Synonyms: Aquarium Curator, Aquarium Keeper, Aquarist

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become an Aquarist
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Jena

Quick Facts

What aquarists do:

An aquarist cares for fish and aquatic animals, ensuring their health and well-being, while also educating people about them. They work in aquariums, where they feed, groom, and maintain habitats, and may also record animal care details and maintain facilities.

Median income:

$38,861 annually or $18.41 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Aquarists typically work in aquarium facilities and often follow irregular schedules to monitor and care for aquatic animals, maintain tank environments, and handle emergencies as they arise.

Education requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field like wildlife and fisheries is typically required. However, hands-on experience and volunteering are highly valued and can sometimes substitute for formal education. 

Job outlook:

The future for aquarists is bright, with a projected 16% growth in employment, faster than most occupations.

This is perfect for you if:

• You enjoy hands-on work with animals
• You are passionate about educating others
• You thrive in active, practical roles and enjoy following structured procedures
• You love marine animals

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Jena Martinez to learn more about being an aquarist here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Aquarists often have varied work schedules that can include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. They may work full-time or part-time, depending on the facility’s needs and the nature of their responsibilities.

Setting:

Typically in public aquariums, zoos, marine parks, research institutions, or private aquaculture facilities. They operate within controlled environments designed to simulate natural habitats for aquatic species, ensuring optimal conditions for animal health and well-being.

Tasks:

Feeding and monitoring the health of aquatic animals, maintaining water quality, and ensuring the overall cleanliness and functionality of aquarium tanks. They also engage in species-specific care and educational activities for visitors.

Topics:

Biology, marine life, customer service, and administrative skills like managing records and using office systems.

Skills:

Proficient in animal care and husbandry, water quality management, customer service, equipment maintenance, problem-solving, and meticulous record-keeping to ensure the health and well-being of aquatic species in their care.

Tools:

A laptop or computer with digital record-keeping programs, Google access, contacts for equipment and technical assistance, and small-scale plumbing and electrical tools.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Aquarists naturally have strong problem-solving skills, critical thinking, organization, and practical thinking. They also excel in information ordering, near vision for detailed tasks, and recognizing potential problems.

Interests:

Hands-on work with animals, including tasks like designing and maintaining their habitats, helping and educating others about aquatic life, and following procedures to keep detailed records and maintain order.

Personality:

Aquarists typically have realistic, social, and conventional personality types. They are highly practical, love engaging in physical activities and caring for animals.

Values:

Relationships, teamwork, cooperative environments, receiving supportive management, and enjoying independence in decision-making and creativity.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become an Aquarist

Education requirements:

A bachelor’s degree is often required, and having certifications such as scuba diving for marine mammal trainers can also enhance job prospects in this field.

Preferred majors:

Pursuing majors in marine biology, aquatic science, zoology, biology, environmental science, fisheries and aquatic sciences, or a related field can be beneficial.

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

• Animal Breeders
• Animal Control Workers
• Animal Trainers
• Veterinary Assistants & Laboratory Animal Caretakers
• Veterinary Technologists & Technicians

Advice from Jena

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

Consider pursuing a college major related to aquaristics, while simultaneously enhancing your portfolio through volunteer work. Gain practical experience by working in local aquariums or pet shops to build a strong foundation for a career as an aquarist.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

Start by volunteering. This hands-on experience allows you to learn on the job, demonstrate your work ethic, and build relationships within the field, potentially leading to paid opportunities or further training.

Recommended resources:

For aspiring aquarists, do online research through platforms like Google for animal care guidance and troubleshooting. Utilizing digital record-keeping programs for managing animal data and maintaining contacts with equipment suppliers and industry professionals for technical support are also recommended.

What Jena would tell her younger self if she was just getting started:

“I know there’s a lot to learn, but just keep at it. And someday, you’ll know a lot more than you thought you ever could about fish or that you’d be doing it by yourself somewhere without much oversight. Just don’t give up. Pay close attention. Ask questions. You do have to do a little bit of, like, research and learning on your own, while you’re being trained, because there’s just so much going on and there’s so much to know. So just to take initiative and keep at it.”

Watch the full interview with Jena: 

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