Want to be the Fairest Aquarist of them all?

By Gentry

 
Aquarists monitor animals health and maintain careful records on nutrition, behaviors, and water quality

 

 

An aquarist is an entry-level position primarily for people interested in supervisory and management positions in aquariums. An aquarist is responsible for many things this can include: attending to fish and other aquatic life exhibits, preparing food for the fish, cleaning tanks, collecting water samples for analysis, diagnose and treat sick fish and they assist with the collection of new specimens and their safe transport to the aquarium. Also aquarists have to work closely with other aquarists, laboratory staff, park guests, and the water quality and education department.
 
Aquarists constantly monitor tank conditions to keep fish happy  
Some challenges that face aquarists are preparing food and distributing it correctly, the strenuous daily cleaning of the exhibits, learning the needs of each species of fish, maintain high quality environments for the fish and spotting health problems early before they can kill the fish.
Aquarists also prepare many different types of food for each specfic fish


To become an aquarist you need to have at least completed your freshman year in college and have your study in biology or a closely related field. It is a must to have scuba certification and previous experience working in aquariums and it is helpful to have a basic understanding of chemistry and plumbing. Also an interest in marine life and someone interested in working with people is necessary. Once you become an aquarist you can expect to work 8 hours a day making roughly about $30,000 per year.
Aquarist monitor the conditions of this shark
Related Links:  
SeaWorld Park Careers Gives a detailed description of what are the job duties and challenges for aquarists
The Living Planet Aquarium Internships Lists the qualifications and requirements to become an aquarist
Monterey Bay Aquarium Aquarist Career Profile Profiles aquarist Bryan Banks and his duties
Marine Careers Describes what aquarists do
Aquarist Job Description Another aquarist job description

 

Mrs. Peck's Homepage

More Career Pages