Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability

Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability

Title: Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability

Department: Aquarium

Reports To: Manager, Saltwater Habitats

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: $32.00 - $34.00/hour

Location: Chicago, IL, Onsite

Shedd Aquarium is committed to the highest standards of animal care and welfare, fostering meaningful public engagement through an "animals-first" approach. We create complex environments and use innovative training to promote natural behaviors.

Position Overview:

The Supervisor, Aquarium Sustainability oversees the daily care, welfare, and management of Shedd Aquarium's live food culture programs, larval fish and invertebrate development initiatives, and specialized marine exhibits. Reporting to the Manager of Saltwater Habitats, this position balances hands-on animal husbandry with team leadership, predominantly working alongside aquarists while supervising daily operations, developing staff, and advancing Shedd's aquaculture goals. The supervisor leads a team responsible for the care of a diverse collection of marine organisms, including teleost marine fishes, syngnathids, cold-water invertebrates, sea jellies, and live food cultures such as phytoplankton, copepods, mysid shrimp, and Artemia. The supervisor provides leadership for the Aquarium's internal and collaborative AZA collection sustainability priorities.

This position works closely with their manager and the rest of their team along with Animal Health, Environmental Quality, and Facilities to ensure the smooth and effective operations involving animals and habitats, especially as they relate to the planning, husbandry and welfare. They will work with the Conservation and Research Team to advance in-situ and ex situ research goals. This position works cooperatively with the animal care management teams to ensure compliance with all accreditation and regulatory requirements for departmental operations and provides full support of the aquarium's SCUBA diving program as directed by the Dive Program Manager.

The Supervisor is expected to serve as a leader in the Animal Care and Science Division. They embody inter-departmental productivity and participation in strategies to meet institutional objectives and initiatives requiring support of the Animal Care Department and serve as an aquarium spokesperson as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Hands-on Animal Husbandry (approximately 32-36 hours per week):

• Perform daily feedings, health checks, and behavioral observations on all species to ensure their health and well-being.
• Conduct routine cleaning, water quality monitoring, and life support system adjustments to maintain optimal habitat conditions.
• Implement and document animal training programs using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage natural behaviors and mental stimulation.
• Maintain accurate logs of animal health, training sessions, feedings, and habitat conditions using Shedd's animal management software.
• Perform scheduled dives for habitat cleaning, maintenance, and animal care within exhibits as needed.
• Assist with animal transports, acclimations, and habitat introductions, following established protocols.
• Conduct feeding demonstrations, assist in educational presentations, and provide behind-the-scenes tours as needed to enhance guest experiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory (approximately 4-8 hours per week)

• Support the onboarding, training, and development of aquarist team members; guide daily tasks and ensure best practices in animal care.
• Conduct weekly 1:1 check-ins with aquarists, document performance, and assist in creating professional development plans.
• Prepares Performance Assessments for their direct reports to be completed and delivered in collaboration with the Manager.
• Assist the Manager with supply orders, inventory tracking, and departmental reporting.
• Ensure adherence to accreditation standards and regulatory requirements in collaboration with the Manager.
• Support initiatives involving Conservation, Research, Animal Health, Facilities, and Guest Relations teams to align with Shedd's mission.
• Participate in daily team meetings and bi-weekly meetings with the Manager to discuss operational updates and project needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education: Bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology, animal science, a related field, or demonstrated equivalent knowledge.

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in animal husbandry, with knowledge of modern aquaculture practices and larval fish and marine invertebrate rearing techniques.
• Proven track record in the care, handling, and behavioral training of animals.
• Familiarity with life support systems, water quality management, and veterinary protocols.
• Familiarity with collection planning, sustainability initiatives, and conservation priorities in an aquarium setting.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards for animal care, including transport and accreditation requirements.
• Ability to effectively present information to all One Shedd team members.
• Ability to lead, inspire, and manage people.
• Ability to execute department planning and strategy.
• Ability to understand basic mathematical relationships and formulas.
• Ability to understand and employ intermediate-level accounting mathematics.
• Ability to evaluate and recommend behavioral solutions for optimal welfare and sustainability of animals in Shedd's care.
• Ability to plan for development of animals in Shedd's care for public engagement, sustainability, and research.
• Ability to develop and manage a department budget.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Proficiency in the use of animal management software such as TRACKs.
• Ability to learn multiple software applications for accounting, employee management, and interdepartmental business operations.

Special Skills & Characteristics:

• Proficient in record-keeping and animal management software.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a focus on critical thinking in a dynamic environment.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Flexibility to work weekends and holidays, and adjust schedules as needed.
• Commitment to Shedd's mission, vision, and values, with a passion for conservation.

Certifications:

• Must possess a valid driver's license or can obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
• Must possess a valid passport or be able to obtain one within 6 months from the start of employment.
• Must possess a minimum of open water SCUBA certification. Employment is contingent upon passing a dive physical and check-out protocol administered by Shedd Aquarium's Dive Operations.
• Must possess AALSO Operator 1 and AALSO Water Quality 1 Certificate or can obtain within 12 months from the start of employment.

Physical Demands:

• Lift up to 40 pounds
• Sit
• Stand
• Stoop
• Kneel
• Walk
• Swim
• Hear

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This person may be exposed to:

• Water
• Heat
• Cold
• Hazardous Chemicals
• Low Noise
• Moderate Noise
• Loud Noise

Benefits of Working at Shedd:

We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth within our organization.

• Medical Insurance, including FSA and HSA plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Accrued Paid Time Off
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance
• Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
• 401(k)