Assistant Curator

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant provides integrated research, education and extension programs that foster the responsible use of Georgia's coastal resources by individuals, decision-makers and management agencies.

Our program is managed through a federal-state partnership between the University of Georgia ( UGA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's ( NOAA) National Sea Grant College Program, a national network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories.
Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant's mission is to improve the environmental, social and economic health of the Georgia coast through research, education and extension.

Every four years, our program develops a long-range strategic plan that describes our goals and priorities for the coming years. To create this plan, we utilize an inclusive, multi-step process that incorporates fresh input from a diverse constituency.

Regular work hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Position is housed on UGA Skidaway Marine Science Campus, Skidaway Island, near Savannah Georgia.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

2 years experience as a fulltime aquarist or equivalent preferred. BS in natural sciences, biology, marine sciences, ichthyology, aquaculture, fisheries or related area preferred.

This is specialized technical work assisting a professional in the maintenance and care of a large scientific collection of living fish, invertebrates and reptiles. This position involves all aspects of the operation and maintenance of the UGA Aquarium. It requires biological and technical skills necessary to keep a wide variety of species healthy.

Primary duties involve life support system operations, seawater intake and filtration, animal husbandry, and aquarium maintenance. Work includes the preparation of food for a variety of animals based on the knowledge of their biology & behavior; feeding the animals as needed; using acquired knowledge in monitoring & treating all animals for disease, injury, and abnormal behavior; ensuring that all exhibits are educationally accurate; monitoring seawater system and preparing water for use in aquarium as well as monitoring water quality weekly. Also responsible for the maintenance of life support equipment to include pumps, filters and aeration devices.

The successful applicant will have basic skills in boat handling, knowledge in the collection, transport, and release of live marine animals, experience with the use of seine nets, cast nets, and otter trawls for collection, experience in hook & line fishing; willingness to conduct occasional overnight collecting trips, and willingness to work in adverse conditions. Regular work hours are Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. This position requires a willingness to work weekends, holidays, & above and beyond the call of duty when emergency situations arise. This responsibility is shared between several employees, but aquarium personnel are charged with oversight of weekend & holiday duties. Secondary duties include working with facilities personnel to maintain current exhibits and with education department to update aquarium displays and interactive exhibits; to assist curator and educators in development of new exhibits and associated programs, educational materials and interpretive signage. Assist aquarium curator and lead aquarium tours for groups of students and visitors of all ages. The successful applicant will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, organization, and time management skills, as well as the ability to lead and work as a part of a small team of intern and volunteers.

Knowledge in maintaining aquarium exhibits; in collecting & transporting specimens, and acclimating them to captivity. Working knowledge and experience identifying and handling fish, invertebrates, and reptile species. Excellent written / verbal communication and team working skills; well-developed organizational, time budgeting, and leadership skills. Must be able to work with minimal supervision. Valid driver's license is required.

Must be able to lift 50 lbs., stand for long periods of time, and work in hot, humid and wet indoor and outdoor conditions.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Additional tasks:

Secondary duties include: