Avian Curator

Summary:
The Avian Curator is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the resident collection of seabirds and waterfowl at the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC). This role ensures the well-being of all living birds, supervises animal care staff, and supports the institution's conservation and research objectives. The Avian Curator reports directly to the General Curator and plays a critical role in upholding the highest quality of care, well-being, and compliance with avian regulations and AZA accreditation standards.

Education/Training Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, marine science, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in animal care. Supervisory experience of staff at a zoo or aquarium is preferred.
• Familiarity with AZA accreditation standards and relevant regulations.
• Background in research preferred

Essential Duties:
1. Avian Collection Management: Oversee daily care and management of all resident seabirds and waterfowl at the ASLC. Ensure compliance with the ASLC’s standards for animal well-being including health, welfare, and enrichment. Maintain a routine for animal training. Ensure compliance with the requirements of all permitting authorities and accrediting bodies.
2. Team Supervision and Training: Supervise avian animal care staff, and other junior husbandry staff as appropriate, providing guidance, performance evaluations, and ongoing professional development. Ensure staff adherence to protocols and AZA standards of care. Ensure safe conduct of staff, guests, and animals. Makes personnel related recommendations to the General Curator.
3. Collaborative Leadership: Work closely with the Veterinary and Research teams to support animal welfare initiatives, field responses, and research projects involving the resident avian collection as well as wild research initiatives where appropriate. Work with other husbandry managers to cross train animal care staff and promote a collaborative approach to maintaining high standards of animal well-being for all living taxa.
4. Wildlife Response Program: Provide support as needed to the wildlife response program. Work collaboratively with the Wildlife Response Curator to ensure the well-being of both resident and transient avian species. Support cross training of aviculturists to support non avian wildlife response where appropriate.
5. Compliance and Documentation: Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements, including USDA-APHIS and AZA accreditation standards. Maintain accurate records for permit and animal care purposes.
6. Enrichment and Exhibit Development: Assists the General Curator in the design and implementation of animal enrichment programs and habitat improvements to ensure optimal animal welfare for both minds, bodies, and social dynamics appropriate for collection marine mammals. Collaborate with the exhibits team to enhance visitor experiences involving living collections where appropriate.
7. Animal Transfers and Breeding Programs: Assist the General Curator with managing and overseeing animal acquisition, transfers, and breeding programs in alignment with AZA SAFE programs and other collaborative conservation initiatives.
8. Emergency Response Planning: Participate in the development and execution of emergency and contingency plans related to animal care and welfare, including disaster response and crisis management for the collections.
9. Public Engagement and Education: Support the Center’s public education programs by providing expert input on animal care practices and accuracy in species science and natural history. Serve as an ambassador for ASLC’s mission in conservation and animal welfare, interacting with visitors, media, and partner organizations. Support a partnership between animal care staff and the learning and engagement teams on development and assessment of staff and intern skills for live interpretation for visitors that reflect best practices in learning theory.
10. Resource Allocation: Assist the General Curator in ensuring effective use of resources to maintain the highest standards of animal care and welfare while responsibly allocating both staff and monetary resources.
11. Professional Development: Develop in collaboration with the General Curator a growth plan for the mammal team including participation and representation of ASLC in professional forums and meetings, and a long term learning strategy for skill growth within the team.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of animal husbandry, welfare, and rehabilitation practices for the seabirds and waterfowl. Experience with aquatic avian species required. Experience breeding and managing arctic species preferred.
• SCUBA certification required.
• Leadership skills to manage and develop a diverse team of animal care professionals.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Problem-solving abilities with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ability to balance animal care priorities with institutional goals and visitor engagement.
• Can articulate principles of compassionate leadership
• Committed to continuous self-improvement and professional development

Physical Requirements:
Must meet the physical demands of the position, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance, access and physically inspect animal exhibits and pools, and work in varied environments (both indoors and outdoors). Ability to observe and interpret animal behavior and assess indicators, risk, or stress that may require intervention. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

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Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

APPLICATION DEADLINE: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

START DATE: 4/1/2025

PAY RATE: $63,000 - $75,000

Full-Time Position with Benefits

Please upload your resume, cover letter and letter of reference when you apply.

Must be able to pass background check.