Demo

Deputy Aquarium Director

State of North Carolina
State of North Carolina Salary
Raleigh, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 4/8/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/7/2025
Description of Work

  • Pending Reclassification***

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  • This is for multiple locations at Pine Knoll Shores and Fort Fisher***

Primary Purpose Of This Position:

The North Carolina Aquariums at Fort Fisher and Pine Knoll Shores are seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Deputy Aquarium Director. Reporting to the Aquarium Director, the Deputy Aquarium Director is responsible for providing continuity of support for all facility and staff operations in the absence of the Aquarium Director and will support Aquarium policy, long-range planning, and strategic planning across the organization. This position is directly responsible for overall management of the facility operations, scientific biological/zoological and botanical programs, integration of research and conservation programs into the live animal collections, and, oversight of the institutional collection planning process following the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) standards for live animals, and the presentation of accurate aquatic and terrestrial habitats with healthy display specimens and life support system operations.

Key Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To:

  • Work in conjunction with the Aquarium Director to provide direct and indirect supervision and management for all staff and departments throughout the Aquarium.
  • Ensures staff have access to the resources needed to be successful in their jobs. Responsible for managing or co-managing crisis events across the facility (e.g., injuries, animal escapes, acts of aggression, emergencies, etc.).
  • Responsible for directly engaging with division, departmental, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) leadership to continue supporting excellence in all aspects of operations.
  • Supports the Aquarium Director in developing North Carolina Aquarium policy, long-range planning, and strategic planning direction for the continued expansion of the facility and operations of the Aquarium.
  • Direct liaison for the Aquarium Division Project Manager for onsite project management.
  • Works in coordination with the Aquarium Director and Aquarium Budget Manager, while accountable for managing a large percentage of the facility budget while striving for fiscal sustainability for the site.

Position/Physical Requirements:

  • Weekend, evening, and holiday work will be required.
  • Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
  • The Deputy Aquarium Director will also be required to respond to after hours emergencies and share on-call responsibilities with subordinate managers for animal life support and/or other building systems related emergencies. This position will also function as part of the leadership team’s “manager on duty” and require some weekend and holiday scheduled work.
  • The Deputy Aquarium Director should be comfortable engaging with the public, media and community leaders to support Aquarium initiatives and share information widely and strategically. Incumbent will represent the Aquarium across local civic organizations, with foundations, and boards.

Follow Us On Social Media At:

Learn about the NC Aquariums:
https://www.ncaquariums.com

www.facebook.com/NCAquariumFF

www.facebook.com/NCaquariumPKS

www.facebook.com/NCAquariumRI

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities / Competencies

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Qualified Candidates Must Have Or Be Able To:

  • Demonstrated experience supporting management teams who oversee animal care and building operations at an AZA accredited facility where priorities include safety and animal wellbeing.
  • Experience in all aspects of planning, assigning, and supervising the work of subordinate employees.
  • Demonstrated experience managing large projects at an AZA facility.

Management Preferences:

  • Three years of management experience related to the area of assignment
  • Supervision of a diverse array of direct and indirect subordinates
  • Crisis management and communication experience
  • Comfortable with presentations and public speaking

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited

AND

three (3) years of experience related to the area of assignment;

OR

an equivalent combination of training and experience

Supplemental and Contact Information

Section/Unit Description:

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 20 miles south of Wilmington, NC, in Kure Beach, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Fear River. A living collection of more than 4,000 animals in 93,000 square feet of exhibit space attracts and engages more than 500,000 visitors each year. The Aquarium is surrounded by protected woodland, marsh, and beach. Visitors often plan to stop at sites adjacent to the Aquarium - Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and historic Fort Fisher Civil War Museum. Fort Fisher Aquarium is a unique place to visit and work.

Section/Unit Description:

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is located 6 miles from Morehead City, NC, on Bogue Banks, sits adjacent to Bogue Sound. A living collection of over 4,500 animals in 90,000 square feet of exhibit space attracts and engages over 400,000 visitors each year. The Aquarium is located in the middle of Roosevelt Natural Area, a state park of maritime forest and wetland ecosystems.

Agency Description:

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR)takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov . We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.

We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

Application Process

Please watch our video here that walks you through each step of the application process.

Be sure to complete the application in full. Resumes may be uploaded with your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit. "See Resume" or "See Attachment" will NOT be accepted.

Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.

Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.

If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the closing date will be accepted. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on the closing date.

Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application over the phone. To check the status of your application, please log in to your account. Upon the closing date, applications are "Under Review" and will be screened by Human Resources for the qualified applicants. The hiring process may take several weeks.

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.

Veteran’s and National Guard Preference

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.

Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Employment Eligibility It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

NEOGOV Technical Assistance

If you are having technical issues logging into your account or applying for a position, please review the Get Help/FAQ's information on the website. If you are still experiencing technical issues with your application, please call the NEOGOV Help Line at 855-524-5627.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division of Human Resources

Mike Peele

109 E. Jones Street Raleigh, NC 27699

Phone: 919-814-6670

employment@dncr.nc.gov

NOTE: For temporary, contract or other supplemental staffing appointments: There are no paid leave, retirement or other benefits associated with these appointment types.

For Permanent And Time-limited Appointments:

Eligible employees have benefits that include employee health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NC Flex (a variety of high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis), and paid vacation, sick, and community service leave, to name a few. Paid parental leave is available for eligible employees. Some benefits require 30 hours work/week for participation.

01

I understand that DNCR requires a complete description of work history with all employment experience detailed to be considered for employment. I have included all this information within my application. (If you have not completed the application requirements, please return to your application to finish it before submitting.)

  • Yes I understand this requirement.

02

If offered, are you willing to accept a salary within the posted recruitment range of $50,633 to $75,000?

  • Yes
  • No

03

If you have graduated from a college or university, please list your major and degree type. If you do not have a degree, please type N/A.

04

How many years of experience do you have supporting management teams who oversee animal care and building operations at an AZA accredited facility where priorities include safety and animal wellbeing?

  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • At least 1 year but less than 3 years
  • At least 3 years but less than 5 years
  • At least 5 years but less than 7 years
  • 7 years or more

05

How many years of experience do you have with planning, assigning, and supervising the work of subordinate employees?

  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • At least 1 year but less than 3 years
  • At least 3 years but less than 5 years
  • At least 5 years but less than 7 years
  • 7 years or more

06

How many years of experience do you have with managing large projects at an AZA facility?

  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • At least 1 year but less than 3 years
  • At least 3 years but less than 5 years
  • At least 5 years but less than 7 years
  • 7 years or more

07

This Position Regularly Drives a State-owned Vehicle Which Requires a Valid Driver’s License Issued From Within The United States. Please Select Which Statement Applies To You:

  • I have a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States.
  • I do not have a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States, but I am able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
  • I do not have a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States, and I will not be able to obtain one.

08

This position requires evening, weekend, and holiday work, as needed. Are you able to meet this requirement?

  • Yes
  • No

09

This position requires responding to after hours emergencies and share on-call responsibilities with subordinate managers for animal life support and/or other building systems related emergencies. This position will also function as part of the leadership team’s “manager on duty” and require some weekend and holiday scheduled work. Are you able to meet this requirement?

  • Yes
  • No

10

This position requires that you must be comfortable engaging with the public, media and community leaders to support Aquarium initiatives and share information widely and strategically. Incumbent will represent the Aquarium across local civic organizations, with foundations, and boards. Are you able to meet this requirement?

  • Yes
  • No

11

Which of the following positions are you most interested in applying for:

  • Deputy Aquarium Director Fort Fisher
  • Deputy Aquarium Director Pine Knoll Shores
  • Required Question

Salary : $50,633 - $75,000

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