Assistant Curator of Blue Wonders

National Aquarium • Baltimore, MD

14h • $64,700 - $82,474 • Onsite

About The Position

The National Aquarium (NA) is seeking an Assistant Curator of Blue Wonders (BW). As part of the Animal Care and Welfare (ACW) division, this position will assist the Curator of Blue Wonders and partner with a second assistant curator to manage animal care activities, including acquisition and disposition, overall care, breeding, conservation, and research operations for NA’s exhibits and programs. Responsibilities will include daily operations, supervision of animal care staff, enclosure and facility maintenance, and both general and behavioral husbandry. Ensures provision of the highest quality of care for the animals to support animal wellbeing. The work schedule for this position is Sunday through Thursday each week.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in biological or aquatic sciences or related field preferred, but equivalent professional experience may qualify.
• Minimum of five years of experience working in an aquarium or zoological field with emphasis on closed marine systems required.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Must have demonstrated ability to care for animals in a zoo/aquarium setting and a strong professional, educational, and conservation ethic.
• Experience leading a team of people (staff or volunteers) to the successful accomplishment of major tasks or objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with staff, volunteers, guests, professional colleagues, and others, both internal and external to the aquarium.
• Must have capability to prevent or resolve conflict between staff members both intra- and inter-departmentally.
• Ability to manage staff and animals in crisis situations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of aquatic biology, life support systems, and water chemistry as they apply to a public aquarium setting.
• Demonstrates knowledge of animal collecting techniques, transport and acclimation of fishes and aquatic invertebrates.
• Exceptionally detail oriented with the ability to accurately log and record various data, as well as the ability to review data/records for accuracy and identify significant trends.
• Must be adept at establishing and following safety procedures and protocols, identifying potential safety hazards, and implementing and supervising established safety programs. Prioritizes a safe work environment.
• Must have capacity to decide when to act independently and when to consult Curator or other ACW leadership.
• SCUBA certification with diving experience required.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license, ability to obtain a Maryland driver’s license, and ability to obtain a DOT physical.

Nice To Haves

• Plumbing experience preferred.
• Boating experience desired.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Curator of BW, assists with daily animal management and operations at the aquarium.
• As a working supervisor, sets and demonstrates a high standard in daily animal care, including but not limited to diet planning, preparation and feeding, maintenance of enclosures and back-up areas, safe and proper animal handling, and record-keeping.
• In collaboration with the Behavioral Husbandry team, devises and implements modern behavioral husbandry techniques to optimize the wellbeing of animals.
• Serves as a BW liaison to Facilities, Life Support, Animal Health, Guest Engagement, Conservation, Planning and Design and other departments as their operations relate to the BW team.
• Collaborates both proactively and responsively with all other professional departments at NA (ex. Finance, Philanthropy, HR, etc.) to ensure support for NA’s strategic plan.
• Identifies animal health issues and effectively communicates with the Curator and Animal Health staff for resolution including working with the Hospital Manager to schedule medical-related procedures.
• Leads or participates in animal acquisitions and dispositions, working collaboratively with our Animal Care and Rescue Center Team on planning shipments and quarantine management as needed
• Manages BW division staff, including scheduling, training, evaluating performance, and maintaining an engaging and professionally fulfilling team setting.
• Promotes daily use of our animal information software, TRACKS, and advances its development.
• Participates in the NA’s Animal Welfare Program and ensures compliance with its execution including reviewing assessments and recommending action to enhance wellbeing.
• Completes minor repairs and when necessary, submits work orders for equipment maintenance and other animal care-related repairs. Responsible for maintaining all assigned equipment in good working order. Where appropriate, facilitates and participates in plumbing and life support equipment installation in areas of responsibility.
• Establishes effective and professional relationships with outside vendors.
• Assists with response to alert systems during and after work hours to monitor crucial system operations.
• Assists the Curator in budget management and payment processing, ordering supplies, and supervising contractors.
• Collaborates with guest engagement department to carry out effective programming.
• Works with the volunteer department to incorporate interns and volunteers into animal care.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays as needed.
• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Benefits

• National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave.
• Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available.
• Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level