POSITION PURPOSE
The Live Exhibits Assistant is responsible for supporting the care of animals and systems in a 2,000 square foot aquarium exhibit, From the Mountains to the Sea. This space features live aquatic exhibits showcasing different ecosystems found in Maine—inland freshwater rivers, tidal zones, and the Gulf of Maine ocean environment. Native Maine species such as pumpkinseed, eastern painted turtles, sea stars, lumpfish, and hermit crabs reside in the tanks for both viewing and hands-on interaction. The Live Exhibits Assistant’s role is to support the maintenance of this space, helping to ensure the exhibit is engaging to visitors and healthy for the animals in residence.
POSITION SUMMARY
Support species care
Ensure the health and safety of animals, including:
Feeding according to strict dietary regimens
Offering appropriate enrichment
Immediate action taken to alert & remedy health risks
Observe species behavior and environment
Assist Live Exhibits Coordinator with troubleshooting health issues
Prep animal ambassadors such as turtles for outreach and floor programming
Support the ongoing care and maintenance of aquarium tanks:
Regular tank cleaning, assessment and adjustments
Regular tank and water maintenance
Monitor water quality (oxygen levels, bacteria, ammonia, pH, etc)
Monitor equipment and repair or replace as necessary
Regular change and cleaning of equipment
Support Programs in the Aquarium:
Assist in the facilitation of interdisciplinary watershed species programs and demonstrations for all ages, skill, experience and physical ability levels
Utilize best practices in education and interactive museum experiences
Additional duties may include:
Participate in annual reviews
Support CMTM’s Strategic Plan and Goals through actions as identified by the team and supervisor
Perform other duties as identified by supervisor, including weekly floor check and covering front desk check-in as needed
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Coursework and/or fieldwork in aquarium science, biology or related field
Experience in hands-on aquarium or live exhibits maintenance preferred
Experience in fish, amphibian, and reptile care preferred
Experience working with visitors ages 2-99 and leading interactive and engaging animal programs preferred
Knowledge of Maine aquatic species and Maine watershed ecology
Knowledge of native, indigenous, non-native, and invasive species, and the differences therein
Knowledge of species hardiness under low levels of stress, educational programming, or potential physical public interaction
Knowledge of which species are endangered/threatened and/or general history of species in Maine, including recent developments
Possess a holistic knowledge and awareness of current watershed issues and research in Maine
Ability to lift 50 lbs
Ability to use a ladder 12 ft
Ability to work near large magnets
Position occasionally requires employee enter deeper tanks (full body submersion, no diving gear required, wetsuit supplied), for short periods of times
Working in cold water (50 degrees) regularly submerging arms & hands
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Energized by the Museum & Theatre’s mission and values
Team player with a strong capacity to work independently
Empathy for all creatures and a deep connection with nature
Positive attitude
Punctual and able to follow schedules and routines
SCHEDULE
Part time, hourly position (20 hours).
Sunday 8:30-4:30; Monday 9:30-2 (September-May)/ 8:30-1 (June-August); Tuesday 9-4:30
COMPENSATION
$19.19 / hour plus $5,000 annual benefit pay which can be used toward a cafeteria plan of benefits including health insurance (2 options, HSA available), dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short & long-term disability, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, 4013B (retirement) plan contributions, and/or HSA contributions. Benefit pay may also be taken as pay in lieu of benefits.
Additional benefits include:
annual free membership (for yourself or to give as gift)
monthly free admission passes
snacks, tea & coffee available daily onsite
staff events such as outings, parties, and lunches
CMTM has an equitable system of pay that offers a base rate based on position, longevity pay increases over time, merit based raise opportunities, and cost of living base wage updates. This system is designed for equity and as such we do not have the ability to negotiate the compensation listed above.
HOW TO APPLY
Each applicant is required to email a resume, Museum & Theatre employment application, and letter of interest.
CMTM Employment Application can be found at https://www.kitetails.org/work-with-us
Job Application Deadline: Monday March 4 or until a candidate is found.
ABOUT CMTM
At the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, we set the stage for every child to imagine and learn through play.
We value Belonging.
Everyone belongs at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. We believe each person has value and worth; we celebrate what makes each of us unique and what binds us together as a strong community
We value Play.
We embrace the power of play to build resilience, spark creativity, and ignite a child’s imagination. Play inspires our work, our physical spaces, our storytelling, and our learning experiences.
We value Community.
We center community in all we do. We strive to be an inclusive partner and resource in order to build strong, lasting relationships.
We value Curiosity.
We believe curiosity inspires children to explore, build empathy, and connect with others. Learning fueled by curiosity leads to a deeper understanding of self and the world around us.
We value Trust.
We provide safe, inclusive experiences and spaces to ensure that the community’s trust is earned and upheld in all that we do.
The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine is an equal opportunity employer.
We prioritize diversity amongst our team and leadership, and we strongly encourage people of all traditionally marginalized identities to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
We are committed to making our facilities and programs accessible and safe for all members of our community, staff, and volunteers. We are actively working to increase accessibility and usability of our website, building, and educational activities. Supervisors work collaboratively with employees to make accommodations and modifications to accommodate the employee’s needs, including physical changes, assistive technologies, accessible communications, and policy enhancements. In doing so, we adhere to the available standards and guidelines and, in many cases, go beyond the guidelines to uphold our philosophy that our staff should have a safe and welcoming work environment where they can learn and grow. For a full description of our facility’s accessibility, please visit: www.kitetails.org/accessibility