Lead Aquarist — Life Sciences

Job overview

The Lead Aquarist — Life Sciences role is onsite in Springfield, MO, and is full-time. Compensation is not specified. The role supports the Life Sciences team at Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, a facility with more than 35,000 animals focused on conservation, education, and animal care. The Lead Aquarist combines hands-on husbandry with team leadership and exhibit operations. The role helps maintain animal welfare standards, coordinate daily care and exhibit work, and develop aquarists, interns, and volunteers.

What you'll do

• Lead, train, and mentor aquarists
• maintain animal care and husbandry standards across exhibits
• coordinate daily operations, maintenance, enrichment, feeding programs, and records
• collaborate with curatorial staff on animal welfare, collection planning, and exhibit development
• participate in veterinary rounds and support animal health assessments
• lead animal moves, introductions, and husbandry projects
• assist with hiring, onboarding, and staff development.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

lead aquarist

life sciences

full-time

springfield mo

wonders of wildlife

aquarium

animal husbandry

aquatic animal care

exhibit management

animal welfare

team leadership

conservation

education

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• company-paid life insurance
• short- and long-term disability
• 401(k)
• paid time off
• employee discounts.

Why this role

Leadership role combining animal husbandry, exhibit management, and mentorship; growth potential toward curatorial and management roles.

About the employer

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is hiring for this role. Industry: Museums. Sector: 71.