Senior Aquarist

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career

Please Apply By: Monday, June 15, 2026

Hiring Range: $52,132.00/yr - $68,423.25/yr

At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too.  Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Did you know that Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation proudly hosts many community events each year? Hummingbird Festival, The Senior Games and Festival in the Park are just a few that our employees and residents look forward to every year! Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) strives to enrich the lives of our residents. We do this by providing exciting and safe recreational amenities and programs, change to improve our resident’s fitness levels and decrease health care costs. This contributes to a sense of community through events and spaces for the public to socialize, thereby increasing property values and providing tourism venues. We protect open space, natural areas, and our treasured tree canopy through stewardship. We play a critical role in ensuring Mecklenburg County achieves its vision that the county “will be a community of pride and choice for people to LIVE, WORK and RECREATE.” The department serves a population exceeding one million residents and serves the City of Charlotte, six towns, and the unincorporated areas of the county covering 523 square miles. In addition, the department manages over 21,000 acres and 230+ parks, nature preserves, greenways and facilities. The Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department is continually recognized for its cutting-edge programs, state-of the-art facilities and unique partnerships. Our success is rooted in our staff. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team, dedicated to building a better community, and being recognized as leaders both in our community and across the country, then Mecklenburg County has great opportunities for you.

POSITION SUMMARY
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is seeking an experienced Sr Aquarist to join our team! The Sr Aquarist will be responsible for managing two large freshwater aquariums and invertebrate, amphibian and reptile exhibits at four separate Nature Centers within Mecklenburg County. Maintaining the life support and safety of the collections at four centers requires an independent individual who can appropriately schedule their time, be a liaison to each center’s animal care staff, and make decisions for the well-being of the animals without reliance of supervision. The preferred candidate would be comfortable engaging with the public as this position will be asked to conduct presentations and interact with visitors at our Nature Centers. Since animals are unpredictable, the selected candidate must be able to accommodate an “on-call” schedule for emergencies.

By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for a similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at other Park and Recreation locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply!

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Experience working in an aquarium or zoo setting highly preferred
•Environmental education experience

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
•Provide exceptional care to all assigned animals and exhibits including daily cleaning, water quality, maintenance, diving, diet preparation and feeding, and health assessments.
•Manage the collection as a whole including acquisitions, dispositions and population management
•Maintain public display exhibits and back-of-house areas to the highest standards.
•Work with the veterinary team to maintain high animal health standards including participating in procedures and necropsies.
•Maintain current up to date knowledge on biology, ecology and husbandry of all animals within their care.
•Research care and dietary needs of new or incoming plants and animals.
•Ensure care of exhibit life support systems, including routine preventative maintenance on equipment.
•Direct the development and implementation of husbandry procedures, techniques and practices in an Animal Care Manual.
•Determine and make budgetary recommendations as to annual animal care budget for equipment, maintenance and diets
•Maintain appropri