Aquarium Medical Center Technician  
New England Aquarium

JOB SUMMARY:

Manages the Aquarium Medical Center (AMC) exhibit and administers medical care to hospitalized and quarantined collection in the AMC, to assigned galleries within the institution, and to stranded animals when needed.  Maintains the physical and organizational infrastructure of the AMC, helps Education and Animal Health (AH) to coordinate a schedule of procedures to highlight the purpose of the exhibit, and hires volunteers to complete the exhibit’s essential functions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§         Supervises the scheduling, setup and completion of husbandry and medical treatments on patients in the AMC and in assigned galleries.  Performs medical diagnostics and treatments on hospitalized and quarantined patients in the AMC and provides technical assistance with exams and surgeries there and in the AH surgery room.  Prepares samples for submission to diagnostic labs.  Maintains written and computerized records for AMC patients, and relevant collection and stranded animal medical cases.

§         Maintains AMC aquatic and terrestrial systems and life support, updates and maintains inventory of the pharmacy and other supply inventory including mobile kits for animal exams.  

§         Performs medical rounds and treatments on patients in assigned galleries and updates records and rounds notes for relevant medical cases.  Is responsible for providing consultation with gallery biologist on case management and triage cases and performs animal examinations, administers or ensures treatments are administered, provides restraint, diagnostics for animals in assigned galleries.  Coordinates scheduling of exams on these animals and completes setup for exams. Monitors progress and provides staff updates on condition of patients in designated areas.  Assists in galleries assigned to the Biologist when needed.

§         Provides emergency medical support for veterinarians for collection, research, and stranded animals, including fieldwork during marine animal strandings.

§         With the support of the Visitor Education Department and assistance by AHD volunteers, creates and implements a routine schedule of educational programming and tours within and outside the AMC that allows Animal Health Department staff to complete essential job functions and also provide a teaching function for the public and interns. Collaborates with Education to develop interpretive talks to be used with a headset and provided while veterinarians are performing medical treatments.  Acts as a department liaison with Education staff regarding veterinary interpretation and presentation of relevant medical cases to the public.   

§         Under the supervision of the Director, hires, trains and supervises volunteers and staff to complete the essential functions of the exhibit, including husbandry, medical treatments, terrestrial and aquatic exhibit upkeep and cleanliness and educational programming.  Collaborates with AHD to train veterinary students and veterinarians in the proper function of the exhibit and relevant aquatic animal medicine and husbandry.

§         Validates diagnostic tests and clinical procedures.  Maintains archiving system for slides and fixed or frozen tissue samples when stored in the AMC.  Collects and organizes digital data and images taken in the AMC. 

§         Operates and maintains medical diagnostic and surgical equipment (ultrasound, endoscopes, anesthesia, radiographic devices, microscopes and blood analyzers) within the AMC and the Animal Health Department. Creates and updates SOPs for proper use and function of equipment.  Coordinates training of staff on equipment operation and correct procedures for general use. Identifies equipment needs and upgrades.

§         Researches biological or medical information on cases and/or diseases.  Corresponds with other NEAq departments or outside institutions when needed to gather or relay information concerning medical cases.

§         Provides support to the veterinary staff in conducting clinical research, publishing data, and delivering presentations for professional colleagues, New England Aquarium staff, and the general public.  Participates in relevant conferences and seminars on aquatic animals and veterinary medicine. 

§         Understands life support systems throughout the institution including basic maintenance and function.  Provides support for environmental quality staff by performing necessary testing when needed.  Maintains accurate environmental quality data for tanks in the AMC and understands and can interpret test results.

§         Performs other position-related duties, as assigned.

EDUCATION:

  • Requires a Bachelor’s degree in biology and 3 years of job-related experience.  Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.  Veterinary Technician Certification and/or Master’s degree in biology preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Background and/or interest in public speaking and education desired. 
  • Proficiency in veterinary diagnostic techniques, including microscopy, and veterinary nursing desired.
  • Individual must be highly organized and motivated with strong verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Must be comfortable with Macintosh and PC computer operating systems.
  • Diving certification preferred.
  • Understands water quality parameters and can conduct water quality testing.
  • Mechanical ability and experience maintaining aquatic support systems.
  • Must have basic math ability.
  • Skill to work with unusual animals with a calm and caring attitude.
  • Must have good animal behavior observation abilities.

 

TO APPLY SEND RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO:

HUMAN RESOURCES

NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

CENTRAL WHARF

BOSTON, MA 02110-3399

E-MAIL: JOBS@NEAQ.ORG

 

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER