Conservation Technician en National Aquarium

Job Title: Conservation Technician

Posting Date: September 15, 2025

Job Department: Conservation Programs

Schedule: Full Time

Job Type: On-site

Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202/ACRC 901 E. Fayette St Baltimore, MD 21202

JOB SUMMARY:

The National Aquarium is seeking a passionate and dedicated Conservation Technician to join our dynamic Conservation Programs team. This position will support coordination and components of Conservation Program initiatives including Field Conservation and Conservation Community Engagement programs, with a strong focus on the Harbor Wetland exhibit and Fort McHenry Wetland.  

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• Coordinates and implements daily maintenance activities for the Harbor Wetland exhibit and the Fort McHenry Wetland, including weeding, pruning, watering of plants, debris removal and general trail maintenance. 
• Manage ongoing maintenance projects, such as airlift swaps, water quality monitoring, visitor engagement, and biodiversity surveys of Harbor Wetland. 
• Support volunteer participation in Harbor Wetland, the Fort McHenry Wetland and other Conservation Programs activities, ensuring program logistics, volunteer safety, and tracking are maintained.   
• Engages and communicates with National Aquarium staff, stakeholders, and partner organizations to leverage resources and build opportunities for engagement and conservation initiatives.
• Participates in outreach events, focusing on environmental stewardship and connecting participants to National Aquarium conservation efforts.
• Participates in the evaluation of project results and preparation of summary reports.
• Participates in Conservation Programs Department staff meetings and other internal meetings as necessary.
• Supports mentorship of unpaid staff including Aquarium Conservation Team volunteers and other episodic volunteers as directed.
• Responsible for following National Aquarium policy and ethics guidelines.
• Responsible for completing assigned work in an efficient and timely manner.
• Responsible for equipment, supplies, vehicles, facilities, and personnel associated with field projects.
• Daily contact with volunteers, internal partners, community members and National Aquarium staff regarding conservation issues as well as telephone and digital communications 
• Frequent contact with vendors, colleagues, and outside partners
• Other duties as assigned or required. 

 QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, social science or related field is preferred, but not required
• Must be comfortable interacting with visitors around the interpretation of restoration sites, the animals in the habitats, and the research being conducted
• Must be enthusiastic, outgoing and willing to engage in conversation
• Must be able to safely drive National Aquarium vehicles and perform strenuous field activities, including but not limited to: lifting 30 pounds (with or without assistance), reaching, pushing, and digging.
• Should be able to work weekends, evenings and holidays as needed
• Must be knowledgeable regarding environmental issues pertinent to the ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, and urban conservation
• Must be proficient in use of Microsoft Office software applications and willing to learn new software tools used at National Aquarium.
• Must possess analytical and problem-solving skills to implement conservation projects
• Able to prioritize work assignments and recognize the need for additional guidance
• Must be able to take appropriate individual initiative
• Must have enthusiasm, passion, and commitment to building strong relationships within the city of Baltimore, and interest in engaging with visitors and community members to complete various projects
• Must have ability to speak about community and field conservation projects to the public
• Strong written and oral communication skills required
• Ability to write and speak in Spanish is preferred, but not required

TOTAL COMPENSATION:

Hourly range ($17.31-20.45) with hours worked over 40 in a week eligible for overtime, premium pay for National Aquarium recognized holidays, and shift differential for overnight shifts. National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.

About the National Aquarium

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

Our Values

At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.

Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.

Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.

Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.

Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.

Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.

In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.