Husbandry Curator

The North Carolina Aquariums at Roanoke Island is seeking a dynamic, efficient, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Husbandry Curator. This position reports directly to the Aquarium Assistant Director and is responsible for the planning, management, and oversight of all husbandry operations for the aquarium and the STAR Center, the associated rehabilitation facility.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Overseeing all aspects related to the husbandry of the aquariums and Jennette’s Pier biological collection including daily care, nutrition, enrichment/ training programs, record keeping, acquisition/deaccession, and animal welfare assessments.  
• Ensuring all required permits are correct and up to date.  
• Working closely with consulting veterinarians to develop and maintain medical protocols for diagnosis, control, and treatment of diseases and parasites.
• Overseeing the maintenance, repair and operation of animal life support systems at the Aquarium and the Pier.
• Knowledge of high-rate sand filters, fluidized sand filters, foam fractionators, ozone generators, reverse osmosis units, protein skimmers, UV sterilizers, heat exchangers, chillers, and pumps. 
• Designing and constructing life support systems for both holding and exhibit enclosures. 
• Working as part of a team representing the husbandry component to design and construct new exhibits. 
• Providing direction and oversight for all water quality testing, analysis and record keeping.
• Selecting, training, motivating, and supervising a team of 24 staff including the Assistant Husbandry Curator, the STAR Center husbandry staff, horticultural staff, aquarists, and temporary staff plus interns and volunteers.
• Planning husbandry unit goals, priorities and objectives, as well as annual budget. 
• Presenting animal husbandry related educational programs and representing the Aquarium at civic/professional events. 
• Working with staff and outside partners on conservation and research programs for the Aquarium. 
• Overseeing all aspects of the STAR Center including permit compliance, coordination for mass stranding events, animal rehabilitation, and organization of release activities in accordance with US Fish and Wildlife Standards.
• Position/Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Weekend and holiday work will be required.
• Must meet DNCR Fleet Safety Guidelines and have ability to obtain and maintain a valid NC driver's license. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

• To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form.
• Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit. 

Qualified candidates must have or be able to:

• Experience with the care of aquatic animals and plants, including fresh and saltwater fish, reptiles, birds, amphibians and invertebrates at a museum, public aquarium or zoo.
• Experience with plumbing, electrical and mechanical aspects of life support systems at a museum, public aquarium or zoo. 
• Experience using water quality testing laboratory equipment.
• Experience with animal training, enrichment, and/or behavioral conditioning.
• Experience with animal welfare evaluation.
• Valid SCUBA certification from a recognized SCUBA certification agency.

Experience Required

• Master’s degree in biology, education, history, museum studies, zoology, or a curriculum related to area of expertise from an appropriately accredited institution, and six years of experience in assigned specialty area, two of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Salary

• Recruitment Range $38,516 - $58,516