Aquarist Onboarding Process
Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Aquarist starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Animal Care onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Aquarist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Aquarist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
Aquarist Onboarding Checklist
1. Orientation: The new aquarist attends an orientation session to learn about the company’s mission, values, and policies. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated trainer.
2. Facility Tour: The new aquarist is given a comprehensive tour of the facility, including all the different areas and departments. This task is usually performed by a senior aquarist or a supervisor.
3. Introduction to Team Members: The new aquarist is introduced to their immediate team members and other colleagues within the department. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or team lead.
4. Safety Training: The new aquarist undergoes safety training to understand the potential hazards and safety protocols specific to the aquarist occupation. This task is usually performed by the safety officer or a designated trainer.
5. Equipment Familiarization: The new aquarist is provided with an overview of the equipment used in the facility, such as filtration systems, pumps, and water quality testing devices. This task is typically performed by a senior aquarist or a designated trainer.
6. Animal Handling Training: The new aquarist receives training on proper animal handling techniques, including how to safely catch, transport, and release aquatic animals. This task is usually performed by a senior aquarist or a designated trainer.
7. Water Quality Management: The new aquarist learns about the importance of maintaining optimal water quality parameters for the health and well-being of aquatic animals. This task is typically performed by a senior aquarist or a designated trainer.
8. Feeding Protocols: The new aquarist is trained on the specific feeding protocols for different species of aquatic animals, including the types of food, feeding schedules, and portion sizes. This task is usually performed by a senior aquarist or a designated trainer.
9. Disease Prevention and Treatment: The new aquarist receives training on identifying common diseases in aquatic animals, implementing preventive measures, and administering appropriate treatments. This task is typically performed by a senior aquarist or a designated trainer.
10. Record-Keeping: The new aquarist is taught how to maintain accurate and detailed records of animal health, water quality parameters, feeding schedules, and any other relevant information. This task is usually performed by a senior aquarist or a designated trainer.
11. Emergency Procedures: The new aquarist is trained on emergency procedures, such as evacuation plans, first aid, and response protocols for equipment failures or animal emergencies. This task is typically performed by the safety officer or a designated trainer.
12. Species-Specific Training: The new aquarist receives species-specific training, focusing on the unique care requirements, behavior, and habitat preferences of the aquatic animals they will be responsible for. This task is usually performed by a senior aquarist or a designated trainer.
13. Collaborative Projects: The new aquarist is introduced to any ongoing collaborative projects within the department or with external organizations, fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or team lead.
14. Performance Expectations: The new aquarist is provided with clear performance expectations, including goals, targets, and evaluation criteria. This task is usually performed by the supervisor or department manager.
15. Ongoing Professional Development: The new aquarist is informed about opportunities for ongoing professional development, such as attending conferences, workshops, or pursuing certifications. This task is typically performed by the supervisor or department manager
Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process
From reading through the items in the example Aquarist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Aquarist up to speed and working well in your Animal Care team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.