The Reintroduction Manager supports the mission of the Tennessee Aquarium to connect people with nature and empower them to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. This individual develops and implements science-based reintroduction and translocation programs for aquatic species of conservation concern, primarily in the southeastern United States. They also lead a team of full-time, part-time, and seasonal Reintroduction Biologists and Assistants in providing daily husbandry while ensuring high water quality in recirculating systems for animals such as Lake Sturgeon, Brook Trout, and Laurel Dace. This individual directs fieldwork necessary to assess the status of current or potential reintroduction programs, as well as develop strong working relationships with reintroduction partners inside and outside the Aquarium to advance scientific knowledge of best practices in reintroduction science and reach program goals for Aquarium programs.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide key management and supervision for Conservation Institute staff focused on reintroduction and translocation of aquatic species of conservation concern.
- Lead the Reintroduction team in providing daily husbandry for program animals including feeding, maintaining exceptional water quality, and monitoring animal health.
- Oversee daily operations for the Conservation Institute propagation room.
- Mentor reintroduction team in scientific research design and methodology to support reintroduction research.
- Provide reintroduction team with resources and training on developing resilience in response to compassion fatigue, conservation burnout, and animal loss
- Ensure data entry and welfare assessments are conducted to AZA standards.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with reintroduction partners, including state and federal agency personnel, university professors, and other non-profit organizations to ensure leadership in southeastern aquatic reintroduction programs.
- Direct fieldwork and other field support for monitoring, fish collection, and animal releases for reintroduction programs.
- Manage hiring and training for TNACI's summer reintroduction assistantship program in coordination with full-time team members.
- Determine budgets and implement purchasing for reintroduction programs, including both grant-funded and internally supported projects.
- Collaborate with grants team and development department to seek funding for new or existing reintroduction programs.
- Develop and deliver outreach programs, both in-classroom and online, promoting TNACI reintroduction biology and southeastern conservation to relevant audiences.
Key Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of eight years, or Master's Degree with a minimum of five years of work experience in husbandry, conservation science or a related field.
- One year of work experience in managing aquaculture or husbandry team members.
- Experience in care of aquatic animals in recirculating aquaculture settings.
- Effective interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication, including public presentations to all audiences.
- Ability to complete some light plumbing and carpentry work.
- Experience with ZIMS – Species 360 preferred.
- Knowledge of AZA standards for animal welfare, care, and management, as well as conservation.
- Some computer skills and familiarity with Word, Excel, and social media sites.
- Driver's license
- Full-time, salaried (Starting at $53,435/year, commensurate on experience); Requires regular weekend work (Saturday/Sunday) as well as occasional overnight trips as needed.
- All submissions must be received by June 6, 2025.
Experience Required
- Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of eight years, or Master's Degree with a minimum of five years of work experience in husbandry, conservation science or a related field.
Salary
- $53,435
