Exploring Aquarium Jobs and How to Become One

Aquarium jobs are a fulfilling career choice. If you love everything about the aquatic world, working in an aquarium may be the right one for you.

Some people think aquariums are simply huge holding tanks where all the aquatic animals and plants live together. In reality, it was more complicated and intricate than that. It takes specialized people to maintain the balance of the entire system and make sure every creature stays healthy and thrives.

Dig deeper into the world of aquariums, the kind of job available in that setting, and how to become one.

Aquarium Jobs Types

What types of jobs can one expect in an aquarium setting? There are several types of Georgia aquarium jobs to choose from, each with different primary duties, and they are:

1. Aquarist

An aquarist is a person who takes care of the animal, providing a safe and nurturing environment for aquatic life.

The profession is not only limited to aquariums but also includes work in other places such as research groups, zoos, animal sanctuaries, and outdoor areas. But the most obvious place will be in an aquarium.

The typical responsibilities of an aquarist include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain water quality.
• Fish tank cleaning and maintenance
• Overseeing the food and supplement strategies
• Observing the animals and making assessments for any injuries or diseases
• Conducting research to enhance aquarium living conditions

Some parts of the aquarist job may intersect with the marine biologist task since both are closely related.

2. Curator of Fishes

The curator of fish or aquarium curator works closely with the fish. The curators decide the type of fish species to place in the aquarium and are responsible for the health of each species.

The curator’s duties are:

• Acquiring new animal species for the aquarium
• Keeping track of an inventory of the whole species collection
• Make a decision regarding the dietary requirements for each species.
• Working alongside other parties to develop animal transportation methods
• Responsible for scientific research programs
• Perform the necessary diagnostic studies.

3. Aquarium Biologist

An aquarium biologist acts as a caretaker for the animals in the aquarium. The person is responsible for the overall health, appearance, maintenance, and keeping the whole area clean.

The general responsibilities of an aquarium biologist include the following:

• Maintenance responsibilities for the whole animal may include food preparation, performing a water quality check, specimen collection, exhibition cleaning, and changing the water.
• Observing the animal’s health and behavior
• Working on other related tasks, including life support maintenance and daily records
• Involved in the aquarium exhibition process by taking care of the equipment and helping to set it up and break it down.

4. Veterinarian

A veterinarian is a trained medical professional who treats the sickness and injuries of animals. Some of them choose to work as generalists who treat all kinds of animals. Others prefer to specialize and work with aquatic animals and work in an aquarium or other settings where aquatic animals live and thrive.

The duties of a veterinarian in an aquarium are:

• Making sure the animals get the right dosage of medication
• Perform a health check regularly.
• Treat any injuries or sickness.
• Performing surgery when needed
• Responding to any emergency situation
• Involve in scientific study

How to Work in an Aquarium?

How is somebody able to work and get Georgia aquarium jobs? The main object of these jobs is working with animals, and that comes with specific requirements. You need to prepare yourself to meet those requirements.

1. Education Requirement

Anyone who wishes to work with animals, especially aquatic animals, needs to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology or an animal-related discipline, such as:

• Marine biology
• Animal Health and Behavior
• Zoology
• Aquaculture
• Veterinary science

You can even begin it early in high school. Get on track with extracurricular activities that have to do with animals and ecosystems. This will give you direct experience and basic knowledge of working with animals.

2. Skill Requirements

Working in the aquarium industry comes with many physical challenges. You are going to do a lot of fieldwork, and much of that requires you to go diving to collect samples and do some research.

For that reason, you need to undergo scuba diving training and get certification to prove your skill in this area. Many employers require applicants to have this certification alongside their bachelor’s degree.

A senior position may require the person to have more skills, such as deep-sea diving. This is necessary when they have to sea-dive to observe specific specimens for the latest aquarium collection.

3. Internship Experience

Having an internship experience will boost your chances of landing your dream job. This is not a necessity, but it is highly recommended to try.

Search around for any information about Georgia Aquarium internship opportunities. Apply for that position and get real experience working in an aquarium. Depending on the aquarium you work with, the internship could last from 3 months up to a whole year.

4. Higher Level of Education

Advanced education gives you more room to grow in knowledge, skills, and career. This is something you need to consider early on.

There are two options here. You can start getting your master’s degree right after you get your bachelor’s degree. The second option is to get your hands-on real experience for a couple of years before enrolling in master’s degree studies.

Advanced education prepares you for more specialized jobs. This could involve a senior position, a supervisor, or advanced fieldwork.

Working in an Aquarium

Is working in an aquarium right for you? That depends on your personal preference. If you are someone who likes the idea of working closely with aquatic animals and enjoys caring for animals who live underwater, then this might be the right job for you. The main thing is the willingness to put in the time and effort to meet the needed requirements. Get as much education and training as possible in all related areas. When you do it properly, the aquarium jobs will turn into a rewarding career in the long run.

About Kloen Micella

I'm Kloen Micella, and for the past eight years, I've been deeply involved in the realm of Human Resources (HR) development, honing my skills and knowledge since 2014. My journey began with a profound commitment to this dynamic field, fueled by my Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management (HRM) from Felician University. Throughout my career,… See My Full Profile on USA JOBS on LS ›

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