My job is varied. I enjoy the opportunity to interact with visitors of all ages and interests. Throughout a typical year I will:
- teach student, member, and general public programs
- develop and write lessons
- coordinate workshops for teachers
- organize special events
- train and supervise summer employees and interns
- work on our web page
- plan and lead trips to various locations (Florida Keys, Massachusetts coast)
- attend conferences
Featuring: Gretchen Crapa
Gretchen holds one of the most desirable jobs in the world of water--she works at an aquarium, the National Aquarium in Baltimore. "I have always felt a deep affinity for the ocean and have been interested in marine creatures since I was a child. I have wonderful memories of spending hours at the touch pool at the Roanoke Aquarium." Undoubtedly, Gretchen was one of those visitors who asked, "How can I get a job at an aquarium?" This is one of the most frequently asked questions in the marine world today.
TYPICAL CAREERS
Several types of jobs exist at aquaria--some people work with animals, some with the public, some with both, and still others do none of these.
Gretchen began her career in the middle of a desert. While attending college at the University of Arizona (Sonoran Desert), she discovered "marine education" through a program that brought live animals, slides, and artifacts from the Sea of Cortez to schools in the Tucson, Arizona area. Observing the excited faces of the children prompted her to continue to explore the marine world. After a summer internship at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, she became fully committed to her career. While currently employed in the education department of the aquarium, she continues to grow by pursuing a master's degree in environmental science and policy.
A variety of positions exist at most aquaria; many workers are employed behind the scenes and rarely work with animals, while others only have contact with visitors. Plumbers, artists, engineers, housekeepers, electricians, accountants, and others contribute to the success of the facility.
Some careers below are more commonly associated with the National Aquarium in Baltimore:
Aquarists maintain all aspects of the aquatic exhibits; this includes maintaining water quality, feeding the fish, cleaning the tanks, and completing related tasks including precise record keeping. People in these positions have backgrounds in marine or aquatic science, including a scuba certification.
Aviculturists work with the marine birds and maintain all aspects of the display. This aquarium is unique in possessing such an exhibit. People employed in this specialty have a background in biology or zoology and have excellent public speaking skills.
Educators at the aquarium give presentations to visitors and teach classes. This requires an excellent knowledge of the various fish and birds on display, in addition to quality speaking skills. These individuals have backgrounds in science--usually marine science or biology.
Herpetologists manage the reptile and amphibian collection. They feed and care for these species. Again, a background in the biological sciences is a must as well as close attention to detail. As with all animals at the aquarium, this collection must be carefully observed to maintain optimum health.
A number of other specialties remain critical to the success of an aquarium:
Veterinarians and their assistants, veterinary technicians, oversee the health of the animals. Veterinarians hold a medical degree (DVM) in animal medicine; veterinary technicians graduate from two- or four-year colleges and pass licensing examinations. Water quality technicians ensure the quality and safety of the water environment.
Marine Mammal Trainer is perhaps the most popular and most sought after aquaria-related career. Armed with a background in psychology and/or biology, fine public speaking skills, and SCUBA certification, marine mammal trainers work with dolphins, seals, and orcas (killer whales). Though often visible as part of the "shows," these individuals labor many hours behind the scenes in training activities. They also help to maintain the tanks and the exhibit area.
Consider the career of Julie Scardina, animal ambassador and curator of animal training at Sea World of California. A weekly contributor to Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures and recent guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Live with Regis and Kathy Lee, and others, she has the skills and confidence to appear before millions on television. In preparation for training and performing with the eight thousand-pound Shamu, sea lions, otters, and walruses, she obtained her college degree from San Diego State University with a major in psychology and a minor in biology and then earned an associate's degree in exotic animal training and management from Moorpath College in California. Her career permits her both to interact with some of the world's most fascinating teachers and to provide education to children and adults. Clearly this occupation provides personal benefits as well as contributions to our society.
Marine mammal scientists work closely with marine mammals; although some work at aquaria, most work in other environments. Employed by organizations ranging from marine laboratories to the U.S. Navy to the fishing industry, they study the behavior of a wide variety of marine animals. Despite the allure of this career, opportunities remain limited. Consequently, a strong background in science with very good grades is a must. Many have gained experience while serving as volunteers at aquaria and/or interns with private companies or government organizations. Most have graduate degrees and specialize, that is, they confine their study to a particular marine mammal-dolphin, manatee, and so forth.
Visiting and volunteering at aquaria or ocean aria can serve as valuable career preparation. Technically, aquaria emphasize marine ecosystems involving all species including marine mammals. They fall into the following categories: publicly owned or governmentally owned, not for profit, and privately owned for profit. Ocean arias are privately owned for profit, such as Sea World. The latter tend to emphasize marine mammals.
Aquaria tend to focus on special exhibits, some of which change periodically. Canada's Vancouver Aquarium has had a "Whale Fest," the New York Aquarium (Brooklyn) boasts a "Bermuda Triangle" that emphasizes marine animals (sea turtles, moray eels) from that region, the Aquarium of the Americas (New Orleans) has a wonderful Mississippi Delta exhibit, the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island features a freshwater 'Turtle Pond," and the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk integrates the marine and maritime worlds.
See the following articles for more information:
- Find Your Calling: A Checklist
- 5 Ways To Build Your Career Outside of the Office
- How To Impress Your Interviewer When Making a Career Change
- 5 Tips For Successful Networking
