Becoming an aquarist is a rewarding and exciting career path. This career combines a love of animals with a deep understanding of biology and ecosystems. Aquarists have the opportunity to work with a variety of aquatic creatures, from tropical fish to sharks and sea turtles. With the right dedication and preparation, anyone can become an aquarist. This blog post will give an overview of the duties and skills required to work as an aquarist, as well as the steps needed to start a career in this field. It will also discuss the rewards of being an aquarist and provide resources for further reading and research. Whether you are just starting out or looking for ways to enhance your skills, this blog post will help you become an aquarist.
- Earn your bachelor’s degree. Obtain a bachelor’s degree in a relevant science- and animal-based field to study the behaviors and anatomy of animals. …
- Take scuba diving training. …
- Consider an internship. …
- Join a professional organization. …
- Advance your education.
How to become an aquarist
Since keeping underwater animals safe and healthy is your main objective as an aquarist, you must receive the appropriate training and have the necessary education to succeed in this position. Follow these steps to become a great aquarist:
1. Earn your bachelors degree
To learn about the behaviors and anatomy of animals, earn a bachelor’s degree in a science- or animal-based field that is relevant. You can obtain a degree in zoology, marine biology, aquaculture, or a closely related subject area like environmental engineering or veterinary sciences. Starting in high school, you could enroll in electives or participate in extracurricular activities to gain experience with animals, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.
2. Take scuba diving training
In order to collect samples and study underwater life, many aquarist jobs require divers to conduct fieldwork in lakes, rivers, and oceans. Since it’s a prerequisite for almost all aquarist positions, employers anticipate that you will complete your scuba diving training outside of your bachelor’s program. Additionally, you should become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) so that you can treat animals in need while submerged for an extended period of time.
3. Consider an internship
Although it is not always necessary, many aquarists start their careers as interns at a neighborhood aquarium or wildlife refuge in order to gain knowledge and a competitive edge in a crowded industry. This could give you the opportunity to work as a professional aquarist’s sidekick and gain firsthand knowledge of the duties of the position.
As an entry-level candidate, including an internship on your resume can help you stand out from the competition. Ask your professor about the opportunities available as many programs collaborate with businesses that provide internships for college credit.
4. Join a professional organization
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums welcomes many aquaticists from around the world. This nonprofit company provides aquarists with tools and networking chances so they can share resources, generate ideas, and give professional advice. You’ll have the chance to network with people from around the world and keep up with changes in your industry. There might be additional regional groups in your area.
5. Advance your education
Consider continuing your education to complete more challenging tasks, advance in your position, and earn more money. After completing your undergraduate studies, you can pursue a master’s degree in marine biology or a related field, or after working as an aquarist for a while. With this advanced education, you could be qualified to take on senior or specialized roles. You could carry out high-level experiments, conduct advanced fieldwork, or instruct students in marine biology topics.
What does an aquarist do?
A person who specializes in caring for marine life by providing it with a secure and nurturing environment is known as an aquarist. While most aquarists work inside at aquariums, zoos, or wildlife refuges, some may spend time there to collect and study various aquatic specimens. Additionally, aquarists frequently have to spend time at their desks updating reports on animal health.
A junior-level aquarist’s responsibilities might include cleaning tanks and recording animal behavior, whereas a more senior aquarist will create nutrition and activity plans, direct research to further improve aquarium conditions, and lead deep-sea dives to observe new specimens. An aquarist’s job description also varies by location and seniority. Overall, common duties for an aquarist include:
Aquarist skills
A good aquarist is tuned into the creatures they are responsible for and needs to pay close attention to small details to spot behavioral changes, illness, or injury. Physical endurance is also essential for this job because it involves extensive walking and diving research over long periods of time. An aquarist must have a thorough understanding of marine biology, anatomy, and a variety of tools and equipment, including veterinary equipment, boats, forklifts, and tank plumbing.
How to Become an Aquarist | step-by-step guide
FAQ
What does it take to be an aquarist?
A four-year degree in biology or a closely related field is necessary to work as an aquarist. Many full-time aquarists start their careers as part-timers or department volunteers.
Is becoming an aquarist hard?
As of May 2020, the median annual salary for aquarists, who are classified under the larger BLS category of veterinarians, was $99,250. The bottom 10% in this field earn about $60,690, while the top 10% earn more than $164,490 * The majority of aquarists work in private aquariums, though some may also be employed by government or nonprofit organizations.
Are aquarists in demand?
Careers as aquarists frequently entail hard physical labor, long periods of time spent submerged while wearing scuba gear, and the use of tools and equipment to perform the necessary tank maintenance duties.
