Curator of Fish and Invertebrates

Association Of Zoos & Aquariums; Riverhead; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aquarium organization is seeking a Curator of Fish and Invertebrates to oversee the Fish Department. The role involves managing staff, ensuring the health and welfare of aquatic animals, and developing innovative care strategies. Candidates should have over 6 years of experience in aquariums and a Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field. SCUBA certification is required. The position calls for strong leadership and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• 6+ years experience in a public/private aquarium in a senior or managerial role.
• Extensive experience in care and maintenance of various fish and invertebrates.
• Experience in project leadership and exhibit/life support renovations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operations of the Fish Department.
• Manage staff performance and training.
• Conduct health assessments and document animal health records.

Skills

Taxonomy of marine and freshwater fish and invertebrates

Animal food preparation and nutrition

Water quality chemistry

Strong time management and organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related discipline

Tools

SCUBA equipment

Job description

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Interested in a career in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums? Learn more about types of zoo and aquarium jobs and relevant education programs in our career center .

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Long Island Aquarium

Curator of Fish and Invertebrates

Job Description

Curator of Fish and Invertebrates reports directly to the Executive Director of the Long Island Aquarium and supervises the daily operation of the Fish Department to ensure safe and proper implementation of established protocols for the management and maintenance of the animal collection, exhibits, and associated animal facilities and service areas. This position oversees a team of aquarists and life support operators and works in conjunction with the Senior Mammal, Bird and Reptile Curator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Direct staff to achieve goals and objectives for short- and long-term operations.

Manage direct reports including evaluating performance, coaching, advancement, hiring and accountability resulting in high-performance maintenance, growth and/or dismissal.

Manage other Aquarium teams when the direct manager is unavailable, as requested.

Operates as mentor and resource to the Fish Department with demonstrated knowledge in aquatic animal care, life support systems, and water quality.

Develop and implement innovative animal care strategies, exhibit techniques, and LSS systems.

Assumes project manager role when needed for major exhibit or life support renovations.

Responsible for ordering materials to ensure that adequate supplies and equipment exist.

Represents the fish department in various interdepartmental capacities as needed.

Participate in daily advanced animal husbandry techniques and assessments related to food, water, cleanliness, health, animal transfers and behavior.

Develops collection and captive management planning.

Conduct regular observations of animal health, behavior, and welfare to include disease detection and formal animal welfare assessments. Diagnose and respond to animal health issues or welfare concerns.

Identify and recommend changes to husbandry and habitat protocols that improve standards and eliminate animal welfare concerns.

Document husbandry tasks, animal observations, animal health records, animal welfare assessments and other animal transactions.

Monitor and analyze water quality of habitats, and other assigned areas and determine adjustments where necessary.

Training new and current staff members on new tasks.

Perform routine inspection and maintenance on mechanical systems and equipment, including but not limited to, fractionators, mechanical filters, UV sterilizers, small pumps, and habitat lighting systems.

Ability to work with aquarium chemotherapeutics and other chemicals.

Ability to perform precise chemical measurements and dosing while adhering to all safety protocols.

Assist in veterinary medical procedures, provide medication and treatment as directed by veterinary staff and curator.

Liaise with professional colleagues as a representative of the aquarium.

Knowledge and Skills

Extensive knowledge of taxonomy of marine and freshwater fish and invertebrates.

Advanced understanding of animal food preparation, nutrition, and feeding techniques.

Extensive knowledge of water quality chemistry as it pertains to aquarium systems.

Skilled with the operation of aquarium life support systems and filtrations.

Ability to perform chemical/medical measurements and dosing.

Strong time management and organizational skills, attention to detail. Analytical and problem-solving skills.

Experience working with/supervising staff.

Must be comfortable giving educational presentations to small and large audiences.

Strong time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks for large work areas and teams.

Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline or extensive hands-on experience working with a live animal collection at a zoo, aquarium or similar institution

6+ years experience working at a public/private aquarium in a senior or managerial role.

Extensive experience in the care and maintenance of a wide variety of fish and invertebrates.

Extensive experience and proficiency in the capture, handling, transfer and transportation of fish and invertebrates.

Experience in project leadership and exhibit/life support renovations.

Possesses experience and knowledge towards disease and treatment of animals along with performing necropsy.

Knowledge of collection planning processes.

Working knowledge of the use of SCUBA to maintain aquatic animals and habitats; must possess current SCUBA certification from a professionally recognized SCUBA certifying agency.

Must have good organizational and time management skills.

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays. Must respond to emergency calls involving but not limited to animal related, diver related or life support.

This position calls for physical activity throughout the day; must be able to stand, stoop, walk on possible uneven surfaces, climb ladders, and lift a minimum of 50lbs.

Must possess a valid Driver’s License and insurance, or ability to obtain one within 60 days of employment.

Must be self-motivated, with the desire to provide the best care to animals under care.

Please submit application using the information provided on the original job listing on AZA.org.