Assistant Curator, Tropical Pacific Gallery

Description:

The Assistant Curator of Fish and Invertebrates, working directly with the Curator, leads a team Aquarists in the management of the fish and invertebrate collection, associated exhibits, life support systems, programs and the supervision of staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• The Assistant Curator of Fish and Invertebrates leads daily operations within a gallery or designated set of aquarium systems supporting the Curator in department wide initiatives
• Supervises the routine maintenance of all exhibits and holding systems and associated aquarists
• Training and instruction of the aquarist staff under the Assistant Curator’s supervision
• Oversees staff work schedules and responsible for submitting time cards
• Prepares and conducts employee performance evaluations for the aquarist staff under the Assistant Curator’s supervision
• Daily communication with the Curator on the status of all projects and activities within the section
• Ensures that all animal-care regimes and standards as directed by the curator are implemented (e.g., proper handling, diet preparation and feeding, monitoring of growth and breeding activity, animal health protocols)
• Reports animal medical cases to curator and veterinarian
• SCUBA dives aquarium habitats or open ocean habitats for specimen acquisition or research/conservation projects
• May act as lead diver for some open ocean operations
• Assumes project manager role when needed for major exhibit or life support renovations (includes theme development, budgeting, design, and implementation)
• Responsible for ordering materials to ensure that adequate supplies and equipment exist for the section
• Attends professional meetings and conferences and gives presentations, publishes papers at the discretion of the Curator and Senior Director of Fish and Invertebrates
• May be asked to represent the Aquarium of the Pacific as institutional representatives for AZA and other professional groups
• Networks and consults regularly with colleagues at other institutions, maintains professional partnerships
• May aid in grant organization, spending, and reporting activities
• Maintains knowledge of industry innovations and new techniques
• Represents the section in various interdepartmental capacities as needed
• Conducts media interviews at the request of the Marketing Department, contributes to exhibit sign materials, and contributes social media content as needed
• Ensures compliance with established safety procedures and protocols
• Responds to emergency situations within the section
• Directs the section in the curator’s absence

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Maintain a high level of knowledge of Aquarium species with an emphasis on Tropical Pacific fauna including corals, cephalopods, elasmobranchs, teleosts, etc.
• Maintains a high level of knowledge and expertise of the operation and theory of life support systems
• Maintains knowledge of industry innovations and new techniques
• Demonstrated competency in an area of specialized Aquarium Sciences discipline or unique contribution
• Attention to detail
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marine Biology or equivalent experience
• 5+ years experience as an Aquarist at a public aquarium
• 1+ year supervisory experience
• Extensive experience in the care and maintenance of a wide variety of fish and invertebrates
• Extensive experience and proficiency in the capture, handling, transfer and transportation of fish and invertebrates
• Experience in project leadership and exhibit/life support renovations
• In-depth expertise in specialized disciplines of aquarium sciences helpful
• Previous public speaking experience
• Previous experience leading teams of volunteers and/or staff to the successful accomplishment of a major task or objective
• AAUS certification with extensive diving experience and ability to perform complex tasks underwater
• Possess a valid CA drivers license (minimum of 3 years driving experience)
• CPR, AED, Oxygen First Responder, First Aid Certifications or ability to obtain

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, crawl, twist
• Ability to lift and carry up to 0-75lbs
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-100lbs
• Ability to swim and pass annual swim test
• Ability to pass annual dive physical exam and drug test
• Ability to dive in aquarium habitats or open ocean
• Ability to pass required associated SCUBA certifications
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills

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.
• Exposure to injury from animals including potentially venomous species
• Food preparation with fish and shellfish
• Exposure to variations in temperature, humidity or wetness
• Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
• Elevated platforms, ladders
• Use of special auditory, visual, and personal protective equipment
• Exposed to working with biohazards
• Use of hand tools, machinery and company vehicles
• Willingness to travel long distances under harsh conditions, if necessary
• Aquarium habitats and open ocean environments

INTERESTED & QUALIFIED?

If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below to “APPLY NOW.” 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.