Assistant Curator of Birds and Mammals

Minimum starting pay for this role is $80,000 annually. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

• As an Assistant Curator of Birds, Amphibian, and Mammals, you will play a pivotal role in the management and development of our diverse collection.
•   This position requires a passionate and experienced individual who demonstrates strong leadership skills fostering a collaborative and motivated team environment. 
• The Asst. Curator will oversee the well-being and care of our avian, amphibian and mammalian residents.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead and mentor a team of caretakers, ensuring they have the necessary skills for animal care and exhibit maintenance.
• Design and implement programs and protocols to keep staff updated on industry best practices, animal behavior, and conservation initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the department.
• Ensure the health and well-being of birds, amphibians, and mammals in the collection.
• Collaborate with the veterinary team to develop and implement comprehensive care plans.
• Oversee exhibit design and maintenance to provide enriching and stimulating environments for the animals.
• Work closely with the education and interpretation teams to develop engaging and education programs for our visitors.
• Collaborate on interpretive materials and signage to enhance the visitor experience and convey important conservation messages.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as education and conservation, to support integrated and interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including guest experience, conservation organizations, and state and federal agency partners.
• Assist in the development and management of the department budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently for optimal animal care and staff development.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to motivate and lead a diverse team.
• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with staff, visitors, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation and a deep understanding of the role aquariums and zoos play in conservation and education efforts.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Openness to incorporating new technologies and methodologies in animal care and management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 
• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• Bachelor's degree in biology,zoology or a related field or equivalent
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a supervisory or management role within a zoological or wildlife conservation setting.
• 8+ years proven experience in the care and management of birds, amphibians, and mammals.
• Previous experience leading teams of paid and volunteer staff to the successful accomplishment of a major task or objective.
• Possess a valid drivers license

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to balance bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist, climb ladders
• Ability to lift and carry up to 0-75lbs.
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-100lbs.
• Ability to swim, SCUBA certification in dive aquarium habitats or open ocean.
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills.

MENTAL DEMANDS

• The mental and emotional demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Attachment bonds with animals can be challenging when coping with illness, injury, or loss.
• Flexibility and adaptability in dealing with high levels of responsibility, empathy, frustration and patience when it comes to the care of animals with basic needs.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills to address issues and maintain positive relationships.
• Resilience and ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently under pressure.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to respond to unpredictable and potentially dangerous marine mammals, birds and program animals.
• Exposure to injury from animals.
• Food preparation with fish and shellfish.
• Exposure to various in temperature, humidity or wetness.
• Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways.
• Elevated platforms.
• Use of special auditory, visual, fall arrest and personal protective equipment.
• Exposed to working with biohazards.
• Use of hand tools, machinery and company vehicles.
• Aquarium habitats and open ocean environments

INTERESTED OR QUALIFIED?

• If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below.
• You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required by all applicants.
• There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:
• You will complete a brief web application;
• You will attach or build your resume;
• You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.
• Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration.
• If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks.
• If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise.
• Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!
• Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer.
• We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.