Zoo Jobs: Curator of Animal Care

Curator of Animal Care

Status: Full time

Number of Positions: 1

Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

Posting Deadline: 8/5/16

Description

The Curator of Animal Care is responsible for all developmental and administrative functions for the Aquarium’s animal collection with the goal of promoting animal welfare, overseeing animal acquisition and disposition, participating in exhibit design and supervision of all zoological personnel.

Essential Responsibilities

Oversees all functions of zoological operations (Marine Mammals and Fish, Invert & Bird departments).
Oversee the health and welfare of the animal collection
Plan and direct the acquisition and disposition of animals,
Develop a short term annual plan and long range strategic plan for the development of the animal collection.
Manage exhibit refurbishments and collaborate with facilities/maintenance personnel to execute such tasks.
Establish research/conservation goals designed to maintain a zoologically significant, AZA accredited animal collection.
Maintain a diversified animal collection through purchase, trade or negotiation of breeding loans.
Collaborates with senior management, designers, architects and construction firms for the construction of new exhibits and holding areas in accordance with USDA requirements and AZA Husbandry Guidelines.
Represents zoological operations at senior staff meetings, animal management meetings, animal welfare committee meetings, and other in-house and external functions including professional association meetings.
Direct and oversee the implementation of routine animal handling procedures needed to monitor the health and maintain the well-being of the collection; including physical exams, weights, blood work, beak/nail trims, etc.
Responsible to recognize emergency conditions related to animal health and safety and to implement an immediate response with a sense of urgency, regardless of the day, time, and staffing limitation.
Develop, plan and assure execution of sound general animal husbandry and habitat maintenance procedures as well as tasks for upkeep of animal enclosures, and display/holding spaces.
Oversee dietary and nutritional program for the animal collection.
Possess knowledge of commonly experienced diseases, infections and parasite infestations of captive fishes, invertebrates, amphibians, marine mammals, reptiles and aquatic birds.
Maintain working knowledge of animal training methods, techniques and principals, including operant conditioning and positive reinforcement.
Responsible for developing educational, innovative, attractive and scientifically accurate living and non-living exhibits and displays.
Develop and execute creative and inspiring animal interaction programs available to the public.
Monitor the quality and consistency of all public presentations and interactions within zoological operations.
Responsible for fulfilling regulatory, exhibition, and collection agency compliance, criteria, and permit regulations of animals.
Responsible for overseeing marine mammal regulatory agency criteria, and participating in annual inspections by USDA/APHIS.
Develop the annual fiscal budget for zoological operations.
Establish, update and maintain department policies and procedures.
Oversee the management of aquatic life support systems: collaborate with and assist life support operator(s).
Serve as the project manager for major projects, construction and refurbishments pertaining to animal habitats and holding areas.
Responsible for acquiring, evaluating, hiring and terminating zoological personnel.

Requested Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, biology, or equivalent in the aquarium field.
Minimum ten (10) years’ experience and progressive growth through hands-on work in aquatic animal care in husbandry, and exhibit development, with emphasis on fresh and marine fishes, invertebrates, amphibians, marine mammals (pinnipeds), reptiles and aquatic birds.
Minimum two (3) years’ supervisory experience
Sound working knowledge of aquatic life support systems (LSS) and water chemistry.
Must maintain SCUBA certification through an accredited diving agency.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office.
Must possess the necessary skills and abilities to function as a dynamic and charismatic leader.
Must demonstrate a proficiency in public speaking and guest interaction.
Must be able to demonstrate a proficiency in public speaking and guest interaction
Must be able to work on a team, as well as function individually with no supervision when necessary.
Must be able to walk, stand, sit, knee, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, and climb stairs and ladders.
Must be able to lift and carry fifty (50) pounds, work on un-even and slippery surfaces, withstand temperatures of hot and cold, and sit/stand for long periods of time when necessary.