Aquarium Maintenance Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In this era of marine conservation, the role of aquarium maintenance technicians is ever crucial.

As our appreciation for aquatic life deepens, the demand for skilled professionals who can maintain, nurture, and preserve our contained aquatic environments grows.

But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from an aquarium maintenance technician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of aquarium maintenance,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable aquarium maintenance technician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s plunge right into it.

Aquarium Maintenance Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Aquarium Maintenance Technicians are responsible for maintaining and optimizing the condition of the aquariums.

Their role involves monitoring the health of the aquariums’ inhabitants, checking the condition of the aquarium hardware, and ensuring the overall cleanliness and safety of the aquarium environment.

Aquarium Maintenance Technicians have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Monitor and maintain water quality including pH, temperature, ammonia levels, nitrate levels, and salinity
• Regularly clean and maintain aquariums, including siphoning and replacing water, scraping algae, and cleaning filters and tanks
• Inspect and replace aquarium equipment such as pumps, filters, heaters, lights, and air supplies
• Feed and monitor the health of aquarium inhabitants; identify and treat illnesses and diseases
• Identify issues with aquatic life behavior and health, including parasites, disease, aggression, or injury
• Research and suggest suitable aquatic species for specific environments
• Coordinate with suppliers for the purchase of fish, coral, invertebrates, and aquarium supplies
• Ensure the safety and well-being of the aquarium’s inhabitants
• Consult with clients and advise on aquarium setup, layout, and species compatibility
• Provide training and guidance to other staff members about proper aquarium maintenance

 

Aquarium Maintenance Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Aquarium Maintenance Technician to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the daily maintenance and upkeep of aquariums, ensuring the well-being of the aquarium’s inhabitants.

This includes water chemistry analysis, cleaning, feeding, and troubleshooting any potential issues.

Our ideal candidate has a passion for aquatic life, a strong understanding of marine biology, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of animal care and habitat cleanliness.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform daily health assessments of aquarium inhabitants and report any concerns promptly.
• Maintain proper water chemistry through regular testing and adjustments.
• Perform regular cleaning of aquariums, including algae removal, substrate vacuuming, and filter media changes.
• Assist with feeding of aquarium inhabitants according to established schedules and protocols.
• Troubleshoot and repair any issues with aquarium equipment.
• Provide exceptional customer service, answering client queries and providing advice on aquarium care and maintenance.
• Participate in the setup and takedown of aquarium displays as required.

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in aquarium maintenance or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic life, water chemistry, and aquarium equipment.
• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Highly observant with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent problem-solving and customer service skills.
• A degree in Marine Biology, Animal Care, or a related field is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Aquarium Maintenance Technician
• Work Environment: Variable environments including homes, offices, and public aquariums. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Maintenance Supervisor or Aquarium Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Dependent on experience and qualifications
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Aquarium Maintenance Technician Do?

Aquarium Maintenance Technicians work in various settings, ranging from public aquariums, zoos, marine research institutions to private aquarists’ homes and offices.

Their primary responsibility is to maintain the health and welfare of the marine life in the aquarium by ensuring the aquatic environment is clean, safe, and healthy.

This often involves regular cleaning of the tanks, filters, and other equipment, as well as monitoring the water quality and temperature.

They are also in charge of feeding the aquatic animals according to their specific dietary needs, observing their behavior for signs of illness or distress, and administering medication or treatments when necessary.

Aquarium Maintenance Technicians work closely with marine biologists and veterinarians to ensure the well-being of the aquarium inhabitants.

They may also interact with the public, answering questions about the aquarium and its inhabitants, or even giving presentations or guided tours.

Further, they may be involved in setting up and dismantling exhibits, breeding specific species, and ensuring that the aesthetic appeal of the aquarium is maintained.

As part of their role, they are also likely to research and implement new methods and technologies to improve the quality of life for the aquatic animals and the overall functioning of the aquarium.

 

Aquarium Maintenance Technician Qualifications and Skills

An Aquarium Maintenance Technician should have a range of technical skills, practical abilities, and knowledge about aquatic life to manage and maintain aquariums effectively, such as:

• Knowledge about various aquatic species and their specific needs to provide them with suitable habitats.
• Technical abilities to install and maintain aquarium equipment including filters, pumps, lighting, heating, and cooling systems.
• Attention to detail to monitor water quality, temperature, and lighting conditions and make necessary adjustments.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and rectify issues that could harm aquatic life, such as disease outbreaks or equipment failures.
• Communication skills to liaise with aquarium owners or managers, providing advice on proper care and maintenance and reporting any concerns or issues.
• Physical fitness to handle the manual labor involved in aquarium maintenance, such as lifting heavy equipment or water changes.
• Time management skills to schedule and carry out regular maintenance activities and respond to emergencies as required.
• Customer service skills to ensure client satisfaction, handle inquiries, and establish long-term relationships.

 

Aquarium Maintenance Technician Experience Requirements

Aquarium Maintenance Technicians often start their career journey with a high school diploma or equivalent, supplemented by courses in biology, marine science, or a related field.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, frequently gained through voluntary work at a local aquarium, pet store or zoo.

This hands-on experience is critical to understanding and mastering the practical aspects of maintaining a healthy aquatic environment.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience often have a solid understanding of aquatic life, the operation of filtration systems, water chemistry, and routine maintenance.

They may have also gained experience in treating common fish diseases, tank cleaning, and ensuring appropriate feeding for various species of aquatic life.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have developed problem-solving skills to handle emergency situations like water leaks or equipment malfunction.

They might also have some managerial experience, overseeing the operations of a public aquarium or managing a team of technicians.

This kind of experience prepares them for higher roles such as Aquarium Manager or Head of Maintenance.

 

Aquarium Maintenance Technician Education and Training Requirements

An Aquarium Maintenance Technician usually requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but having a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, zoology, aquaculture, or a related field can be beneficial.

Knowledge and understanding of marine life, water chemistry, and aquatic ecosystems is crucial for this role.

Therefore, hands-on experience from internships, volunteering, or part-time jobs at aquariums, pet shops, or marine research centers can provide valuable training.

Aquarium Maintenance Technicians should have a strong understanding of the operation and maintenance of aquarium equipment, such as pumps, filters, and lighting systems.

Continued education through seminars, workshops, or certificate programs focused on advanced aquarium care and maintenance can be an asset.

Scuba diving certification may be required for some positions, particularly if the role involves maintaining large-scale public or commercial aquariums.

While not mandatory, having a first aid or CPR certification can be beneficial in the event of an emergency.

Finally, due to the hands-on nature of the job, physical fitness and the ability to lift heavy equipment or animals may also be a requirement.

 

Aquarium Maintenance Technician Salary Expectations

An Aquarium Maintenance Technician can expect to earn an average salary of $30,000 (USD) per year.

However, earnings can vary based on factors like experience, qualifications, the size and complexity of the aquarium systems they maintain, and their location.

 

Aquarium Maintenance Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Aquarium Maintenance Technician need?

Aquarium Maintenance Technicians should possess a good understanding of aquatic life and their habitats.

They should have the ability to handle equipment used in aquarium maintenance like water quality meters, siphons, algae scrapers, etc.

They also need to have physical stamina for tasks such as cleaning large tanks and lifting heavy equipment.

Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently are also crucial skills for this role.

 

Do Aquarium Maintenance Technicians need a degree?

While a degree is not typically required, some employers may prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in marine biology, aquaculture, or a related field.

However, hands-on experience in maintaining an aquarium, understanding of water chemistry, and knowledge of different species of aquatic life are often more important.

 

What should you look for in an Aquarium Maintenance Technician resume?

A good Aquarium Maintenance Technician resume should demonstrate experience in maintaining and cleaning aquariums, troubleshooting issues, and knowledge of aquatic life.

Certifications, such as a Certified Aquarium Maintenance Professional (CAMP) certificate, can also be an added advantage.

Also, look for skills such as physical stamina, attention to detail, and problem-solving ability.

 

What qualities make a good Aquarium Maintenance Technician?

A good Aquarium Maintenance Technician should be passionate about aquatic life and their welfare.

They should possess strong attention to detail to identify potential issues in the aquarium, such as changes in water quality or the health of the aquarium inhabitants.

Physical stamina and the ability to work independently are also important qualities.

 

What are the daily duties of an Aquarium Maintenance Technician?

An Aquarium Maintenance Technician’s daily duties often include cleaning the aquarium, checking and adjusting the water chemistry, feeding the fish, and monitoring their health.

They may also diagnose and treat diseases, replace faulty equipment, and provide reports on the aquarium’s status.

In some settings, they may interact with the public, explaining the aquarium’s features and providing education about its inhabitants.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the fascinating world of being an aquarium maintenance technician.

And guess what?

It’s not just about cleaning tanks.

It’s about creating thriving aquatic environments, one meticulous cleaning at a time.

With our handy aquarium maintenance technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to dive in.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon for crafting spot-on job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every clean tank contributes to a healthier aquatic ecosystem.

Let’s create these underwater worlds. Together.

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