Aquarium Curator

Aquarium Curator

Skegness Aquarium

Skegness

Skegness Aquarium Curator

Skegness Aquarium, UK, is looking to recruit a Curator.

The project is currently under construction, and the successful candidate will have the task of working with the design team and owners to help finalise the displays, life support systems and operational aspects of the aquarium to meet the planned opening of Easter 2015. The Aquarium will have 18 tanks, mostly Tropical systems and also 6 insect and amphibian displays.

The successful candidate will;

1. Work with the Employers and Employers representatives and Aquarium Design Team during the later stages of the construction of the project to ensure that the appropriate decisions are made with regard to operational requirements, sourcing, quarantining of livestock, stocking of exhibits and commissioning of the life support systems and other aquarium systems, obtaining the Zoo License and to ensure the aquarium is ready for opening to the public.

2. Once open, take on curatorial responsibility for the day to day running of the aquarium.  The employee will be responsible for performing all tasks incumbent to the role including, but not limited to, the following:

• Maintain all exhibits of fish and other sea life within the aquarium setting.
• Ensure tanks are suitable for the species held, and that life support and mechanical systems are functioning properly.
• Monitor aquarium water quality, and maintain records of procedures and tests carried out.
• Oversee nutrition, feeding, and food storage and preparation for aquarium stock.

• Understand and comply with Zoo Licensing legislation.
• Ethically acquire new specimens to keep the displays and exhibits new and attractive.
• Plan and execute a safe transportation, delivery, health checking and quarantine process when acquiring new fish.
• Create displays and exhibits that are aesthetically pleasing as well as ensuring high levels of welfare for the livestock.
• Plan and carry out research on a regular basis, and keep abreast of current good practice, attending and presenting at conferences, seminars and courses, or undertaking further training as necessary.
• Maintain stock inventories, and operate livestock breeding programmes where appropriate.
• Liaise with veterinary consultants to develop fish health protocols, and develop procedures for maintaining health records.

Curator Job Description

• Take responsibility for the safe storage and use of any veterinary medicinal products held on site, including record keeping.
• Assist with the recruitment and manage and train a team of aquarists, divers and presenters within the aquarium.
• Maintain safe working practices and emergency procedures concerning staff diving operations, hazardous specimens, chemicals, veterinary medicines and other employee health and safety issues related to the aquarium.
• All other duties that may be required to ensure the safe and effective operation of the aquarium.
• Professional knowledge and understanding

Your experience and knowledge will be sufficient to allow you to work autonomously, and to train and supervise others.

You will have a good understanding of the requirements of the Zoo Licensing regulations, Health and Safety and Diving at Work Regulations.

You will have a commitment to your own learning and professional development, and to that of your team.

An awareness of the responsibilities of health and safety, and personal and public hygiene when working with living species, is crucial.

Leadership Skills

• You will be an experienced and capable leader, able to supervise a team of aquarists, divers, and presenters (as well as other temporary workers, such as students). You will be expected to:
• Work effectively with your team, and co-ordinate the work of others.
• Support and manage change.
• Secure commitment to agreed clear aims through strategic planning.
• Delegate tasks and monitor performance.
• Motivate and inspire your team.
• Deal sensitively with people, and resolve conflicts.
• Seek advice and support when necessary.

Qualifications

The Aquarium Curator will be educated to degree level or above, in a relevant animal-related subject, or biological science.

A diving qualification, as well as experience of aquarium dive operations, will be an advantage.

Experience

• Experience of aquarium curation work, covering a broad range of species and aquarium systems.
• Experience of carefully monitoring animal health and life support systems, and a proven ability to anticipate, recognise and practically resolve problems at an early stage, seeking veterinary advice where necessary.
• Previous experience working in the visitor attractions industry is an advantage.

This is a permanent position, subject to satisfactory performance during a 1 year probationary period.

For a full Job Description, to ask any questions about the role or to apply please contact:

Katrina Graham

111 Lumley Road, Skegness, Lincolnshire. PE25 3LL

Email: katrina@teenspiritltd.com

Closing Date: 16th January 2015

Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.

Aquarium Curator

Aquarium Curator

We wish to recruit an outstanding Aquarium Curator for a full time managerial role based in Malta.

As one of the island’s top visitor attractions, Malta National Aquarium is located on a picturesque coastal promenade, and is home to over a hundred different species of fish including sharks, rays, seahorses and eels.  

We are looking for a high performing and enthusiastic individual, with proven experience in aquatic animal care and husbandry.  You will have both the drive to succeed in this challenging role, and the skills to motivate a team.

Key roles:

Curatorial responsibility for the day to day running of the aquarium, with responsibility for all aspects of the living displays, to include:

·      Livestock husbandry, health and welfare

·      Life support systems

·      Livestock procurement

·      Display development

·      Record keeping

·      Staff management

·      Budgetary control

·      Curatorial policy

A proven track record of practical experience working with fish, and knowledge of life support systems, is essential. 

A qualification, to degree level, in a relevant biological science is an advantage, as is previous experience working in the visitor attractions industry.

Due to Maltese immigration legislation, preference will be given to European Economic Area/Swiss/Maltese nationals.

As a management role, you will be expected to work full time on a variable basis which will include weekends and bank holidays.  Full uniform, including diving suit and equipment, will be provided.  Initial flight costs to Malta will be covered if a foreign national is appointed to the post. 

Salary package up to €40,000 per annum.  Paid holiday leave of 192 hours per annum (approx. 4 weeks and 4 days).

To apply, please download the application pack, including more details and person specification, from www.izvg.co.uk/news.html, and return the application form, plus a copy of your CV by email to  office@izvg.co.uk.  

Please do not send CVs without the application form, as they will not be considered.

Closing date for applications is:  30 May 2014 or until a suitable candidate is found

Once applications have been considered, you may be invited to a telephone interview in the first week of June.  Final shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an interview in Malta in June. 

Associated travel and accommodation costs for the interview in Malta will be paid for by our client.

Deputy Aquarium Curator

Deputy Aquarium Curator 

Responsible to Aquarium Curator 

Salary £30,719 p. a (plus £1358 on call allowance) 

35 hours per week (working one weekend in four, for which a premium is paid) 

The Horniman Museum & Gardens seeks a Deputy Aquarium Curator to 

contribute to the management of the Aquarium, ensuring that the high standard 

of our displays is maintained and developed for the enjoyment and education of 

our visitors. 

The aquarium strives to be a centre of excellence and therefore the ideal 

applicant will need to be motivated, have innate knowledge of husbandry, 

excellent attention to detail, be able to take the initiative and have a desire to 

improve animal welfare standards. 

Please note that a Basic Disclosure and Barring check is required. 

Benefits include 30 days annual leave and the option to join the Local 

Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) 

Full details of this post and an application form can be obtained by 

visiting our website at http://www.horniman.ac.uk/about/jobs 

The closing date for completed applications is 11th December 2013 at 5.00pm 

Interviews will be held on the 8th  & 9th January 2014 

The Trust is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applicants from 

all sections of the community. 

Responsible for In the absence of the Aquarium Curator, 1x Aquarist 1x Biologist and Animal Walk staff 

Liaises with Visitor Services, Learning, Exhibitions, Natural History Library, 

Facilities and Gardens Sections, volunteers and students, contractors, consultant Aquarium Vet, suppliers and Life Support Systems engineers as required. 

Main purpose of job

To assist the Aquarium Curator in the management of the living collection, ensuring that high standards are maintained and the ethos of a centre of excellence is upheld.

Continue to develop the living collection for the enjoyment and education of visitors and actively participate in research and conservation programmes.

Ensure that the aquarium living collection are maintained in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Zoo Licensing Act and with due regard to national and international conventions and codes of animal care.

Main responsibilities 

Collections Care and Management: 40%
 Aid the Aquarium Curator in the management of the living displays within the Museum, including livestock care and filtration maintenance, veterinary and health and safety procedures

 Take curatorial responsibility for specified areas of the collection, working within the Section’s agreed collection plan

 Be responsible for environmental monitoring procedures and tests on aquarium water quality using electronic laboratory equipment ensuring agreed standards are maintained; ensure systematic records of these procedures and tests are kept

 Undertake any manual tasks associated with the job

 Conduct occasional fieldwork to procure specimens, display materials, foodstuffs, ensuring compliance with the relevant legislation

 Operate livestock breeding programmes as agreed, with a special awareness of conservation criteria and the needs of rare, vulnerable or endangered species

 Contribute to the management of the Section; deputise for the Curator, as required, taking responsibility for all aspects of administration, staff management, budgetary control and curatorial policy

 Management all volunteers and student placements, including the development of research projects in line with corporate planning and the aquarium’s collection plan


Record Keeping / Compliance with legislation 25%

 Maintain safe working practices and emergency procedures concerning aquarium diving operations, hazardous animals, chemicals and other substances, complying with relevant legislation and internal procedures

 Ensure compliance with Health and Safety at Work Act and other statutory requirements relevant to the museum, taking delegated responsibility to oversee the sections Health & Safe control book (including writing new risk assessments and conducting annual risk assessment review)

 Represent the aquarium on the Health &Safety Committee

 Ensure compliance with the Zoo Licensing Act regulations, which include ensuring that accurate livestock record systems are maintained and water quality tests are conducted using laboratory equipment in line with agreed standards.

Ensure systematic electronic records of these procedures and tests are kept in accordance with Zoo Licensing Act requirements

Resources management 15%
 Motivate and work in close and continuous co-operation with the Aquarium team

 Assist Aquarium Curator in the management of the Aquarium budget through the preparation of estimates, maintaining financial records and accounts, and authorising departmental expenditure in line with Trust procedures

 Maintain procedures for the purchase, storage, servicing and stock-control of food, equipment, supplies and chemicals for the livestock and displays. Ensure Trust policies are adhered to

Professional development: 15%

 Participate in the research activities of the Horniman through publication and dissemination of collections-related research; improve existing museum research resources and develop links with external academic institutions; represent the Museum on relevant national bodies

  Develop personal skills and expertise by keeping abreast of current practice and, if appropriate, attend conferences, seminars, courses or undertake further training as required

 Foster relationships with other related institutions to exchange information

Other Duties 5%

 Deliver aquarium tours periodically

 Any other duties that may be required to ensure the effective operation of the aquarium

Other information: 

You will be required to work a regular weekly rota system of one weekend in four.

You will also be required to participate in a rota to provide cover during bank holidays and emergency call-outs.

All staff are expected to behave in a professional manner and uphold the Horniman’s Code of Conduct

A Basic Disclosure and Barring check is required for this post. Additionally, the post holder must not have any previous convictions under the following:

 The Protection of Animals Acts 1911 to 1964
 The Protection of Animals (Scotland) Acts 1912 to 1964
 The Pet Animals Act 1951
 The Protection of Birds Acts 1954 to 1967
 The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963
 The Riding Establishments Act 1964 and 1970
 The Breeding of Dogs Act 1973
 The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
 The Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1976
 The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Essential criteria (E) Desirable criteria (D) 

Skills & Abilities 

 Excellent organisational, analytical and computer skills, particularly with Excel, Word and Outlook with the ability to conduct research on the internet. (E) 

 Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to represent the Section and institution, along with the ability to respect the professional viewpoint of other staff and external team members. (E) 

 Able to carefully monitor animal health and filtration equipment, with a proven ability to anticipate, recognise and practically resolve problems at an early stage, and, where necessary, respond effectively under pressure. (E) 

  

 Well organised and able to work with accuracy and attention to detail 

 A flexible approach with the ability to work autonomously and respond effectively under pressure. 

 Knowledge & Experience 

 A relevant first degree in a Natural Science subject or equivalent experience of maintaining aquatic livestock in a museum, zoo, wildlife park or public aquarium setting to meet the requirements of the post. (E)

 Experience of aquarium curation work covering a broad range of aquarium systems and livestock groups. The post-holder’s knowledge and experience will be sufficient to enable them to work autonomously (E)

 Experience of developing and implementing water and veterinary laboratory procedures and conducting routine water chemistry analysis, environmental and fish health monitoring without supervision. (E)

 A high awareness of the responsibilities in terms of health and safety and personal and public hygiene where animal care is involved. (E)

 A diving qualification PADI Divemaster or equivalent, as well as experience of aquarium dive operations. (D)

 History of developing research programmes, including building collaborative links with external partners and publish peer review papers (D)

Personal Attributes 

•  An empathy with the Horniman mission and an interest in its exhibitions, activities and events. (E) 
•  A commitment to equality and diversity (E) 
•  Willingness to work flexibly and collaboratively to achieve corporate objectives (E) 
•  Commitment to own learning and professional development (E) 

Job activities may vary and evolve over time to meet business needs 

Did you know that Zoo/Aquarium vacancies posted here reach more people in more zoos around the world than in any other publication?

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General Manager/Curator - Blue Reef Aquarium

General Manager/Curator - Blue Reef Aquarium

Location: Hastings, United Kingdom
Salary: -
Closing date: 20 May 2011

Blue Reef Aquarium is a leading visitor attraction based in Hastings and is now recruiting for a General Manager/Curator.

Forming part of the Senior Management Team you will report to the UK Director. To meet the business needs we are looking for an experienced Curator with General Management skills. The successful candidate will play a key role in the day to day running of the Zoological Department as well as in the strategic development, business success and daily operation of the attraction.

For this role we require someone who can combine their Curator experience with General Management knowledge and experience. You must be an excellent all round communicator, able to build and capitalise on a wide network of contacts externally, while motivating and managing teams internally. This position would suit a candidate with an entrepreneurial outlook and excellent management skills.

The successful candidate will have a good understanding of the crucial role of marketing and ability to develop and employ creative selling techniques. Attention to detail is also essential as well as financial literacy with proven ability to produce/manage budgets and business plans effectively.

Having an entrepreneurial outlook you will have the skills to grow existing revenue streams as well as growing new revenue streams, whilst focusing on the bottom line with the ability to maximise quality and profitability of business.

This is a full time post which involves working 5 days a week and often includes working weekends and Bank Holidays.

Aspro Ocio is a Spanish multinational company with its headquarters based in Madrid. Aspro operates water parks, theme parks and aquaria in Spain, France, Finland, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium Holland and here in the UK. The Aspro Group came into existence in 1991 and has experienced a fast and healthy development over the years, both organically and through acquisitions.

Aspro owns and operates two companies in the UK - Deep Sea Leisure consisting of Blue Planet Aquarium and Deep Sea World, 4 Blue Reef Leisure Aquariums, Smugglers Cave, Bristol Aquarium and Oakwood Theme Park.

Please click 'apply now' to send your CV and a covering letter to Janeen Pickup, Human Resources Manager.

Your application letter should highlight why you would be able to fulfil this key role within the organisation; include your salary expectations; and clearly demonstrate how you meet our requirements.

***

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CURATOR OF BREEDING AND MOBILE FEATURES

CURATOR OF BREEDING AND MOBILE FEATURES

Displays Developments based in Weymouth

As a brand, SEA LIFE needs little introduction. With worldwide coverage and a portfolio of 31 sites in the EU alone, we deliver amazing insights into the underwater world and create memorable experiences for in excess of 10 million guests every year.

Displays developments provide quarantined livestock for the whole of the SEA LIFE group.This is a brand new position that will support the opening of a series of new ‘world class’ features in 2011 and beyond. This position will be responsible for the delivery of the amazing creatures that will make these features come to life.

A key objective of the role is to design and implement a breeding strategy to allow SEA LIFE to become self sufficient in key animals. This will involve project managing a major development of the breeding facilities. Conservation issues in the wild need to underpin the breeding programs. It will be important to establish and drive both local and international conservation links.

You will need to communicate with heads of displays from all sites to support them in achieving amazing displays of seahorses, jellyfish, crustaceans and octopus. This will involve visiting sites at key times and providing training and expertise’s.

The role will also include the innovation of new creatures and displays, managing the process throughout, from initial concept through to public display. Experience in project management is essential.

Working with diverse creatures ranging from Leafy Sea Dragons to Giant Pacific Octopus, you will need to be extremely adaptable. Training and mentoring will be provided with the position but we are looking for an individual who is a self starter that can lead a team with a real passion for the subject.

The position will involve travel and research and you will represent SEA LIFE through professional presentations at relevant conferences. With at least 5 years proven fish husbandry experience, you must be confident and competent to give husbandry, health and breeding advice to the SEA LIFE Aquariums.

The salary for this hugely rewarding role will reflect experience. So, if you have got what it takes dive in. Send your CV and a covering letter (including your current salary and employment package) to: chris.brown@merlinentertainments.biz

The closing date for this opportunity is the 11th October 2010.

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Curator Vacancy - Bristol Aquarium

Bristol Aquarium seeks Curator

Bristol Aquarium and the IMAX Cinema is due to open its doors in October 2009 on the former Wildwalk Site.

Both attractions are part of Blue Reef Leisure Ltd and are part of the ASPRO Ocio Group.Aspro Ocio is a Spanish multinational company with its headquarters based in Madrid. Aspro operates water parks, theme parks and aquaria in Spain, France, Finland, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium Holland and here in the UK.

The Aspro Group came into existence in 1991 and has experienced a fast and healthy development over the years, both organically and through acquisitions.

2008 has seen considerable growth in the UK with the recent Acquisitions of Oakwood Theme Park and Blue Reef Aquariums. Aspro also owns and operates Deep Sea Leisure Plc consisting of two aquaria Blue Planet Aquarium and Deep Sea World.

Our business depends on our visitors enjoying their experience and hopefully leaving the aquarium inspired to care more about the environment. To achieve this we rely on recruiting high quality staff who share our vision of exceptional service standards and who are committed to delivering this every day.

The responsibility of the Curator will be varied, challenging, but extremely rewarding. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Aquarist and Dive Team. A hands-on approach is required to ensure the team achieve the highest standard of animal care and husbandry.

You will be responsible for maintaining and developing displays and exhibits - promoting public education and awareness in relation to conservation of biodiversity and a memorable and entertaining experience to visitors.

You will promote a high standard of health and safety for all Aquarium visitors and staff.This exciting role is ideal for someone with proven experience in marine animal care and husbandry. You will have both the drive to succeed and the skills to motivate a team of dedicated Aquarist professionals.

This post is full time, with weekend shifts on a rota'd basis.

A Marine Biology degree qualification is essential.

A dive qualification is desirable at the level of :

PADI Dive master
CMAS 3*
HSE Part 1V

For this demanding and rewarding position previous experience in the visitor attractions sector would be advantageous.Key Responsibilities will include:
• Day to day management of animal husbandry through a hands on involved approached (including maintaining own exhibits)
• Manage the dive operation, through a hands on involved approach ensuring no contraventions of Health & Safety
• To manage, train and develop both Zoological team and self
• To control costs and expenses through effective and planned management of Zoological budget
• To provide leadership by communicating well, maintaining good business relationships and representing Bristol Aquarium in a positive light

Candidates should apply to Janeen Pickup, Human Resources Manager, Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire, CH65 9LF. E-mail: recruitment@blueplanetaquarium.co.uk

Your application letter should highlight why you would be able to fulfil this key role within the organisation; include your salary expectations; and clearly demonstrate how you meet our requirements.

Applications must be received by Thursday, 25th June 2009

Aspro Ocio is an Equal Opportunities Employer

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