The Aquarium Curator is responsible for the management of the Museum’s live aquatic collections, including acquisition and husbandry of these live specimens used in exhibits or education programs. This position recognizes the capacity to achieve greater results by integrating skilled volunteers and leveraging their diverse knowledge and abilities. This position reports directly to the Senior Director Animal Welfare.
Qualifications
- B.S. in Biology, Marine Biology, Fisheries or Aquatic Ecology. Masters preferred.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Mid-Atlantic freshwater and saltwater fishes and their husbandry requirements.
- 5 years experience working with aquatic species, preferably at an AZA-accredited institution.
- 2 years experience of supervisory experience overseeing staff and collection management.
- Experience in life support system (LSS) installation, repair and maintenance.
- Knowledge of fresh and saltwater aquatic diseases and treatment protocols.
- Experience with active and passive aquatic capture techniques and gear.
- Familiarity with AZA accreditation standards and related policies.
- SCUBA certification required.
- Managerial experience including supervising personnel and managing budgets.
- CPR and First Aid certified or willing to become at museum expense.
- Ability to remain calm and provide clear direction in an emergency situation.
- Skilled in presenting formal and informal programs in front of the general public and volunteers.
- Professional demeanor displays sound judgment, discernment and discretion.
- Experience with water quality testing.
- Species 360 experience preferred.
- Duties and Responsibilities
- Be a positive, enthusiastic representative of the Virginia Living Museum.
Enhance guest experience:
- Coordinate with the Exhibits Display Committee to develop new exhibit ideas to maximize the guest experience.
- Maximizes the guest experience and revenue by assisting with and/or developing exceptional programming that supports the mission of the museum.
- Train, supervise and evaluate Aquarists, volunteers, and interns.
- Manage daily the live aquatic collection husbandry of aquatic exhibits.
- Develops annual departmental goals and objectives; prepares and implements department annual operating budget.
- Responsible for assisting with the training of staff and volunteers on safe aquatic animal care and handling practices.
- Follows and ensures staff and volunteers are adhering to all museum safety and security policies and procedures.
- Develop and maintain a regular enrichment schedule and records in consultation with the Enrichment/Training Coordinator.
- Develop and adhere to a comprehensive Institutional Collection Plan (ICP) with the Senior Director Animal Welfare to ensure optimal care for the live Aquatic collection.
- Responsible for the security of the entire Aquarium collection. Any security issues will be reported to the Animal Welfare Director.
- Assist the LSS Specialist with the design, install and maintenance of life support systems for all aquatic exhibits and holding systems.
- Responsible for the legal and ethical collection, acquisition, transport and display of animals in accordance with all appropriate permits.
- Provide maximum nutrition for the live aquatic collection with local, sustainable food sources whenever possible.
- Recognize common fish diseases or other health problems and coordinate treatments and medical procedures with Veterinary Staff.
- Monitor water quality parameters on all aquatic systems and manage daily water testing quality.
- Coordinates with the Dive Safety Officer to manage the VLM dive safety program and maintains those records.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Essential Job Requirements
- Must be able to work mornings, weekends and holidays.
- Must be able to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and perceive detailed information through oral communication.
- Ability to lift and/or exert up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to move throughout the museum’s building(s) and outdoor trail as needed.
- Must have visual acuity to be able to operate motor vehicles and/or equipment.
- Must be able to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, push, pull, lift, grasp, feel and utilize repetitive motions.
- The candidate will be subject to outdoor environmental conditions such as heat, wind, and humidity.
- Must be able to swim and be scuba certified or willing to attain certification
- Valid Virginia driver’s license.
- Supervision Exercised: Aquarium Staff
Experience Required
- 5 years experience working with aquatic species, preferably at an AZA-accredited institution.
- 2 years experience of supervisory experience overseeing staff and collection management.
Perks
- Vacation,
- Sick,
- 401K,
- Medical,
- Dental and Vision Insurance
Salary
- $40,000-$44,000
