Husbandry Director

The Husbandry Director oversees the implementation of animal operations strategies that support our mission and achieve the highest possible standards of animal welfare, health and safety and public engagement. They serve as the Aquarium’s primary expert on day-to-day animal management operations issues and opportunities. The role also works collaboratively across the organization, actively participating in the planning of animal exhibits from both an animal needs/care as well as a visitor experience perspective, ensuring a world-class experience.

About us:

As a Herschend Family Entertainment property, Newport Aquarium is in the business of creating memories worth repeating by greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and seeking constant improvement.

Stewardship, guest satisfaction, and team member satisfaction are our core areas of focus. We aim to be a great place to work for great people by leading with patience, kindness, humility, respect, unselfishness, forgiveness, truthfulness, and trust. Together, we will create emotional connections that will last a lifetime!

What you’ll do

Senior Leadership

• As a member of senior leadership, coach, guide, lead by example, and create an environment where people work as a team and empower each other by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest and committed when interacting with one another, our vendors and partners, and our guests.
• Participate in overall administration and planning for Aquarium operations as a part of the senior leadership team.
• Serve as the chief Animal Care and Conservation advocate, driving further commitments to advancements in care and conservation initiatives.
• P&L management for all related business units.
• Serve as an official spokesperson for the Aquarium, interacting with media and the public to promote Aquarium interests and disseminate relevant information.

Husbandry

• As the lead curatorial manager, ensure excellence in animal care at all times through the direct supervision of the General Curator, Water Quality Manager, Animal Health & Quarantine Manager, Veterinarian and Animal Care Coordinator, ensuring AZA's standards for animal management and care, including living environments, social groupings, health, and nutrition are met or exceeded.
• Provide strategic insight and implementation of a comprehensive animal collection plan, ensuring the long-term maintenance of a healthy and genetically diverse population.
• Oversee employee development, coaching and counseling, performance appraisals and merit reviews. In conjunction with the General Curator, participates in aspects of hiring/promoting senior curatorial employees.
• Collaborate with the Director of Operations to ensure the facility's long-term operational and functional success by developing the 5-year facility maintenance outlook plan, defining and prioritizing initiatives to safely extend the useful life of equipment, systems, and structures.
• Collaborate in the design development and construction of new products and major facility renovation. Works as part of the product development team, providing strategic, zoological, and operational direction and support.
• Consult with engineering and develop life support system operations and maintenance plans.

What you’ll bring:

• A Bachelor’s degree in the Natural Sciences is preferred; may be substituted with equivalent experience
• 15 or more years of professional public aquarium experience with increasing levels of responsibility, including at least 5 years of senior management experience.
• Complete knowledge of all aquarium facility operations aspects, including general animal care, animal health, nutrition, water chemistry, life support operations/design, training/enrichment activities, and facilities equipment and machinery.
• Experience with project development, project management, and construction management.
• Experience with all marine and freshwater fishes, marine invertebrates, reptiles, and birds. Significant experience with large elasmobranchs, penguins, corals, and jellyfish is desired.
• Demonstrated ability to direct and motivate personnel associated with husbandry operations.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and direct a variety of animal collecting and procurement activities.
• Experience preparing and managing budgets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which includes emergency response, weekends and holidays.

Who you are:

• You are someone who strives for excellence in all you do. You are friendly and communicate well with all levels of employees. You don’t tolerate unnecessary drama and model good direct communication and problem-solving skills for others. You are excited about joining a company that operates as a team, all working together to achieve the same company goals.

What you’ll get:

• Competitive salary and annual bonus potential
• Comprehensive benefits plan through Cigna and MetLife
• Profit Sharing and 401K with company match after the first 1,000 hours of service
• Up to 100% paid tuition through GROW U program
• 2 weeks’ vacation, 1 week personal time, 1 week sick time, 8 paid holidays; all based on a full calendar year
• Free admission & 26 General Admission tickets annually, to be used by family and friends
• 30% Discount at our Retail, Food and Photo areas
• Free admission and discounts at other Herschend properties like Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, Harlem Globetrotters, Vancouver Aquarium and many more

Special Requirements:

• Successful completion of pre-employment background check and drug screening
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods, climb stairs, bend, and stoop
• Capable of performing strenuous and heavy physical labor; ability to lift 50 lbs.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, and agility of movement that will interfere with the ability to work
• A valid driver's license with a good driving record
• Advanced certification from a recognized SCUBA training organization
• Allergies related to animals or plants, which might interfere with the ability to work, must be controlled by medications or protective equipment
• Ability to speak, read, and write effectively in English
• This position has been identified as Safety Critical with authorized operator requirements

Note: This position may involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially hazardous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required. (e.g., Goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns)

Experience Required

• 15 years experience in public aquariums