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We have an immediate opening for a part time Laboratory Technician in the Life Support and Water Quality Department at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The position will be up to 32 hours per week at a pay rate of $15.00 per hour. If you have any questions about the job or would like to submit your resume for consideration, please contact, the Curator of Life Support and Water Quality, at ADores@vbgov.com or (757) 385-0319 by Monday, August 19, 2024 to be considered. Please see below for a brief job description.

Job Description

Interested individuals will work closely with the Water Quality Lab Manager and the Lab Technicians and assist them with day-to-day lab operations. Individual will be responsible for processing water samples submitted by aquarium husbandry and life support staff. Individual will maintain water quality records and databases; operation and maintenance of standard laboratory equipment; performance of bacteriological and chemical analyses in a prompt manner and in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures; and maintenance of laboratory cleanliness. The Water Quality Lab is a working exhibit and guest interaction, and engagement is required as part of the standard duties of the position. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Candidate Preferences

• College degree or college-level course work in chemistry, biology or related fields
• Experience working in an EPA approved or a state-certified laboratory
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent observation skills
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with laboratory instruments such as pH meters and spectrophotometers. Training will be provided.

Additional Details

Candidate will work in the Virginia Aquarium’s new Water Quality Lab in the South Building Veterinary Wing. Position typically requires three or four, 8-hour shifts each week; additional hours may be available. Shifts will vary between the hours of 7:00am and 6:00pm each day. Must be available to work weekends and holidays as requested. The Lab is a working exhibit space, and this position requires guest engagement as part of its regular job duties.

Hourly Rate

$15/hour

Hours

Varying 8-hour shifts between the hours of 7:00am and 6:00pm, three to four days each week. Must be available to work weekends and holidays as requested.

Duties

• Provide accurate, precise water quality data to internal customers in order to facilitate best care of resident animals
• Collect and analyze water quality samples from marine and freshwater aquaria using appropriate technique
• Maintain water quality records and databases
• Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment
• Perform bacteriological and chemical analyses in a prompt manner and in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness
• Engage with guests in a fun and professional manner on water quality topics

Requirements

Must be able to work flexible shifts including weekends and holidays as requested.

Preferences

College degree or college-level course work in chemistry, biology or related fields; experience working in an EPA approved or a state-certified laboratory; good written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently; excellent observation skills; ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment; familiarity with laboratory instruments such as pH meters and spectrophotometers.

How to Apply

Send a resume via email to ADores@vbgov.com by August 19, 2024.

You may also call the hiring manager directly at (757) 385-0319 if you have any questions not addressed in this posting.

This is a contract position and will be employed through Abacus Staffing Services.

Hourly Rate

$15.00

Hours

Flexible shifts including weekends and holidays and be available to work between the hours of 8:30am and 6:30pm.

Duties

Provide exceptional guest service that transforms a day at the Aquarium from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Greet all guests in line of sight with a smile, a verbal greeting, and approachable friendliness.
• Sell merchandise, answer questions about the merchandise, maintain a clean and organized sales floor, and restock and process merchandise.
• Receive payment by cash, credit cards, or vouchers. Issue receipts, refunds, or change due to guests.
• Assist guests in a friendly and positive manner by using your knowledge of Aquarium offerings, prices, membership, directions, and general information.
• Become familiar with the Aquarium's story – history, accomplishments, and future goals.
• Go beyond what is expected – deliver personal experiences that inspire, delight, and engage.
• Project a professional image while in uniform.

Requirements

• Must be able to work flexible shifts including weekends and holidays and be available to work between the hours of 8:30am and 6:30pm.
• This is a position that requires the applicant to stand for long periods of time, it is not a seated position.

Preferences

• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Completion of at least two years of high school.
• Enthusiastic, motivated, and enjoy working with people.
• Cash handling experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

How to Apply

Send a resume via email to TOCarrol@vbgov.com .

The Virginia Aquarium’s Guest Services Division is now accepting applications for a Guest Engagement-Community Engagement Intern. The application deadline is open until a candidate has been selected. Interns are expected to complete 160 hours over three consecutive months, depending on semester dates. Please note that this is an unpaid experience, and the Virginia Aquarium does not provide intern housing. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit.

Position Overview

The Guest Engagement-Community Engagement Intern will be responsible for helping develop and implement Discovery Garden programs and Grab Go Show bags with a focus on fun educational content accessible to an early learning audience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Discovery Garden activities that encourage the exploration of nature and science through play for a young audience.
• Facilitate programs that cater to an early learning audience that share core conservation messages that are easy for all guests to understand.
• Create opportunities for a wide age range of children, including pre-kindergarten and school-aged children, to explore and learn about nature at the key engagement areas in the Aquarium.
• Develop Grab Go Show bags to compliment messaging at key engagement areas: Rays, Upland River, and Sharks.
• Conduct evaluation on the Discovery Garden programming offered to ensure educational goals are met.
• Work with staff to ensure guests’ needs are met with excellent customer service.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or recent graduate.
• Must be self-motivated, articulate, mature, reliable, and responsible. Should work well independently as well as with a team.
• Must be physically fit, able to lift 50 pounds, and stand outdoors for long periods.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrate interest in a career in environmental education and/or science communication.
• Have some experience working with an early learning or young audience.
• Have excellent communication skills.
• Be comfortable talking to guests and providing good customer service.

Position Requirements

• Possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Pass a City of Virginia Beach background check.
• Be available to work during the Aquarium’s operating hours, 9:00am-5:00pm, and until 6:00pm during the summer, which includes weekends and holidays.

Intern Learning Objectives

• Develop fundamental engagement skills and test strategies for informal environmental education communication.
• Gain programming and facilitation skills by overseeing the entire program planning process.
• Facilitate teamwork through positive actions and activities.
• Deliver a formal report of the experience that includes insight and knowledge gained that can be shared with the education staff in an informal presentation.

Intern Schedule

The internship schedule is flexible to accommodate classes and work obligations.

Minimum Commitment Required

160 hours over a consecutive three-month period.

Intern Supervisor/Mentor

Equity, Community, and Learning Team Lead.

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium’s Main and South Buildings.

Application Requirements

A complete Guest Engagement-Community Engagement Intern application packet must include the following components. Only complete application packets will be considered.

• A cover letter detailing how the internship experience will assist with career or academic goals.
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form.
• Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference.
• Resume.
• College Transcript(s).

Completed Application Packets

Email the completed application packet to: Interns@VirginiaAquarium.com  and copy KPBurns@VirginiaAquarium.com . Please put "Guest Engagement Intern Application Packet" in the subject line.

OR

Mail your completed application packet to:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

717 General Booth Boulevard

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

Attn: Volunteer Engagement - Intern Applicant

The Virginia Aquarium’s Veterinary Science & Research Division is now accepting Stranding Response Intern applications for Winter 2024-25. The application deadline is October 1, 2024. Internships will be approximately three months, starting around December-January. Start dates are flexible. Internships will be fulfilled in accordance with COVID-19 safety guidelines, and positions are subject to change based on the most current recommendations. Please note that all positions are non-compensatory, and the Virginia Aquarium does not provide housing. Interns are fully responsible for fulfilling all requirements of their home institutions to receive academic credit.

Position Overview

Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) interns promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, response, rehabilitation, and education. Interns will be cross-trained in all aspects of stranding response; however, daily tasks will be assigned to interns according to interest and caseload. Stranding work is unpredictable; therefore, experiences will vary by internship. VAQS staff will provide as many learning opportunities as possible during each session.

Responsibilities

• Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field.
• Participate in all aspects of post-mortem examinations: cutting and sampling, data collection, photographing, carcass recovery, and cleaning.
• Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen, and associated supplies.
• Assist staff with new admits and daily treatments of patients. Restrain animals for exams, collect vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, take photographs, administer medications, and perform wound care.
• Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning gear.
• Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator trainings.
• Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, and completing response paperwork.
• Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff.

Required Qualifications

• Respond to live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in the field.
• Participate in all aspects of post-mortem examinations: cutting and sampling, data collection, photographing, carcass recovery, and cleaning.
• Perform daily husbandry tasks, including food preparation, feeding, and cleaning the rehab area, kitchen, and associated supplies.
• Assist staff with new admits and daily treatments of patients. Restrain animals for exams, collect vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) and morphometrics, take photographs, administer medications, and perform wound care.
• Ensure response preparedness by stocking response bags, fueling vehicles, and cleaning gear.
• Assist with releases of rehabilitation patients, public outreach events, and volunteer/cooperator trainings.
• Assist staff with daily administrative tasks, including answering hotline calls, data entry, and completing response paperwork.
• Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by VAQS staff.

Position Requirements

• Attend VAQS orientation and City of Virginia Beach Defensive Driving upon starting.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Pass a City of Virginia Beach background check.
• Comply with all organizational COVID-19 preventative measures.

Internship Learning Objectives

Develop fundamental hands-on stranding response and rehabilitation skills:

• Perform post-mortem examinations on sea turtles and marine mammals.
• Perform basic health assessments of rehabilitation patients, including vitals collection, wound treatment, administering medications, and blood processing.
• Complete Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) and Marine Mammal Stranding Level A forms.
• Enter stranding data in Microsoft Access.

Intern Schedule

Intern is expected to be available 3 to 4 days weekly, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Weekend and holiday coverage is expected.

Minimum Commitment Required

24-32 hours per week for the duration of the internship.

Intern Supervisor/Mentor

VAQS Volunteer Manager and project supervisor.

Work Location

Virginia Aquarium’s Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center.

Application Requirements

A complete Stranding Response Internship packet must include the following components:

• Cover letter including preferred focus area, response/necropsy or rehabilitation, and internship expectations. There is some flexibility with internship start/end dates; please include any known schedule conflicts in your cover letter.
• Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center internship application form.
• Two letters of recommendation; one must be an academic reference. Letters can be sent separately to StrandingVolMgr@VBGov.com .
• Resume.
• College transcript(s).

Completed Application Packets

Email the completed application packet to: Interns@VirginiaAquarium.com  and copy StrandingVolMgr@VBGov.com . Please type "Stranding Response Intern Application Packet" in the subject line.

OR

Mail your completed application packet to:

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

717 General Booth Boulevard

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451

Attn: Volunteer Engagement - Intern Applicant