Curator

Merlin Entertainments • East Rutherford, NJ

20h • Onsite

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 relationship to the Head of Conservation, Welfare, and Education (North America), and works with site leadership, local operations, and global conservation teams to support daily operations and long-term brand goals.

The Curator leads animal care, display development, staff engagement and performance, conservation and education initiatives, and safe diving operations. The role oversees animal- and display-related decisions, life support systems, operational and capital expenditure, and performance monitoring, while supporting other attraction functions and representing SEA LIFE New Jersey in public forums and media.

Requirements

• Preferred degree: B.A./B.S. 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 the 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.
• 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 to aquarium guests.

Nice To Haves

• A two-year certification from an accredited aquarium science or zoological program, or a B.A./B.S. degree in Life Sciences.
• 8 years of animal experience.
• 5 or more years of supervisory or management experience.
• Rescue certification for SCUBA diving.
• Aquarium dive program management skills and experience.
• Advanced knowledge and experience working with 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.
• 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 prepare to lead a future AZA accreditation process.
• Lead the Curatorial team in delivering aquatic and terrestrial displays through team engagement, development, and innovative display plans.
• Improve team engagement, productivity, and performance through 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 and deliver budgeted EBITA for SLC.
• Ensure effective use and maintenance of life support systems (LSS) to maintain animal welfare and meet SEA LIFE Experience Mandatories.
• Establish systems to collate, report, and rectify deficiencies in LSS systems or their operation.
• Drive continuous improvement through recommendations and monitoring of monthly performance, including KPIs, mortality rates, breeding successes, conservation projects, display appraisals, and veterinary visits.
• Work with stakeholders to develop strategies to maintain and improve existing and new displays while meeting SEA LIFE Cornerstones and Experience Mandatories across the region.
• Inspire teams to innovate and maximize guest engagement with animals.
• Cultivate guest-focused teams and monitor guest experience using Mystery Visit results, reviews, and performance indicators.
• Ensure diving operations are managed and conducted safely under the Global SEA LIFE Dive Policy, including involvement of site specialists through the Regional Dive Safety Board.
• Work with the curatorial team and attraction management to develop and deliver displays, products, marketing campaigns, and HR initiatives.
• Make autonomous decisions based on technical and animal expertise and guide business decisions involving animals and displays.
• Hold accountability for animal- and display-related decisions across SEA LIFE New Jersey.
• Support Admissions, Commercial Operations, Maintenance, HR, Finance, Marketing, and Public Relations without direct oversight of those functions.
• Communicate effectively and represent SEA LIFE New Jersey across media outlets, including TV, radio, and Facebook.
• Communicate effectively in public forums with aquarium guests.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Free Merlin park and attraction entry for friends and family through the Merlin Magic Pass.
• 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