Curator - Aquarium

Moody Gardens, Inc.•Galveston, TX

1d•$65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Curator- Aquarium provides leadership and oversees all aspects of husbandry and well-being for the aquarium, discovery museum tanks, and marine quarantine. This person is responsible for the formulation and implementation of the department collection plan. This person collaborates with other professionals and participates in appropriate programs to ensure Moody Gardens reaches its goals in animal management, guest education/engagement, and conservation programs. This person advises and has input on animal exhibit design, form, and function. This person manages departmental personnel to include supervision, recruitment, retention, training, development, commendation, and disciplinary action. This person is the primary liaison between their areas of responsibility and the veterinary department. This person interacts regularly with other departments. This position is participating in a mandatory manager-on-duty rotation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marine science, biology, zoology, environmental engineering, or a closely related field. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and directly related professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Minimum of 5 years working in animal husbandry, aquatic husbandry preferred, and 3 years with team management.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to work with empathy and fairness with staff.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Maintain a Texas driver’s license.
SCUBA certification or the ability to obtain in 6 months.
Work includes weekends and holidays—occasional travel, including overnight and out of town.

Responsibilities

Establishment of SOP’s
Assures compliance with all applicable USDA, AZA and federal/state and local regulatory standards.
Supervise staff, hire new staff, write reviews and identify/manage staff development needs
Maintain payroll and staff schedules.
Train and mentor senior staff.
Work with Curator – Rainforest and General Curator to move the department forward
Work with Veterinarians and vet techs in all aspects of animal health
Work with Dive services in all aspects of staff/volunteer dive program.
Work with Well-being manager to ensure that all well-being, enrichment and training programs are followed
Work with the Registrar to arrange animal acquisitions and dispositions
Work with Nutrition manager on animal diets
Communicate with other professionals in the field regarding best practices
Represent Moody Gardens professionally with guests, media, colleagues and within AZA
Lead weekly staff meetings and attend managerial meetings
Inspect and maintain safe exhibits/behind the scenes areas.
Produce maintenance requests and liaison with maintenance for any repairs.
Order supplies as needed
Work with the Conservation manager on projects.
Work with other Moody Gardens’ departments and assist when needed.
Work with AZA managed programs, SAFE initiatives and federal/state partners in regard to population management
Develop and maintain public interaction programs that benefit Moody Gardens’ Conservation Program