Lead Aquarist

General Summary

This posting will remain open until the position is filled. Priority screening for applications received by July 20, 2025.

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 approximately 3,500 gallon flow-through aquarium system which includes over 250 species from the Puget Sound and the larger Salish Sea. The Lead Aquarist is the primary life support and husbandry staff person and leads a small team of part-time, interns, 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 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 an at-will, full-time,  salaried overtime eligible staff position that typically works 5 days a week Monday through Friday, applicant will work 1-2 evenings per week and must be willing to work occasional nights, weekends, and holidays.

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;
• Develops procedures and provides daily care of animal exhibits including diet preparation, feeding and general care, medication, record-keeping and quarantine;
• Responsible for all aspects of animal husbandry and life support, including but not limited to 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;
• Create, coordinate and lead a volunteer dive team that supports life support and educational programs;
• 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;
• On call as one of the primary team members for emergency life support systems;
• Performs other relevant duties as needed or assigned.

COMPETENCIES:

• 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;
• 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;
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others;
• 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;
• 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.

CONDITIONS OF WORK:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds;
• Required to work outdoors year-round, near water, on wet and slippery surfaces and at heights of 15 ft.;
• This position is part of the MaST 24-hour emergency on-call response team;
• Must have a driver’s license and access to dependable transportation;
• Must hold current CPR, first aid and AED certifications or obtain with 2 months of being hired;
• Although most of the hours are during traditional work hours, the applicant will work 1-2 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 chemicals;
• 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.

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; AND
• Strong knowledge of Puget Sound and the Salish Sea marine species.

OR

• Associate in Aquarium Science; AND
• One year 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; AND
• Strong knowledge of Puget Sound and the Salish Sea marine species

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Leadership and independent work experience in all aspects of life support and animal husbandry in marine aquariums;
• Proven experience upgrading and managing sub-1,000 gallon aquariums, focusing on system design, life support, and animal care;
• Experience with animal collections;
• Experience working in informal education;
• Rescue Diver Certification with coldwater experience