Aquarium Maintenance Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the diverse realm of animal care, the role of aquarium maintenance workers is integral and dynamic.

As our awareness and appreciation of aquatic life grows, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can maintain, preserve, and enhance our underwater ecosystems.

But what does the job of an aquarium maintenance worker actually entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager creating the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the fascinating world of aquarium care,

You’ve landed at the right spot.

Today, we present a comprehensive aquarium maintenance worker job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Aquarium Maintenance Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Aquarium Maintenance Workers play a vital role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of aquatic life in various settings, from public aquariums to private tanks.

They are tasked with regular cleaning and maintenance, water testing and treatment, and sometimes, care of the aquatic animals.

The duties and responsibilities of an Aquarium Maintenance Worker include:

• Performing regular cleaning of aquarium tanks and equipment
• Testing and treating water to ensure a healthy environment for aquatic life
• Monitoring the health of aquarium inhabitants and reporting any issues
• Feeding and caring for the aquatic animals
• Installing and maintaining aquarium equipment, such as filters, pumps, and lighting
• Monitoring and adjusting water temperatures and pH levels
• Performing water changes and replenishing the tank with clean, treated water
• Assisting with the acquisition and acclimation of new aquarium inhabitants
• Performing minor repairs on aquarium equipment
• Keeping records of tank maintenance, animal health, and any notable incidents

 

Aquarium Maintenance Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

The role involves cleaning and maintaining aquariums, ensuring the health and well-being of the aquatic life, and assisting customers with their queries.

Our ideal candidate has a passion for aquatic life, an understanding of the needs of different species, and experience with maintaining and troubleshooting aquarium systems.

 

Responsibilities

• Clean and maintain aquariums, ensuring healthy living conditions for all aquatic life
• Monitor and adjust water quality, including pH and salinity
• Feed aquarium inhabitants according to their dietary needs
• Inspect aquatic life for signs of disease or injury, taking necessary steps to address any issues
• Troubleshoot and repair aquarium equipment, including pumps and filtration systems
• Assist customers with their aquarium-related queries and provide advice
• Keep accurate records of tank maintenance and aquatic life health
• Ensure that all work complies with relevant safety and animal welfare guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role, or a relevant qualification in marine biology or a related field
• Knowledge of the specific requirements of different aquatic species
• Ability to maintain and troubleshoot aquarium systems
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail
• Good communication skills, for assisting customers and reporting on the health of aquatic life
• Physical fitness and ability to lift heavy equipment and water containers

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Employee discount

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Aquarium Maintenance Worker
• Work Environment: This role is primarily based on-site at our aquarium. The role requires physical work and may involve working in wet conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Aquarium Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• 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 Worker Do?

Aquarium Maintenance Workers typically work for public aquariums, zoos, aquatic research facilities or for private aquarium owners.

Their primary job is to ensure that all the aquatic life are provided with a safe, clean and healthy environment.

This includes regularly cleaning the tanks, removing waste, uneaten food and potentially harmful substances.

They also monitor and adjust the water’s pH levels, temperature, and salinity to make sure they are within acceptable parameters for the various species they care for.

In addition to this, they often need to check and maintain the aquarium’s filtration and lighting systems to ensure they are functioning correctly, as these directly affect the health and behavior of the marine life.

Many Aquarium Maintenance Workers are also responsible for feeding the fish and other aquatic animals, adhering to specific dietary needs and feeding schedules.

They may also provide basic medical care, administer medication, and help with breeding programs.

They often work closely with Aquarists, Veterinarians, and other specialists to ensure the overall well-being of the aquatic life in their care.

Educational programs and public interactions are also part of their responsibilities, where they provide information about the animals and their habitats.

 

Aquarium Maintenance Worker Qualifications and Skills

An Aquarium Maintenance Worker should have a mix of technical knowledge, physical abilities and personal skills to effectively carry out their role, such as:

• Understanding of marine biology and aquatic systems to properly care for different species of fish and other aquatic life.
• Technical skills to handle, repair and maintain different types of aquarium equipment including filters, pumps, and lighting systems.
• Physical strength and stamina to carry out tasks such as lifting heavy equipment, cleaning large tanks, and being on their feet for extended periods.
• Attention to detail to identify any signs of distress or disease in the fish, any changes in water chemistry, and to ensure the aquarium is clean and well-maintained.
• Problem-solving abilities to quickly identify and address any issues with the aquarium or the health of the fish.
• Communication skills to effectively interact with team members, inform supervisors of any issues, and sometimes educate the public about the aquarium and its inhabitants.
• Customer service skills for interacting with visitors, if the aquarium is in a public place, ensuring they have a positive experience.

 

Aquarium Maintenance Worker Experience Requirements

Entry-level Aquarium Maintenance Workers typically require no formal experience but should have a passion for aquatic life and ideally some personal experience with maintaining a home aquarium.

In lieu of work experience, many employers accept volunteer work at an aquarium or pet store, where candidates can gain practical experience in aquarium maintenance, such as cleaning tanks, checking water parameters, and caring for a variety of aquatic species.

Aquarium Maintenance Workers with 1 to 2 years of professional experience often have developed a good understanding of various species’ needs and can identify common illnesses or problems within the tank environment.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often possess advanced skills, including the maintenance of large or complex aquarium systems, the administration of veterinary treatments, or even the breeding of specific species.

Candidates with 5 or more years of experience may also have experience training new maintenance workers or managing a team, which can be beneficial for higher-level roles within larger aquariums or aquatic research facilities.

 

Aquarium Maintenance Worker Education and Training Requirements

Aquarium Maintenance Workers typically have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Having a background in marine biology or a related field can be beneficial, although it’s not usually a requirement.

On-the-job training is common in this role, where workers gain hands-on experience maintaining aquariums under the supervision of more experienced personnel.

This training often covers water chemistry, fish health, and the maintenance of aquarium equipment.

Knowledge of plumbing or electrical work can also be beneficial due to the complex filtration and lighting systems that are often part of large aquarium installations.

Aquarium Maintenance Workers need to be familiar with a wide variety of aquatic life, and understand their specific care requirements, including feeding, temperature, and habitat needs.

Certification from organizations such as the Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums can be advantageous for those seeking to advance in this field.

These certifications require experience in the field, completion of specific educational courses, and passing an examination.

Continual learning and staying updated with the latest aquarium technology and aquatic species care techniques is important in this field.

 

Aquarium Maintenance Worker Salary Expectations

An Aquarium Maintenance Worker typically earns an average salary of $30,000 (USD) per year.

This wage can vary depending on factors such as the level of experience, the complexity of the aquarium systems they manage, their education background, and the location of their employment.

 

Aquarium Maintenance Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Aquarium Maintenance Worker need?

Aquarium Maintenance Workers should have a strong understanding of water chemistry, equipment operation, and fish health.

They should have good problem-solving skills to diagnose and treat potential issues with the aquarium or its inhabitants.

Moreover, good physical stamina is required as they often need to lift heavy equipment or spend long periods cleaning tanks.

 

Do Aquarium Maintenance Workers need a degree?

While a degree is not typically required, having a background in marine biology, aquaculture, or a related field can be beneficial.

It’s essential for Aquarium Maintenance Workers to have a comprehensive understanding of aquatic life and water chemistry.

Formal education or relevant experience may be required by some employers.

 

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

Look for experience with handling aquatic life, managing aquarium systems, understanding water chemistry, and using maintenance equipment.

Certifications in scuba diving or aquatic life care can be an added advantage.

Also, check for soft skills such as attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and physical endurance.

 

What qualities make a good Aquarium Maintenance Worker?

A good Aquarium Maintenance Worker is passionate about aquatic life and committed to ensuring their well-being.

They should have good observational skills to spot any signs of disease or stress in the animals.

In addition, they should be responsible, meticulous, and dedicated to maintaining a clean and safe environment for the aquarium’s inhabitants.

 

What are the physical demands of an Aquarium Maintenance Worker?

Aquarium Maintenance Work can be physically demanding.

Workers often need to lift heavy equipment, spend long periods standing or kneeling, and may need to work in wet or damp conditions.

Therefore, good physical fitness and endurance are crucial for this role.

 

What are the daily duties of an Aquarium Maintenance Worker?

A typical day for an Aquarium Maintenance Worker might include checking water quality, cleaning tanks, feeding animals, monitoring animal health, and maintaining equipment.

They may also need to diagnose and treat diseases, repair equipment, and sometimes give educational talks or presentations about the aquarium and its inhabitants.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dived deep into what it truly means to be an aquarium maintenance worker.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about cleaning fish tanks.

It’s about creating and maintaining a thriving aquatic environment, one tank at a time.

With our handy aquarium maintenance worker job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to get your feet wet.

But why stop at the surface?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to brilliance.

Remember:

Every clean tank contributes to the overall aquatic ecosystem.

Let’s create that thriving environment. Together.

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