Senior Aquarist

Opportunity

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is seeking a Senior Aquarist to oversee the daily care and management of the living animal collection and aquarium exhibits, which focuses on marine invertebrates. The Senior Aquarist ensures exceptional animal welfare in accordance with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) standards and best practices, while supporting and participating in the Museum’s mission and activities in education, conservation, and research.

The Senior Aquarist works closely with the Ambassador Animal Aquarist to manage the living collection and aquariums, and with the Science Director and Curator and Ambassador Animal Aquarist on animal selection and research. This is a full-time position with benefits including health insurance, toll reimbursement, and reciprocal admission to other museums and aquariums, among other benefits. The Senior Aquarist reports to the Executive Director.

Scope of Work Includes:

• Oversee daily husbandry, life support systems, and water quality monitoring.
• Develop and implement species-specific care protocols aligned with AZA husbandry guidelines and animal welfare standards.
• Manage, train, and mentor aquarists, interns, and volunteers in proper animal care, safety procedures, and aquarium operation.
• Support exhibit design, installation, and maintenance with a focus on both animal welfare and guest engagement.
• Document animal health, behavior, breeding and life history events; collaborate with veterinary professionals on animal care.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records using Species360.
• Create and manage annual budgets for aquarium equipment and supplies, life support systems, and the living collection.
• Support conservation, research and breeding initiatives, including potential propagation of native mollusk species.
• Collaborate with education staff to enhance outreach programming and public engagement.
• Participate in emergency response and manage weekend and holiday coverage as needed
• Coordinate with staff and external vendors as needed on aquarium and life support system improvements and repairs.
• Serve as the institution’s point of contact or animal related matters and represent the Museum within AZA and the broader zoological and aquarium community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a professional aquarium or zoo, with at least 1-2 years in a management or supervisory role.
• Strong working knowledge of marine invertebrate husbandry, closed aquatic systems, and aquatic life support operations.
• Familiarity with AZA accreditation standards, animal welfare policies, and best practices in zoological institutions.
• Proficiency in water quality testing, diagnostics and system troubleshooting.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and recordkeeping skills.
• Willingness to participate in educational and public-facing programs.
• Ability to lead positively and energetically in a fast-paced work environment on a small staff that is collaborative, mission-driven, and flexible as needed.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., work in wet environments, and perform physically demanding tasks.

Preferred Qualities:

• Passion for marine conservation.
• Experience with mollusks.
• Working knowledge of Florida marine ecosystems and native species.
• Experience contributing to or preparing for AZA accreditation processes.
• A sense of humor is a plus.

About the Museum

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium with a primary focus on shells, mollusks, marine life, and conservation education. It is a non-profit, educational organization that is accredited by both the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The Museum’s permanent exhibits include the Great Hall of Shells and the Living Gallery of Aquariums which displays about 60 species of marine life including octopuses, conchs, Giant Clam, California Sea Hare, fish, corals, and more. Temporary exhibitions, publications, and educational offerings for all ages provide a dynamic year-round program.

In a typical year the Museum welcomes about 60,000 visitors with tens of thousands more served by offsite educational and outreach programs. The Museum’s home of Sanibel and the surrounding Southwest Florida region is considered by many to be among the best beach and shelling destination in the United States, and one of the most desirable places to live.

To Apply

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and three references by email to sankerson@shellmuseum.org.