Aquarium Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of aquatic life, the role of aquarium technicians has never been more crucial.

As interest in marine life and conservation grows, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can maintain, develop and safeguard our underwater ecosystems.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an aquarium technician?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring technician seeking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of aquarium maintenance and care,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Aquarium Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Aquarium Technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of both commercial and private aquariums.

They ensure the health and well-being of the aquatic life within the aquariums.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Setting up and installing new aquariums, including the placement of equipment, substrate, decorations, and aquatic plants
• Maintaining the cleanliness of aquariums and surrounding areas
• Monitoring water quality and adjusting it as necessary to ensure optimal conditions for aquatic life
• Diagnosing and treating diseases in fish and other aquatic animals
• Feeding fish and other aquatic life, ensuring a balanced and appropriate diet
• Repairing or replacing equipment as necessary, including pumps, filters, heaters, and lights
• Advising aquarium owners on best practices for care and maintenance
• Conducting regular inspections to identify potential problems
• Ordering and restocking supplies as needed
• Documenting and maintaining records of all maintenance, treatment, and feeding activities

 

Aquarium Technician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Aquarium Technician to maintain and manage our aquatic exhibits.

The Aquarium Technician will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the health of the aquatic life, ensuring the cleanliness of tanks, and troubleshooting any issues with the aquarium’s systems or equipment.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of marine biology and have hands-on experience in maintaining aquariums.

They should be comfortable working with a variety of aquatic species and have a commitment to ensuring their well-being.

 

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain the health and well-being of aquatic life
• Conduct regular testing and monitoring of water parameters
• Perform regular cleaning and maintenance of aquariums and equipment
• Monitor and troubleshoot any issues with aquarium systems or equipment
• Assist in the design and setup of new aquatic exhibits
• Ensure adherence to safety guidelines and procedures
• Provide education and information to visitors about the aquatic life
• Document and maintain records on aquatic life health and maintenance activities

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Aquarium Technician or similar role
• Knowledge of aquatic life and their habitats
• Experience in maintaining aquarium systems and equipment
• Ability to handle and care for aquatic life in a safe and humane manner
• Strong observational and problem-solving skills
• Excellent verbal communication skills for educating visitors
• Degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, or a related field is preferred

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Aquarium Technician
• Work Environment: This role requires working in an indoor aquarium setting and involves regular contact with water and aquatic life. Some heavy lifting may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Aquarium Manager or Zoo Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• 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 Technician Do?

Aquarium Technicians are professionals who are specialized in maintaining and ensuring the overall health and cleanliness of aquatic habitats such as public aquariums, private collections, or aquatic exhibits.

These technicians monitor and maintain the water quality in various aquatic environments, adhering to specific water chemistry parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, and oxygen levels.

They also clean tanks, install and repair aquatic equipment, and feed the aquatic animals.

Aquarium Technicians often have a diverse range of animals to care for, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates.

Apart from maintenance, they are also responsible for the health and well-being of the aquatic animals.

They check for signs of illness, disease or stress in the animals, administer treatments, and often work closely with veterinarians to ensure the animals receive the best care possible.

Furthermore, Aquarium Technicians may assist in educating the public, providing information and answering questions about aquatic life, conservation efforts, and the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems.

They may also be responsible for designing and setting up new exhibits or displays.

 

Aquarium Technician Qualifications and Skills

An Aquarium Technician should possess a range of technical skills, interpersonal skills, and a solid knowledge base about aquatic life to ensure the health and wellbeing of the marine inhabitants.

These skills and qualifications include:

• Knowledge of aquatic biology and marine ecosystems to understand the needs and behaviors of a wide range of marine and freshwater species.
• Technical skills in maintaining and troubleshooting aquarium equipment such as pumps, filters, heaters, and lighting systems.
• Attention to detail to detect signs of illness or distress in aquarium inhabitants, as well as any irregularities in water parameters or equipment function.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with clients, understand their requirements, and educate them about proper aquarium care.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and address issues related to water chemistry, animal health, and equipment function.
• Physical fitness and dexterity for tasks such as lifting heavy equipment and performing delicate operations on aquatic animals.
• Persistence and patience as working with aquatic life requires careful observation and slow, steady actions to avoid causing stress or harm.
• Knowledge of safety protocols to handle potentially dangerous species and substances.

 

Aquarium Technician Experience Requirements

Aquarium Technicians often start their career with a degree in Marine Biology or a related field, during which they gain a solid foundation in aquatic animal care, biology, and life support systems.

Internships or volunteer positions at aquariums, zoos, or marine research centers can provide the initial hands-on experience necessary for a career as an Aquarium Technician.

This can include responsibilities like feeding marine animals, maintaining cleanliness, and monitoring life support systems.

With 1 to 2 years of experience, Aquarium Technicians may be expected to handle more complex tasks such as monitoring animal health, diagnosing diseases, administering treatments, and assisting in veterinary procedures.

After 3 to 5 years in the field, an Aquarium Technician may progress to a supervisory role, overseeing a team of technicians and managing daily operations.

At this level, experience in personnel management, extensive knowledge of aquatic life, and advanced skills in animal care and tank maintenance are often required.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field may be eligible for higher-level roles such as Aquarium Curator or Manager, where they would be responsible for the overall management of the facility, including staff supervision, budget planning, and public education programs.

 

Aquarium Technician Education and Training Requirements

Aquarium Technicians usually have a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum requirement.

However, they often hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in marine biology, zoology, animal science, or a related field.

To gain practical experience in the care of aquatic animals and maintenance of their environments, prospective Aquarium Technicians often take part in internships or volunteer positions at local aquariums, zoos, or pet shops.

An important part of an Aquarium Technician’s role is understanding the care and maintenance of aquatic environments.

Therefore, they need to have knowledge of water chemistry, animal health, and aquatic plant care.

This can be learned through formal education or on-the-job training.

There are various certification programs available that offer training in areas like aquatic animal health, aquarium maintenance, and water chemistry.

While not always a requirement, these certifications can enhance an Aquarium Technician’s skills and employability.

Continuing education is important for Aquarium Technicians to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.

This can be achieved through workshops, seminars, and advanced courses in marine biology or animal care.

 

Aquarium Technician Salary Expectations

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

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly depending on the level of experience, additional certifications, geographical location, and the size of the employing institution.

 

Aquarium Technician Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Aquarium Technician need?

Aquarium Technicians should have a strong understanding of aquatic life and their specific needs.

They should be proficient in maintaining and repairing aquarium equipment, including pumps, heaters, and filtration systems.

Knowledge of water chemistry is also crucial to ensure the health of the aquarium inhabitants.

Technicians should also possess strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and patience.

 

Do Aquarium Technicians need a degree?

While there is no specific degree required to become an Aquarium Technician, having a degree in marine biology, aquaculture, or a related field can be beneficial.

Alternatively, a combination of high school education and relevant work experience can also suffice.

Aquarium Technicians often gain experience through internships or entry-level positions at public aquariums or pet stores.

 

What should you look for in an Aquarium Technician’s resume?

Look for practical experience in maintaining and servicing aquariums, familiarity with aquatic species and their care, as well as knowledge of water chemistry.

Certifications related to aquarium maintenance or a related field can be a plus.

Also, check if they have experience with handling aquarium equipment and any relevant training in this area.

 

What qualities make a good Aquarium Technician?

A good Aquarium Technician is passionate about aquatic life and is committed to providing the best care for the animals they oversee.

They should be patient, detail-oriented, and capable of identifying potential problems before they escalate.

Furthermore, they need good problem-solving skills, as they often have to find solutions to various issues, from equipment failure to health concerns of the aquarium’s inhabitants.

 

How physically demanding is the role of an Aquarium Technician?

The role of an Aquarium Technician can be physically demanding as it often involves lifting heavy equipment, spending extended periods on their feet, and sometimes working in wet and slippery conditions.

Additionally, it may involve exposure to various chemicals used in the maintenance of the aquariums, so proper safety training and measures are crucial.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deep dive into the intriguing world of being an aquarium technician.

Guess what?

It’s not just about cleaning tanks.

It’s about creating and sustaining miniature marine ecosystems, one aquatic species at a time.

With our comprehensive aquarium technician job description template and practical examples, you’re fully equipped to make your career splash.

But why just skim the surface?

Submerge further with our job description generator. It’s your next platform for crafting perfect job listings or refining your resume to absolute precision.

Remember:

Every aquarium is a part of a larger ecosystem.

Let’s nurture that world. Together.

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