Curator of Marine Mammals and Oceans

Indianapolis Zoo • Indianapolis, IN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Curator of Marine Mammals & Oceans provides strategic and operational leadership for the Zoo's Marine Mammals and Oceans departments. This position is responsible for the health, welfare, safety, management, and long-term sustainability of the collections while ensuring departmental programs support the Zoo's mission, conservation priorities, guest experience, and institutional goals.

You'll lead animal husbandry, training, enrichment, reproduction, collection planning, staff development, and daily departmental operations. The Curator directly supervises the Assistant Curators of Marine Mammals and Oceans and provides leadership to departmental employees, volunteers, and interns. This role also works closely with Veterinary Services, Human Resources, Facilities, Education, Registrar, Conservation, and other Zoo departments, as well as professional organizations and conservation partners.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of direct or related experience in a zoo, aquarium, marine mammal facility, or similar professional animal-care setting.
• At least 4 years of personnel management or supervisory experience.
• A demonstrated knowledge of animal husbandry, welfare, training, enrichment, reproduction, collection management, and animal health practices applicable to marine mammals and/or aquatic animals.
• A proven ability to lead, coach, develop, and hold employees accountable.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with staff, other departments, professional organizations, and external partners.
• A demonstrated commitment to animal welfare, conservation, professional development, and continuous improvement.
• Strong observational skills and the temperament necessary to work effectively with animals.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and accountability for the Marine Mammals and Oceans departments.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Assistant Curators and departmental staff, including performance management and professional development.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, training, and daily departmental operations.
• Provide oversight of animal husbandry, welfare, training, enrichment, behavioral management, and reproductive programs.
• Work closely with Veterinary Services to monitor animal health and address medical and welfare concerns.
• Lead collection planning, including acquisitions, dispositions, transfers, breeding, reproduction, and population management.
• Ensure departmental programs comply with Zoo policies, AZA standards, regulatory requirements, and professional best practices.
• Oversee animal transportation, permits, documentation, and collection records in collaboration with appropriate departments.
• Provide curatorial expertise for exhibits, holding areas, renovations, repairs, and facility projects.
• Participate in conservation programs, research, AZA activities, Species Survival Plan programs, and other professional initiatives.
• Represent the Indianapolis Zoo through professional organizations, conferences, presentations, media opportunities, tours, and special events.
• Collaborate with Education and other departments to help guests learn more about marine mammals, oceans, conservation, and animal welfare.
• Assist with departmental business plans and budgets and manage resources within established parameters.
• Promote a safe and secure workplace and ensure appropriate response to animal, employee, guest, and facility safety concerns.
• Support the Zoo's Wild U philosophy by creating meaningful guest interactions and helping inspire guests to learn more, care more, and become involved in conservation.

Benefits

• The opportunity to lead passionate animal-care professionals, contribute to meaningful conservation efforts, collaborate across a wide range of disciplines, and help create memorable experiences that connect our guests with wildlife and wild places.

What This Job Offers

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