The North Carolina Aquariums on Roanoke Island is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Assistant Aquarium Curator. The Assistant Aquarium Curator position will assist the Aquarium Curator and manage the health and welfare of the Aquarium’s diverse animal collections which include fishes, birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates through management of animal habitats and aquatic exhibits exceeding 300,000 gallons. The Assistant Curator will share on-call duties with the Husbandry Curator to provide 24 hour per day coverage to ensure the well-being of the collection.
Daily Duties include:
- Managing of the permanent Conservation Horticulturalist and temporary horticulture staff, Husbandry Technicians, the Husbandry intern program, and Husbandry volunteer program (outside the responsibilities of the Volunteer Coordinator).
- Providing regular training and scheduling for staff. Assist Husbandry Curator with interviewing and hiring of new employees.
- Acting as a project manager for husbandry staff working on special projects including goal setting, budgeting, motivating, managing resources, and executing the final product.
- Overseeing water testing laboratory and water quality standards.
- Assisting the Husbandry Curator with developing and operating within an annual operating budget.
- Providing routine feedback to staff in an efficient and positive manner.
- Recognizing symptoms of fish and invertebrate disease and poor health. Administering appropriate treatments according to established quarantine and treatment protocols.
- Determining individual animal nutritional needs. Manage the sourcing and procurement of all diets. Ensure all diet preparations and associated cleaning meet or exceed AZA and USDA standards.
- Maintain accurate databases and daily logs while providing oversight for all staff records.
- Designing and creating new exhibit and holding tanks with their associated life support systems.
- Conducting SCUBA assisted educational programming and tank maintenance.
- Interacting with visitors to meet the facility’s educational mission.
- Acquiring new animals for display and assistance with animal strandings and rehabilitation.
- Identifying animal welfare concerns and taking appropriate action to address the concerns.
- Facilitating assigned aquarium research and conservation programs.
- Occasional travel is required for Aquarium meetings.
Position/Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
- Weekend, evening and holiday work will be required.
- Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid NC driver's license.
- SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized organization or have the ability to obtain for employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies
- To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form.
- Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.
Qualified candidates must have or be able to:
- Experience with designing, installing, and maintaining life support systems in a public Aquarium, Zoo, Museum, or similar setting.
- Experience providing care for aquatic and terrestrial plants and/or animals, including fresh and saltwater fish, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals.
- Experience with animal behavioral training and enrichment and providing proper messaging to the public regarding animal training and enrichment.
- Experience evaluating animal welfare.
Experience Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Biology, Botany, Conservation, Education, History or Zoology from an appropriately accredited institution AND four years of museum or related work; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Perks
- https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits
Salary
- Recruitment Range $34,936 - $49,588
