Lando McCall has been an aquarist at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium since 2021. He is responsible for the care of native fish, coral reef, weedy seadragons, South American lungfish and Surinam toads. At the aquarium’s Career Days, McCall – and others working in the field – get to share their marine science careers with local middle and high school students through hands-on, interactive experiences.
“I hope [students] realize that you work with a lot of different people who have different personalities and opinions, and you need to learn how to navigate that,” he explained. “While the focus here is working with animals, like any job, it’s also about working with people.”
The next Career Day for high school students is Monday, Jan. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon. The fee for non-passholding students is $35.
Attendees will learn about careers in animal care, education and guest services through presentations by employees at the aquarium and interactive experiences like feeding stingrays and playing Aquarium Jeopardy.
“Team members share real-world insights into their day-to-day jobs, educational backgrounds and how to prepare for college and future careers,” said Matt Debelak, education coordinator for the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.
‘An inside look’
Debelak said career day is “an inside look at the diverse roles that support life at the aquarium, whether students dream of working with animals, enjoy hands-on science or are simply exploring career options out there.”
Diving team tends to generate the most interest from students. “And I can see why,” Debelak added. “Watching the scuba team work underwater while surrounded by sharks, eels, angelfish and other aquatic animals is quite the spectacle.”
The scuba team is responsible for habitat cleaning and maintenance as well as animal observation and guest engagement.
‘It’s a dream to be around our animals on a daily basis’
McCall’s career began with a degree in biology and an internship. He worked at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., before coming to Cleveland.
“I value being able to tackle some projects independently,” he said, “and for me, working with animals is relaxing.”
“Sometimes I get asked what I do if I get wet,” he laughed. “I say it’s important to keep a full change of clothes at your desk and let them know that sometimes you will just have to make it through a day with wet feet.”
Debelak said he appreciates when students ask him directly if he enjoys his job. “I kind of chuckle and look around at my surroundings. How could I not enjoy coming to work every day, when my work consists of spreading my knowledge and enthusiasm for animals? I get to educate [visitors] about fish, birds, turtles, snakes and all kinds of other things that I grew up reading about for fun.”
“It’s a dream to be around our animals on a daily basis,” he added, “and inspiring countless other people to share my passion for these things as well.”
For more events at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, including field trips and homeschool student experiences, visit their website or call 216-862-8803.