Assistant Curator of Oceans

Indianapolis Zoo • Indianapolis, IN

2d

About The Position

The Assistant Curator of Oceans provides leadership, direction, and oversight for the Zoo’s Oceans animal collection, including sharks, rays, marine and tropical fish, and marine invertebrates such as sea stars, sea urchins, corals, and sea anemones. Working closely with the Curator of Marine Mammals & Oceans, the role is directly accountable for the health, welfare, and daily care of the assigned collection while leading and developing animal care staff. The Assistant Curator also helps maintain water quality standards, oversee husbandry practices, and support daily departmental operations.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant biological or animal-science field, at least four years of professional experience in a related animal care or aquatic animal management field, and at least two years of practical zoo or aquarium experience. The successful candidate will demonstrate aquatic animal husbandry knowledge and working knowledge of water chemistry, water quality monitoring, filtration, and aquatic life support systems. Leadership experience is strongly preferred. The candidate must be able to obtain scuba certification through the Indianapolis Zoo Scuba Diver program and maintain CPR certification.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment testing, including a background check, motor vehicle check if applicable, and drug test.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Aquatic Biology, Animal Science, or a related field.
• At least four years of professional experience in a related animal care, zoo, aquarium, or aquatic animal management field.
• At least two years of practical zoo or aquarium experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry, including the care and management of fish, sharks, rays, and marine invertebrates.
• Working knowledge of water chemistry, water quality monitoring, filtration, and aquatic life support systems.
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to train, coach, and develop staff while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Ability to obtain scuba certification through the Indianapolis Zoo Scuba Diver program and maintain CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

• Previous supervisory or leadership experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision, and direction to assigned animal care staff, including training, coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Maintain direct accountability for the health, welfare, husbandry, and care of the Oceans animal collection.
• Oversee animal diets, enrichment, training, medical care coordination, and ongoing animal health and welfare assessments.
• Monitor aquatic environments and oversee water quality testing, documentation, and evaluation to ensure appropriate conditions are maintained.
• Work collaboratively with Veterinary Services, Life Support, Facilities, and other departments to support animal care and exhibit operations.
• Ensure accurate animal care records, water quality documentation, and departmental procedures are maintained and followed.
• Coordinate animal transfers, acclimation, quarantine, and other collection management activities.
• Promote a safe working environment and ensure staff follow established safety procedures and animal handling practices.

What This Job Offers

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