 What is your current job and what does it entail?
I am director of husbandry and operations at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. I supervise the husbandry staff. The staff includes aquarists who maintain the aquatic exhibits, a lab tech who monitors water chemistry and several summer interns. The husbandry department is responsible for all aspects of animal care. We build some of the aquariums, construct the life support systems, collect the animals, feed them and generally take care of them. The husbandry staff is also responsible for the exhibit scenery in the aquatic exhibits. We use scuba for both collecting and tank maintenance. In order to build the life support systems, we have to have plumbing skills along with knowledge of biology and chemistry.
A part of my duties includes assisting with the marine mammal and sea turtle stranding networks. The aquarium is available to help transport and rehabilitate injured mammals and turtles. I work closely with veterinarians from North Carolina State University on the rehabilitation of marine animals.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
An aquarium is a very stimulating place. I enjoy working with the animals as well as with the mechanical systems. I am involved in a wide range of activities, including working outdoors and scuba diving.
What do like most about your career?
I enjoy designing and building new aquarium systems. The technology has advanced dramatically over the past 20 years and it is a challenge to incorporate the new technology into an old facility.
What do you like least about your career?
Working with the state bureaucracy. The process tends to be very inefficient and the people making the most critical decisions usually are the ones with the least knowledge about your projects.
What do you do to relax?
I try to attend my daughters' soccer games, when possible. I enjoy camping and recreational scuba diving. I also enjoy astronomy and stargazing as well as watching and playing Jeopardy.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
First of all, my parents, Audrey and Semuel May, who kept me on the straight and narrow. Austin Williams, my fifth grade teacher, who really introduced me to science. Robert Barnes, a college professor who taught about the other 95% of animals (invertebrates). Rosa Parks, who stood up to be counted.
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?
Try to get as much job training as possible. Aquariums need experienced employees. Most of the detailed aquarium knowledge is learned on the job. Be willing to move. Usually, in order to move up the ladder you have to move to another location.
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
New aquariums are opening all over the country. I've even had offers from aquarium builders in foreign countries.
What will you be doing 10 years from today?
I hope to be director of operations and husbandry right here at the North Carolina Aquarium, which will be greatly expanded by then.
Salary:$25,000 - $40,000
Email:stuart.may@ncmail.net
|
