Curator, Fish & Invertebrates

Essential Functions:

• Manages and oversees the daily operations within to Fish and Invertebrate section
• Directs and supervises the activities of the Fish and Invertebrate section (Assistant Curators, Aquarists, Associate Aquarists, Interns)
• Assists and advises the Senior Director of Fish and Invertebrates on issues relating to the care and management of the fish and invertebrate collection
• Supervises the routine maintenance of all exhibits
• Responsible for the implementation of all animal-care regimes and standards (e.g. proper handling, diet preparation and feeding, monitoring of growth and breeding activity)
• Create and maintain aesthetically pleasing and environmentally correct marine animal displays that are appropriate for the health of the animal collection and visually stimulating to the guests
• Maintains external partnerships on collaborative conservation projects
• Contributes to interdepartmental communication and coordination
• Ensures compliance with established safety procedures and protocols
• Responds to emergency situations within the section
• Training, develop, coach and counsel the staff members
• Prepares and conducts employee performance evaluations for Assistant Curators and Aquarists
• Maintains knowledge of industry innovations and new techniques
• Publishes and/or presents technical and general papers
• Attends professional meetings and conferences
• Represents the section in various interdepartmental capacities as needed
• Member of various committees and planning groups that have a direct impact on the activities of the fish and invertebrate section (Research Advisory Committee, Diving Control Board, Welfare Committee, etc.)
• Monitors routine animal welfare reporting and welfare action planning
• Develop and monitor section budget
• Conducts media interviews at the request of the Marketing Department and supports our Social Media staff with information about our collection and programs

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 or equivalent experience
• 6+ years experience as an Aquarist at a public Aquarium
• 3+ 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 in exhibits and holding tanks
• In-depth expertise in specialized disciplines of aquarium sciences (e.g. fish or invertebrates breeding techniques, water chemistry, LSS design, etc.)
• Previous public speaking experience
• Previous experience participating in major exhibit changes at a public Aquarium
• Previous experience leading teams of volunteers and/or staff to the successful accomplishment of a major task or objective
• SCUBA certification with extensive diving experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Possess a valid CA drivers license (minimum of 3 years driving experience)
• CPR, AED, Oxygen First Responder, Frist Aid Certification or ability to obtain

Knowledge and Skills:

• Maintains thorough knowledge with all aspects of the acquisition and care of captive marine fishes and invertebrates
• Maintains a high level of knowledge and expertise of the operation and theory of life support systems
• Maintains thorough and complete understanding of the physiological needs of marine fishes and invertebrates including but not limited to diseases and treatments, water quality, nutrition, metabolism, etc.
• Ability to supervise a team of highly motivated and intelligent staff and volunteers in a challenging, dynamic environment
• Maintains knowledge of industry innovations and new techniques
• Attention to detail
• Boat handling ability preferred
• In-depth expertise in a specialized discipline of Aquarium Sciences (e.g. fish or invertebrate breeding techniques, water chemistry, life support system design, etc.)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

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
• 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 bio-hazards
• 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, please click on the link below to “APPLY NOW.” You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required for 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 online assessment(s).

Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration. 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.