Curator of Aquatic Husbandry

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park

• At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature.
• work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do.
• We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact.
• We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change.
• We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world.
• At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission.
• As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

What You’ll Do (Summary of role)

• The Curator of Aquatic Husbandry will manage the aquarists at the Aquarium and the Audubon Aquatic Center with the assistance of the respective Assistant Curator. 
• The Curator reports to the Director of Husbandry, oversees the aquatics collection and ensures industry best practices at the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium as well as the Audubon Aquatic Center. 
• They develop departmental procedures, collection plans, and monitor all aspects of aquatic exhibitry, quarantine and animal care.
• They set goals and expectations for the AA aquarists and are a husbandry and animal care resource for husbandry staff at the AAC. 
• They are responsible for hiring staff, performance evaluations, and disciplinary action as needed. 
• The Curator works closely with veterinary staff, members of all Husbandry divisions and all other Audubon Nature Institute departments. 
• The Curator of Aquatic Husbandry is a working curatorial position.

Day to Day Responsibilities (Limit to most important/top 10 duties if possible)

• Have expertise in fishes, reptile, amphibian and invertebrate animal anatomy, behavior, recognition and treatment of animal health concerns, animal safety concerns and cross contamination prevention.   
• Maintain current knowledge of all specimens under their care, their natural history (biology and environmental needs) and husbandry requirements through hands on experience, upkeep with current literature, active professional networking development, keeper exchange programs and conference participation as approved.  Improve upon current Audubon husbandry practices, developing procedures aimed at increasing efficiency and advancing animal care.   
• Have an advanced knowledge and understanding of the AZA Code of Ethics, AZA Standards for Accreditation and AZA Population Management guidelines.  Ability to recognize deficiencies in these areas and take action to correct problems.  
• Have an advanced working knowledge of USDA regulations, overseeing that proper protocols are followed to pass USDA inspections.  
• Mentor aquarists with the development of exhibit improvements, training and enrichment proposals, and encouraging advancements in husbandry practices in all galleries through goal setting. 
• Supervise and encourage viable breeding, husbandry and conservation programs for species within the collection, ensures compliance and cooperation with all AZA programs.   
• Partner with veterinarian and curatorial staff with recognizing animal health concerns and making sure treatment is carried out as prescribed.
• Oversight of all ongoing veterinary treatments. 
• Work with the registrar on acquisition of new specimens in accordance with AZA animal management and welfare guidelines and acquisition and transfer protocols and procedures.
• Instruct aquarist staff in the proactive, responsible planning of acquisitions and transfers in accordance with approved collection plans; ensures exhibit quality and guest experience remains a priority.   
• Leads regular sub- department meetings to develop goals, evaluate progress and facilitate open communication among AAI staff 
• Actively promote and prioritize accurate and up to date record keeping within the Husbandry team to ensure quality animal management and welfare at or above industry standards. 
• Assist the Curatorial staff with aquarist accountability, assessing trends and developing improvements in recordkeeping efficiency and accuracy.  
• Work with the Director of Husbandry to promote behavioral management of the collection and the development of behavioral goals aimed at reducing animal stress. 
• Oversee and promote aquarist accountability for assigned responsibilities based on achieving behavioral goals.  

Additional/Overall Skills:

• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
• Thrive in a team environment, using your organizational and technical skills to ensure the smooth execution of creative projects that resonate with our audience.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

• Must Haves: (required for the role)
• Six years of paid supervisory experience in a zoological facility is required. (with a minimum of 4 years management/supervisory experience.) Experience with animal behavioral training and enrichment is preferred. Live animal collection and transport experience is preferred. 
• Bachelor of Science degree in biology or related field from a recognized, accredited institution
• Must possess a valid driver’s license. 
• SCUBA certification is required. First aid/CPR certification preferred. AZA membership is an asset.  
• Ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place, and sequence of operations or actions required. 
• Must have cognitive and communication skills required to function within the department.
• Nice-to-Haves: (preferred for the role)
• Proficiency in MS Office; ZIMS, or similar animal data management software experience is an asset. 
• Working knowledge of basic hand and power tools is preferred. Working knowledge of life support equipment and water chemistry science and management for both start-up and mature aquatic systems is required. Must have the ability to use basic office equipment. Boat handling experience is an asset.
• Physical Requirements: (Add per list provided based on role type)

Heavy work:

• lifting up to 80lbs pounds occasionally, or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.  Will involve standing most of the time but may involve walking or sitting for brief periods of time. 
• Walking, climbing, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to carry items weighing up to 80 pounds. 
• Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required.