our student population. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identity diversity. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodations in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at (206) 592-3812. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.
TITLE IX POLICY
Highline College complies with Title IX regulations. For details on our policies, see our website https://humanresources.highline.edu/faculty-and-staff/policies/title-ix/
The College appointing authorities reserve the right and may exercise the option to make an employment decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Professional development assistance
• Health savings account
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person