You can contact LEARNZ, part of CORE Education, at:
Postal Address:
PO Box 13 678,
Christchurch 8141,
New Zealand
Meet James Cooper
Job:
Aquarist - Department of Conservation.
Job description:
Plan, maintain and manage the native fish aquarium at the Tongariro National Trout Centre.
Work background:
My first real job was as a professional tropical fish breeder for over 7 years, when I moved to Australia to work in prawn farming. When I returned to New Zealand I spent 2 years working in a pond and aquarium retail position, before quitting to do a Masters in Biological Sciences.
Favourite part of job:
Feeding the fish, collecting fish, and designing new tank layouts.
Least favourite part of job:
Cold, cold hands.
Qualifications:
Certificate in pet care sciences, Bachelor of Environmental Management, Masters in Biological Sciences.
Interests outside work:
Fishing, foraging, cooking, photography.
James Cooper is an aquarist for the Department of Conservation. Image: Supplied.