Assistant Curator of Oceans

Indianapolis Zoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Indianapolis Zoo seeks an experienced Assistant Curator of Oceans to lead the Oceans animal collection, including sharks, rays, marine fish, and invertebrates. You will supervise staff, coordinate diets, enrichment, medical care, and welfare assessments while maintaining water quality standards.

Working closely with the Curator of Marine Mammals & Oceans, you will oversee daily operations, safety, and records, and support exhibit operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Aquatic Biology, Animal Science, or related field.
• At least four years of professional experience in a related animal care, zoo, aquarium, or aquatic animal management field.
• At least two years of practical zoo or aquarium experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry for fish, sharks, rays, and marine invertebrates.
• Working knowledge of water chemistry, water quality monitoring, filtration, and aquatic life support systems.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision, and direction to assigned animal care staff, including training and performance management.
• Maintain direct accountability for health and welfare of the Oceans collection.
• Oversee animal diets, enrichment, medical care coordination, and welfare assessments.
• Monitor aquatic environments and oversee water quality testing and documentation.
• Collaborate with Veterinary Services, Life Support, Facilities, and other departments to support animal care and exhibit operations.
• Maintain accurate animal care records and water quality documentation.
• Coordinate animal transfers, acclimation, quarantine, and other collection management activities.
• Promote a safe working environment and ensure staff follow safety procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Communication

Problem solving

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology / Zoology / Marine Biology

Tools

Water quality testing

Life support systems

Scuba diving training

Job description

Are you passionate about aquatic animal care and ready to make an impact in a dynamic aquatic environment? We're looking for an experienced animal care professional to join our team as Assistant Curator of Oceans, bringing leadership, technical knowledge, and a commitment to exceptional animal welfare.

About the Role

This position provides leadership, direction and oversight for the Zoo's Oceans animal collection, including sharks, rays, marine and tropical fish, and marine invertebrates such as sea stars, sea urchins, corals, and sea anemones.

Working closely with the Curator of Marine Mammals & Oceans, this individual maintains direct accountability for the health, welfare and daily care of the assigned collection while leading and developing animal care staff. The Assistant Curator also plays an important role in maintaining water quality standards, overseeing husbandry practices and supporting the daily operations of the department.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership, supervision, and direction to assigned animal care staff, including training, coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Maintain direct accountability for the health, welfare, husbandry, and care of the Oceans animal collection.
• Oversee animal diets, enrichment, training, medical care coordination, and ongoing animal health and welfare assessments.
• Monitor aquatic environments and oversee water quality testing, documentation, and evaluation to ensure appropriate conditions are maintained.
• Work collaboratively with Veterinary Services, Life Support, Facilities, and other departments to support animal care and exhibit operations.
• Ensure accurate animal care records, water quality documentation, and departmental procedures are maintained and followed.
• Coordinate animal transfers, acclimation, quarantine, and other collection management activities.
• Promote a safe working environment and ensure staff follow established safety procedures and animal handling practices.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Biology, Aquatic Biology, Animal Science, or a related field.
• At least four years of professional experience in a related animal care, zoo, aquarium, or aquatic animal management field.
• At least two years of practical zoo or aquarium experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry, including the care and management of fish, sharks, rays, and marine invertebrates.
• Working knowledge of water chemistry, water quality monitoring, filtration, and aquatic life support systems.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to train, coach, and develop staff while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Ability to obtain scuba certification through the Indianapolis Zoo Scuba Diver program and maintain CPR certification.

Why Join Us?

At the Indianapolis Zoo, our mission is to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on animal welfare, contribute to the development of a dedicated animal care team, and help support the continued success of our Oceans collection.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.