public aquarium interview

[jonathan <fung@is2.dal.ca>]

I tried to reply to this message earlier. I know many of you who
contributed to my help may now be concerned. Below is the reply I sent
earlier. It didn't go through since it was too long when I also included
the written responses (and initial questions) I composed for my interview.
So I have posted my written interview, and their respective questions on
my website. You can find it at the very bottom of the page. It should make
for some interesting reading. Topics include "dive safety", "pH and
aquarium", "exhibit construction", "role of aquarium/zoo in society", and
"gas bubble disease"

 http://is2.dal.ca/~fung/index.html

earlier response:
Thank you Kris. I have been in contact with the curator at the New England
Aquarium and both curators of the Vancouver Aquarium. I have also had the
opportunity to chat with Human resources personnel at the Monterey Bay
Aquarium. Furthermore, I have been in contact with a few aquarists
from around the world. I was already aware that the aquarium/zoo community
is in very close contact. I am quite aware of the processes involved in
selection, the work and competence level required of the potential
employee, and their ramifications on future employment within the field.
Furthermore, being in a science discipline, I would never knowingly
compromise my integrity as a scientist, or a professional.

A brief overview of my credibility includes:
1) 2 months away from graduation with honours BSc in Marine Biology
(acquired Education and Objectivity)
2) Divemaster candidate (Training in scuba dive leadership)
3) 10 years experience in aquarium retail (familiarity with logistics of
husbandry and management)
4) ten years experience in personal hobby of advanced aquarium husbandry
and propagation of reef invertebrates, FW fishes, and plants.
(Consultant's level of practical knowledge)
5) Writer in aquarium literature with 7 papers published in the last 6
months, 3 more accepted to be published (demonstrated application of
knowledge, synthesizing reasoning that is objective and informative)
6) University lab teaching assistant in an intro to marine biology course
(demonstrated leadership, and application of skills in academia)

Attached (now on website) are the questions of the written interview, and
my responses.
Thank you again for your friendly reminder, concern, thoughts, and
directions. Thanks to all those who provided their observations and
insights. If you are concerned with my credentials, or may wish to inform
me of an employment opportunity at your zoo/aquarium, please contact me
for my curriculum vitae. :)

Kind regards,
Jonathan


-------------------------------------------
Jonathan Fung... Reef Geek
Dalhousie University Honours Marine Biology
Aqua Creations Inc. Assistant Manager
writer for Marine Fish Monthly 
-------------------------------------------

On Mon, 26 Feb 2001, Indigo Seas wrote:

> Hi Jonathan,
> 
> Perhaps I have a different perspective than other responses which you may
> have received to your query..
> 
> I too have worked in zoos, as well as my husband who is presently the
> director of a major zoo.
> 
> It is really important that you don't misrepresent your knowledge level in
> exhibit design/construction and materials, as well as husbandry issues, or
> experience in developing programs.
> 
> I would strongly suggest that if you are on a fact finding mission that you
> contact the general curators of several aquariums that are recognized by the
> AZA.  Professionals exchange along these lines all the time, and if you are
> open and honest about your intentions you may find that you are indeed
> networking, or making contacts for your future career.
> 
> If you don't have any experience with exhibit design/ costing out projects,
> and lead the institution to believe that you do; you could seriously
> compromise your future with the institution, and your future career in zoos
> and aquariums.  It's a really small field and news travels fast through the
> proverbial grapevine!
> 
> Here is a link to AZA members & good luck to you in your new endevors!
> 
> http://www.aza.org/members/zoo/
> 
> ~Kris
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: jonathan <fung@is2.dal.ca>
> To: <apisto@listbox.com>
> Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2001 2:13 PM
> 
> 
> >
> > Hi everyone. I am being interviewed for a position at Point Defiance
> > Zoo and Aquarium. This interview is written and I answer a few questions.
> > I am allowed to use any resources to synthesize my replies. However, since
> > I am still in school and have had no experience with public aquarium work,
> > I am consequently unfamiliar with a few details. Could anyone shed any
> > light on a few areas? Please don't answer for me the question which I am
> > to answer, as I have to synthesize my own answer. However I would greatly
> > appreciate it if anyone can help witha few details...
> >
> > 1) I am to discuss an ideal hypothetical exhibit with a given budget,
> > keeping in mind the design and functionality. However, I am unfamiliar
> > with what construction materials are used in exhibits. Has anyone made
> > observations about the construction materials that are used as substrate
> > and shelter for animals in public aquarium exhibits? Do they often use
> > real rocks, or are they fabricated and molded. If molded and fabricated,
> > with what material?
> >
> > 2)I am to discuss how I may design and implement a safe diving program.
> > Does anyone know what diving activities occur in aquariums? I understand
> > there are volunteer programs, husbandry programs, and education programs
> > that involve scuba diving the exhibits. Has anyone experienced any such
> > programs?
> >
> > Sorry for going off topic. I figured if anyone would pay attention to the
> > tank construction at a zoo, it would a bunch of aquarium keepers.
> >
> > -------------------------------------------
> > Jonathan Fung... Reef Geek
> > Dalhousie University Honours Marine Biology
> > Aqua Creations Inc. Assistant Manager
> > writer for Marine Fish Monthly
> > -------------------------------------------
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
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