Manager, Rescue and Rehabilitation

The New England Aquarium is a catalyst for global change through public engagement, commitment to marine animal conservation, leadership in education, innovative scientific research, and effective advocacy for vital and vibrant oceans. The NEAq's Sea Turtle Rescue Program established in 1967, now located in Quincy Ma, focuses on marine animal conservation by leading in regional efforts to respond, rehabilitate, disentangle and conduct research on endangered and threatened sea turtles of Massachusetts. This critical work is done under federal permits obtained through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Over the past several decades the NEAq has advanced its medical management of chronic cold-stunned sea turtles by treating over 5000 turtles of which over 80% are the critically endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle. In addition to treating over 400 sea turtles a year, NEAq focuses on research of sea turtles with the use of veterinary science to improve the care of captive sea turtles and pioneer advances in surgical management, telemetry, rehabilitation and transportation.

Under the direction of the department director, provide hands-on supervision of daily clinical, husbandry, and field-response activities. Coordinate and implement daily operation in a manner that adheres to protocols established by the department director. Insure the highest standards of animal care and safeguard compliance to the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Supervise, direct, and evaluate Rescue staff onsite and in the field. Aid Department director in departmental administration and staff development.

This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Wednesday-Saturday, four 10-hour days. Some holidays, and occasional early morning or late-night hours required. Must be able to travel, nationally and internationally.

ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP FUNCTIONS

• Supervises, manages and delegates the daily routines of temporary and seasonal biologists to ensure the highest standard of animal care.
• Manages staff schedules, approves time off requests and provides adequate personnel coverage at all times.
• Provides guidance, mentoring, training and feedback to new hires and existing staff on animal husbandry, life support design, operation and maintenance and project work.
• Provides oversight on volunteer and intern needs, and their subsequent training.
• Ensures open lines of communication and providing such communication in a timely fashion.
• Reviews and approves bi-weekly timecards in accordance with Finance Department deadlines.
• Collaborates with Department Director to conduct annual performance appraisals, providing on-going performance feedback and addressing performance issues.
• Assists Department Director in conducting interviews and making recommendations for hiring new biologist including seasonal sea turtle biologists.
• Leads by example collaborating and fostering a team environment amongst Animal Care Division staff and across other divisions.
• Serves as NEAq representative on the GARS Consortium and UME working groups as assigned by Department Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform all the duties of a Senior Biologist including hands-on biologist duties at all levels, as needed, to provide coverage.
• Promote efficiency by aiding departmental prioritization of daily work and projects (including FLSA implications).
• Evaluate the adequacy of staffing coverage and make recommendations to Department Director.
• Implement protocols and standard operating procedures that relate to animal care, clinical treatments, husbandry, and field response, including areas such as diet and nutrition, bio-security, animal enrichment, and equipment maintenance and operation.
• Act as Department liaison when appropriate with other NEAq departments and external parties.
• Participate in report writing, generating and reviewing purchase orders, management of fish food inventory, and administrative tasks.
• Oversee Tracks program and guide staff and unpaid volunteers in Tracks use and operation.
• Participate in detailed management of LSS in partnership with other appropriate departments.
• Responsible for submitting and tracking preventive maintenance of equipment using HIPPO program to communicate with Facilities.
• Attend meetings on behalf of the Department Director, as appropriate.
• Coordinate long-range animal release efforts including the annual Sea Turtle Trek.
• Ensures a high level of department aesthetics throughout the Sea Turtle Hospital, supportive areas such as the necropsy lab and storage area, and the Rescue vehicle(s).
• Ensure that all relevant support areas are always safe, orderly and clean.
• Assume a leadership role if requested in the event of an emergency closure, power outage, or similar unusual circumstance.
• Conduct facility tours to both internal and external groups when appropriate.
• Develop and maintain relationships with colleagues in the industry.
• Support department Director in grant and report writing, and other administrative tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training, Certifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related science.
• Five years of experience caring for animals in a clinical setting, experience with sea turtles preferred.
• 2 years of demonstrated supervisory/leadership experience preferred in routine and emergency situations.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• ICS 100 and 200 preferred or willingness to obtain
• Experience in field response of live and dead marine animals, helpful.
• Experience with animal necropsy preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and uplift teams.
• Must have strong training, mentoring and team building skills.
• Must have strong communications and collaboration skills and a commitment to Animal Care Division activities that support our institutional Pillar.
• Experience and thorough understanding of the laws governing sea turtles and marine mammals is essential.
• Experience with the Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network and its reporting protocols preferred
• Knowledge of the Greater Atlantic Region Stranding Network preferred.
• Understanding of life support design and operation, quarantine principles and protocols, water quality and the interpretation of testing results.
• Must have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.