Curator

SEA LIFE • East Rutherford, NJ

3d

About The Position

As Curator at SEA LIFE New Jersey, you will take direct ownership of the curatorial team, animal collection, and immersive displays to deliver high animal-welfare standards and engaging marine programs. The role reports to the General Manager, with a dotted line to the Head of Conservation, Welfare, and Education (North America). It works closely with site leadership, local operations, and global conservation teams to support daily operations and the long-term brand vision.

The Curator leads animal care, curatorial staff, display development, conservation and education programs, life support system (LSS) operations, diving safety, and animal- and display-related decisions. The role also manages operational and capital expenditure within budget and supports other attraction functions without direct oversight.

Requirements

• Preferred: B.A./B.S. degree in Life Sciences, such as Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology, or Psychology, or a two-year certification from an accredited aquarium science or zoological program.
• Preferred: 8 years of animal experience.
• Preferred: 5 or more years of supervisory or management experience.
• Knowledge of maintenance and operation of large life support systems, including sand filters, canister filters, UV sterilizers, protein skimmers, and ozone generators.
• SCUBA diving skills and advanced underwater exhibit maintenance skills.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with a wide variety of tropical and temperate marine, freshwater, and terrestrial specimens, including sharks, rays, jellies, corals, seahorses, cephalopods, reptiles, and turtles.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in quarantine, diagnosis, and treatment of fish disease.
• Strong water-quality testing and record-keeping skills.
• Proven leadership, verbal and written communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to communicate effectively in public forums with aquarium guests.

Nice To Haves

• Rescue diving certification.
• Aquarium dive program management skills and experience.
• Knowledge and skill in aquarium display setup and development, including LSS design and installation, exhibit collection planning, and aquarium theming concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead continued development of animal care standards in accordance with SEA LIFE (Merlin) policies and standards.
• Lead the site with an understanding of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) policies and standards, and be able to lead a future AZA accreditation process.
• Lead the Curatorial team in delivering aquatic and terrestrial displays, including team engagement, development, and implementation of display plans.
• Improve team engagement, productivity, and performance through engagement initiatives, training, and structured management.
• Collaborate with the Education Specialist to ensure interpretive and program content meets standards.
• Drive conservation and education programs, partnerships, and collaborations with other departments.
• Manage operational and capital expenditure in line with budgets to deliver budgeted EBITA for SLC.
• Ensure effective use and maintenance of site life support systems to maintain animal welfare and meet SEA LIFE Experience Mandatories; establish systems to identify, report, and rectify deficiencies.
• Monitor month-to-month performance, including KPIs, mortality rates, breeding successes, and conservation projects; follow up on recommendations and review displays and veterinary visits.
• Work with stakeholders to maintain and improve existing and new displays while meeting SEA LIFE Cornerstones and Experience Mandatories across the region.
• Develop teams focused on guest experience, measured through Mystery Visits, internal and external reviews, and KPIs.
• Ensure diving operations are managed and conducted safely in accordance with the Global SEA LIFE Dive Policy, including site specialists’ involvement through the Regional Dive Safety Board.
• Work with the Curatorial team and attraction management team to develop and deliver displays, products, marketing campaigns, and HR initiatives.
• Make decisions in line with technical and animal expertise and guide business decisions involving animals and displays; hold accountability for animal and display decisions across SEA LIFE New Jersey.
• Support Admissions, Commercial Operations, Maintenance, HR, Finance, Marketing, and Public Relations, without direct oversight of those functions.
• Represent SEA LIFE New Jersey and communicate effectively through media outlets, including television, radio, and Facebook.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Merlin Magic Pass offering free entry for friends and family to parks and attractions.
• Recognition programs and rewards.
• 401(k) program with company matching contributions.
• Tuition reimbursement programs.
• Learning and advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed