Oceanarium Director

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

Working Title:

Oceanarium Director

Institution:

Minnesota State University, Moorhead

Classification Title:

MSUAASF Range C

Bargaining Unit / Union:

211: Minnesota State University Association of Administrative Service Faculty

City:

Moorhead

FLSA:

Non Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Part time

Employment Condition:

Unclassified - Limited Academic (Fixed Term)

Salary Range:

$47,845.00 - $93,809.00

Position Purpose:
The Oceanarium Facility Coordinator has three main areas of responsibility: (1) Maintain the Oceanarium facility to safeguard the health and welfare of the marine organisms that live there, and (2) supervise BIOL 130/230/330 Oceanarium interns in the basics of life support systems in an oceanarium facility, specialized feeding needs of all the organisms, maintenance of water quality and filtration needs, and (3) coordinate, lead and supervise use of the oceanarium for MSUM courses, tours for prospective students by Admissions, outreach tours or K12, Open Hours and special events for the public, and support student interns in the teaching of Junior Aquarists Camp for Kids (JACK workshop in College for Kids).

Responsibilities:
1. Maintenance of the oceanarium facility: Coordinate maintenance of facility, husbandry of marine organisms, maintain water quality [make water, water changes, change socks, clean filters and pumps], maintain and repair oceanarium equipment. Oceanarium Facility Coordinator does simple maintenance and repair, acts as liaison with manufacturers and/or MSUM Physical Plant to coordinate specialized procedures such as plumbing and electrical work.
Priority: Essential Percent of Time: 30%

2. Leads the work of student workers and volunteers to aid in facility maintenance such as monitoring water quality and animal health, animal feeding. Supervises the internship experience of BIOL 130/230/330 Oceanarium students. Create schedule, assign tasks and monitor feeding schedule, sock replacements, daily water top-offs, glass cleaning.
Priority: Essential Percent of Time: 30%

3. Develop content and present public tours of the oceanarium. Hire, train, and supervise student workers, O.C.E.A.N. volunteers and students in BIOL 130/230/330 Oceanarium to aid in public education such as leading tours and engaging the public with information about diversity and conservation of marine ecosystems.
Priority: Essential Percent of Time: 30%

4. Coordinate use of Oceanarium with other outreach efforts at MSUM (Planetarium, Regional Science Center, College for Kids, Dragon Ambassadors for Admissions tours), and other community partners in public education such as the Red River Zoo, and Science Museum.
Priority: Essential Percent of Time: 5%

5. Ongoing professional development.

• Expand your professional development network by attending conferences within the field
• Stay current on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices.
• Develop new skills by participating in virtual and hands-on training opportunities.

Priority: Essential Percent of Time: 5%

6.Be sensitive in dealings with other personnel, visitors, and students, so that all are treated in a respectful and professional manner. Be respectful of and sensitive to the rights, responsibilities and duties of others, and respectful of the human rights of all racial, ethic, and religious groups, including protected groups as defined by state statute. Maintain professional level of conduct and interaction with other staff so that staff dissension is minimized. Maintain control and composure during difficult and stressful situations to instill a calming effect on others. Maintain a professional distance in relationships with students and their families.
Priority: Essential Percent of Time: 100%

Salary Range:
$47,845.00 - $93,809.00 USD Annual

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a marine biology, science education, or similar field - or -
• Bachelor’s degree plus one year of professional experience running a marine facility - or - Two years of professional experience or an equivalent combination of post-secondary training, education and/or professional experience running a marine educational facility.
• •General understanding of marine animal husbandry, water chemistry, filtration systems
• Ability to maintain the Oceanarium
• Organizational ability
• Ability to supervise students and volunteers
• Ability to help academic departments integrate the Oceanarium into their curricula
• Ability to coordinate with other members of CSHE outreach efforts
• Ability to oversee development of educational content for MSUM, K-12 and public audiences
• Ability to oversee budget

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in marine biology, science education, or similar field
• Experience maintaining a large public marine aquarium facility
• Experience in K12 community outreach relating to marine ecosystem ecology and conservation
• Experience supervising student workers
• Demonstrated ability to plan and develop future directions for a facility such as the oceanarium
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate outreach efforts with other forms of science outreach
   

Other Requirements:
The successful candidate must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States by the day employment begins. The University regrets that we are unable to offer H-1B sponsorship at this time.

A completed application will include a resume and cover letter.

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

This is a Fixed-Term, Monday - Friday position and is a 0.75 FTE
 

Telework: No

About:
Minnesota State Moorhead is a vibrant community that pushes you to forge your own path. Help shape a campus where students thrive, connect, and lead!

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

 

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

Desired Start Date:

08-18-2026

Position End Date:

06-30-2027

Open Date:

08-01-2026

Close Date:

Posting Contact Name:

Kim Voxland

Posting Contact Email:

kim.voxland@mnstate.edu