Curator of Birds & Mammals

The Seattle Aquarium, a leading marine conservation organization, is looking for a Curator of Birds and Mammals to join the Bird and mammal team. The Curator leads and organizes the animal care staff and programs in supervision of the wholistic husbandry and wellbeing of the Seattle Aquarium’s birds, mammals, and their integrated education and engagement with the whole aquarium. The current animals in care include sea otters, harbor seals, northern fur seals, North American river otters, alcids, shorebirds, and a small number of fish and invertebrate species who coexist in these exhibit systems. This position Provides responsibility for the day-to-day operations, management, and employee development programs of the Bird and Mammal team; work collaboratively with all other departments at the Aquarium for creative and engaging engagements and education, coordinates construction and maintenance of exhibits; enhancing practices and opportunities for animal training, husbandry and veterinary programs, presentations, and media relations.  

The Curator supports the work of and reports to the Life Sciences VP and Department. The Curator works alongside along Temperate and tropical team leaders and systems for peer support while overseeing a department of nine full-time employees, five part-time employees with three direct reports and is accountable for the scheduling, professional development, program evaluation, and management a budget of approximately $1,300,000.

The natural sciences and the conservation movement have historically marginalized many communities from taking on scientific and supervision roles such as this one. The Bird and Mammal team actively seeks to dismantle this practice and broaden participation in marine and environmental conservation professions, making them more inclusive of the full diversity of our communities and responsive to their needs and perspectives. Candidates passionate about anti-racism, social justice, environmental justice, and other intersections will be an asset to our work. Curation and care is as culturally significant as it is ecologically and scientifically. Multicultural, multilingual, and diverse experiences are an asset in this role as we have a diverse and passionate team.

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed below may be demonstrated through a combination of relevant cultural, traditional practices, community programs, jobs, internships, volunteer experience, and or formal or informal education. 

Experience Required

• Possess organizational skills, be self-motivated, and have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Is positive and willing to action change to meet changing business needs.
• Continuously facilitates the acceptance and implementation of change within the workplace.
• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, or related field.
• A minimum of five years of: work in a zoo or aquarium related to animal care and husbandry, resident animal population management, and research. Prior work in an AZA accredited facility preferred.
• At least three years prior supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of computer software, including database management.
• Experience with animal husbandry skills and industry best practices: including animal transport, animal acquisitions, animal quarantine, health and clinical treatments required.
• Possess or able to obtain a Washington State driver’s license.

Perks

comprehensive benefits package to include medical, vision, dental, an employer-funded health reimbursement account, medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, 403b retirement fund with employer match, access to a subsidized ORCA pass, a Seattle Aquarium Family Plus membership and generous paid time off.

Salary

• $80,000-$90,000, Dependent on experience