Living Shores - Animal Care Professional (Seasonal)

Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with 49 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.

While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect. 

You will be assisting full time staff in the general husbandry and welfare of the Living Shores Aquarium living animal collection, including invertebrates, amphibians, fish, & reptiles in accordance with company policies and guidelines that adhere to the safety standards and welfare procedures for both animals and staff. The effective dates for this position are April 6, 2026 – June 28, 2026.

We are currently looking for a:

 

Living Shores - Animal Care Professional (Seasonal)

Roles & Responsibilities:

 

Roles & Responsibilities:

· General husbandry tasks of assigned animals by the animal care coordinator, including invertebrates, amphibians, fish, and reptiles such as preparing and distributing appropriate diets, cleaning enclosures and exhibits, monitoring and maintaining aquatic life support

· Observe and communicate animal behavior or health changes, any enclosure or exhibit defects, and life support short comings to the animal care coordinator and aquatics & aquarium facilities supervisor

· Maintain detailed daily records of animal daily care, health related issues, larger equipment enhancements/changes, and any other detailed records assigned by management

· Engage with the guests at both formal programming in collaboration with the education department staff and informal interactions while servicing exhibits

· Assist in carrying out species-specific enrichment in guest facing exhibits and behind the scenes

· Maintain animal care department spaces (quarantines, behind the scenes, food prep and wet lab) to remain clean and useable, and assist in maintaining exhibit viewing side cleanliness and decorum

· Assist in large scale projects to develop and enhance exhibit design, prepare for new curated species, and improve guest experience in collaboration with animal care coordinator and aquatics & aquarium facilities supervisor

· Knowledge and adherence of safety policies and procedures regarding the use of facility equipment, materials, chemicals, and vehicles

· Have flexible scheduling and other duties as assigned in the aquarium.

Requirements:

· Must be at least 18 years old

· Some education in biology, zoology, environmental sciences or related field, or a combination of related education and previous employment or internship in a zoo, aquarium, rehab facility or similar

· Physical aspects include the ability to walk and stand for long periods of time, bending, stooping, and lifting up to 50 pounds

· Communication skills in verbal & written formats between staff across aquarium departments, leadership team members, and guests

· Some working knowledge of animal husbandry of invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and reptiles preferred

· General understanding of aquarium chemistry and water quality parameters as well as general life support practices, or ability to learn

· Flexible schedule with holidays and weekend work during the effective dates

Team member benefits: