Assistant Curator (Exhibits Technician III)

The Virginia Aquarium is seeking a Fishes, Herpetology, and Invertebrates Assistant Curator which reports directly to the Senior Curator of Fish and Herpetology. Through direct involvement, this position places emphasis on the safe management of the Virginia Aquariums population of invertebrates which include jellies, cephalopods, crustaceans, reptiles, amphibians and the animal care staff who assist with their care, while supporting the mission of the Virginia Aquarium and the City of Virginia Beach. The population of species includes large elasmobranchs, teleosts, invertebrates, crocodilians, monitor lizards, venomous and non-venomous snakes, fishes, and a variety of amphibians.

• The selected candidate must have proven experience with these types of animals, and the ability to train and supervise staff to safely work with these species.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supervise a team of section staff, divers, volunteers, and interns to ensure the welfare of live animal populations and management of assigned areas
• Lead and coordinate advanced husbandry procedures such as physical examinations with animals in the collection (some potentially dangerous) and conduct emergency response training and drills in the event of a dangerous animal escape or injury
• Work closely with senior curatorial staff and veterinary team to develop SOPs and collection plans
• Conduct repairs, design and build new exhibits, maintain life support systems, and assist with cost analysis of relevant exhibits
• Remain abreast of the latest animal care techniques for these unique species and seek opportunities to become involved with groups or organizations such as AZA, TAG or SSP groups where possible
• Support the guest experience by participating in visitor enhancement development and actively seek out guest engagement opportunities
• Work Schedule: 40 hours/week between 7AM-6PM including weekends, rotating holidays and occasional evenings for special events.
• The City of Virginia Beach offers a generous benefits package such as health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans. Other key benefits include:
• Maternity/Paternity and Parental Leave
• Leave Donation Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistant Program
• Professional Development

Experience Required

• MINIMUMS: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to seven (7) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with positions such as aquarist, exhibits technician, biologist, or animal keeper, assistant curator or curator in a similar facility or program.
• Individual positions will have specific requirements regarding subject expertise, skills and training; these will be noted on job requisition at time opening is advertised.
• Must possess and maintain at all times current SCUBA certification of Open Water Diver or higher from a nationally recognized certifying agency.
• Must have, or obtain, a current and valid Virginia or North Carolina drivers license in accordance with Virginia or North Carolina DMV drivers license eligibility requirements.

Further Comments

• SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs.
• This position may require an incumbent to wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employees supervisor based on position assigned. Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the Citys operational status.
• This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to mandatory drug testing and annual exams.
• Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical.

PREFERENCES:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology, marine biology, marine science, zoology, aquarium science, aquaculture, or related field.
• Four (4) years of full-time equivalent advanced husbandry experience with fresh and saltwater teleosts, jellies, cephalopods, and elasmobranchs in a public aquarium or similar facility.
• Four (4) years of full-time equivalent experience (may be concurrent) with marine and freshwater life support system maintenance and repair in a public aquarium or similar facility; specific preference will be given to mixed taxa exhibits.
• Extensive experience leading and coordinating animal procedures.
• Experience supervising and managing husbandry staff including conducting performance evaluations and providing feedback. • Experience with invertebrates to include jelly husbandry, jelly propagation, and cephalopod husbandry.
• Experience with animal acquisitions and dispositions.
• Experience researching and procuring aquarium and animal products.
• Extensive exhibit maintenance and husbandry diving experience, including leading dives performed in a public aquarium or similar facility.
• Operating/working knowledge of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and/or Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) current standards, guidelines, and programs.
• Operating/working knowledge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services’ current guidelines and standards.

Perks

• https://virginia-beach-departments-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/city/Careers/Full-time-Employee-Benefits.pdf

Salary

• G.22, $47,803.80 - $74,095.89