Curator, Australia & Rainforest Habitats

National Aquarium; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 83,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

National Aquarium in Baltimore is seeking a Curator of Australia and Rainforest to lead animal care, staff, and day-to-day operations for diverse habitats including Australia: Wild Extremes and Puffin Habitat. You will set husbandry standards, guide collection planning, and ensure timely decisions with Animal Health and leadership.

The role oversees staff, conducts performance coaching, and collaborates across teams to maintain welfare, safety, and exhibit excellence on-site in Baltimore, MD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, animal science, aquatic science, horticulture, or equivalent experience.
• At least five years in an aquarium, zoo, or similar setting with three years of staff supervision.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, welfare assessment, collection management and complex habitat operations.
• Ability to lead people, manage priorities and budgets, and communicate across disciplines.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet driving requirements for Aquarium work.

Responsibilities

• Lead animal and plant care across habitats, including nutrition, behavior, habitat management and population control.
• Identify welfare, health, safety concerns, document changes, and escalate as needed.
• Partner with Animal Health on preventive medicine and health-related decisions.
• Develop collection and breeding recommendations; coordinate acquisitions and dispositions.
• Maintain records meeting laws, AZA standards, and Aquarium policies.
• Supervise staff, hire/onboard, coach, and support succession planning.
• Set priorities and staffing plans for safety and operations.
• Foster collaboration and timely escalation across teams.

Skills

Staff supervision

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Animal care knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

Job description

National Aquarium in Baltimore is seeking a Curator of Australia and Rainforest to lead animal care, staff, and day-to-day operations for diverse habitats including Australia: Wild Extremes and Puffin Habitat. You will set husbandry standards, guide collection planning, and ensure timely decisions with Animal Health and leadership.

The role oversees staff, conducts performance coaching, and collaborates across teams to maintain welfare, safety, and exhibit excellence on-site in Baltimore, MD.