Live Exhibit Supervisor

Bass Pro Shops • Sayreville, NJ

1d • $68,000 - $68,200

About The Position

We are seeking a seasoned Live Exhibits Supervisor to lead the care, maintenance, and educational impact of our aquatic exhibits at a premier retail location. This pivotal role requires an expert in marine and freshwater animal husbandry who is passionate about conservation, education, and visitor engagement. The ideal candidate will oversee a dedicated aquarist team, ensuring exemplary animal welfare standards while enhancing interactive guest experiences. Collaboration with retail, education, and corporate teams is essential to align exhibit operations with the aquarium’s mission and strategic goals. Integration of scuba diving programs will support both operational excellence and scientific research initiatives, with safety as the foremost priority.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science, or related field; equivalent professional experience in public aquarium settings considered favorably.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing aquarist teams of three or more in a public aquarium or similar environment.
• Extensive expertise in saltwater and freshwater animal husbandry with proven ability to manage diverse species including potentially hazardous animals safely.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and aquarium-specific software platforms; strong data management skills preferred.
• Exceptional organizational skills with sound judgment in decision-making under dynamic conditions typical of live animal care environments.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining focus on animal welfare and visitor experience excellence.
• Ability to respond promptly to emergencies or operational challenges with calm professionalism.
• Advanced scuba certification or willingness to obtain higher certification promptly; First Aid/CPR certification required or must be obtained shortly after hire.
• RescueX extraction board certification.
• Physical ability to lift 100+ lbs regularly and navigate stairs/ladders safely as part of daily responsibilities.
• Proven track record in staff development fostering a collaborative and knowledgeable team environment aligned with public aquarium values.
• Keen observational skills to detect subtle changes in animal behavior indicative of health or environmental issues.
• Adaptability to variable schedules including weekends, evenings, holidays consistent with public aquarium operations.
• Deep understanding of animal behavior principles combined with commitment to safety protocols protecting both animals and staff.
• Analytical problem-solving skills applied systematically to maintain complex life support systems critical for exhibit success.
• Excellent communication skills tailored for diverse audiences including staff, visitors, educators, and corporate partners.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in budget management, reporting, and project oversight within a public aquarium or zoological institution is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive life support system (LSS) maintenance and troubleshooting, ensuring optimal water quality and habitat conditions across diverse aquatic exhibits; maintain detailed records using company systems and coordinate with external vendors as necessary.
• Maintain expert knowledge of LSS technologies and industry best practices; actively support staff certifications through AALSO and other relevant organizations.
• Deliver engaging public seminars on fish health, behavior, and conservation topics, utilizing full facemask diving demonstrations to enhance visitor education.
• Manage limited registrar duties within the Oerca database to support animal tracking and exhibit documentation.
• Oversee commissary operations related to onsite specimen collection, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Conduct laboratory analyses of exhibit water parameters to maintain environmental integrity critical to animal health.
• Provide direct veterinary support including performing biopsies and assisting in pathogen identification in collaboration with veterinary staff.
• Prepare objective, data-driven reports on animal health and behavior trends for senior leadership to inform exhibit management decisions.
• Coordinate logistics for corporate training sessions, animal transport, supply procurement, and maintenance activities supporting exhibit operations.
• Develop, mentor, and train aquarist staff on live exhibit protocols, safety procedures, and conservation messaging aligned with public aquarium standards.
• Manage operational inventory and supplies efficiently to support uninterrupted exhibit function.
• Administer the approved operations budget with fiscal discipline while identifying opportunities for cost-effective improvements.
• Coordinate routine and emergency veterinary care; maintain onsite medical equipment including ultrasound, endoscope, surgical, and necropsy tools essential for animal health management.
• Foster a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement within the live exhibits team.
• Build and maintain strong partnership with retail admin as it relates to guest interaction with stingrays, dive safety, sharing of common spaces.
• Manage dive program in adherence to the dive safety manual.
• Utilize Xverse platform for dive records.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Enjoy discounts on retail merchandise, our restaurants, world-class resorts and conservation attractions!
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Voluntary benefits
• 401k Retirement Savings
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Bass Pro Cares Fund
• And more!

What This Job Offers

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