Curator of Animal Care and Conservation

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

As part of the OdySea Aquarium animal management team, this position oversees specialized personnel and a diverse collection of fish, invertebrates, and reptiles. Curator will assist Director with animal acquisition, husbandry, daily maintenance, exhibit design, and staff management.  Curator will represent OdySea Aquarium by leading a team which emulates the mission and vision of the organization, emphasizing strong educational and conservation messaging, and delivering excellence in guest service.  

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilizing extensive knowledge base and experience in managing all aspects of a large public aquarium.  This includes interviewing team members, quarantine installation and daily operation, exhibit planning, and all aspects of life support and water quality.
• Work with Director of Animal Care and Director of Animal Health for specimen acquisition and quarantine practices.
• Work with supervisor and staff on exhibit improvements and maintenance of exhibits cumulating over 2,000,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater.
• Manage all daily operations relating to the husbandry and display of fish, invertebrate, and reptile collection.
• Work closely with the Life Support Manager and Dive Safety Officer to maintain the highest water quality standards for all exhibits within the department.  Support research and development efforts to enhance and improve water quality standards and procedures for department, including those related to culture operations.  Coordinate LSS equipment preventative maintenance.
• Help develop educational programming and research and conservation activities in collaboration with Animal Care Departments.
• Ensure accurate and appropriate record keeping is maintained within the department.
• Assist in the continued development of Standard Operating Guidelines regarding all policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with senior management team in the development of diets, husbandry techniques, and area protocols. 
• Work closely with the Director of Animal Care to develop and implement aquarium standards and procedures and ensure compliance with the requirements of various professional associations and regulatory agencies. Maintain highest level of aquatic animal husbandry and display practices.
• Train, supervise, and motivate staff; facilitate professional team development of personnel.
• Assist with departmental budget management.  Identify and help implement capital projects and long-range planning.
• Ensure the highest levels of positive and collaborative communication between departments.
• Maintain advanced knowledge of industry innovations and techniques through professional meetings and conferences, trade journals, and communication with professional colleagues.
• Proactively address any safety concerns with senior management.
• Represent the Animal Care Department and OdySea to visiting investors, professionals, guests, and media.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by Director.

Requirements

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science degree required in biology, marine science, or related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of previous curatorial experience in aquarium setting. 
• Minimum 8 years of experience (5 in a public aquarium) in aquatic animal fish and invertebrates husbandry, with an emphasis on life support applications, quarantine practices, parasitic and disease management, nutrition, acquisition, exhibit design, and display of fish, reptiles, and invertebrates.
• Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience with strong teamwork and communication skills. 
• Experience with Elasmobranch and Teleost transports, introduction, and acclimation.
• SCUBA certification.
• Strong computer and record keeping skills.
• Positive attitude and strong guest focus.
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk.
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
• Required to frequently talk and hear.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
• Specific vision requirement for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
• Ability to work in an environment that may be loud at times.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme hot or cold, and wet and/or humid conditions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must exemplify core fundamentals of the Employee Promise, which states:

I am empowered to take ownership of any opportunity to exceed expectations. 

I anticipate guest needs and pay attention to the details. 

I treat all internal and external customers with respect. 

I am on stage! (Smile) 

I have an attitude of gratitude. 

I get it right the first time.

I display actions that are moral and ethical.

I always provide alternative solutions. 

I am committed to learning every aspect of our product and services. 

I use the 10/5 rule, 10 feet I acknowledge my guest’s presence with a smile and at 5 feet. I greet them with a courteous word.                  

I use name recognition at every opportunity. 

I take personal responsibility for our surroundings. 

I am accountable for my tools and resources. 

I value the contribution of every team member.