Executive Leader, Animal Care & Wellbeing

National Aquarium; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 118,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible paid leave

Paid family leave

Health insurance

Job summary

The National Aquarium seeks a Vice President of Animal Care and Wellbeing to lead animal care, health and welfare, rescue operations, and dive safety across the organization. The VP will supervise ACW leaders, set welfare standards, guide habitat planning, and ensure timely decisions and follow-through to improve animal and staff outcomes.

They will advise senior leadership, collaborate with Facilities and Water Science, and drive policies that support wellbeing, conservation, and education

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in senior leadership for animal care and welfare.
• Strong knowledge of animal welfare practices and AZA standards.
• Excellent communication and staff development abilities.
• Ability to coordinate across departments for animal health and habitat planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop leaders of Animal Care, Animal Health and Wellbeing, Animal Rescue, Behavioral Husbandry and Dive Safety.
• Establish and evaluate animal welfare practices and document outcomes.
• Provide executive oversight of Animal Rescue and Dive Safety; manage risk and incident review.
• Develop policies supporting animal care and wellbeing in partnership with ACW leadership.
• Create Institutional Collection Plan aligned with wellbeing, conservation and education goals.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term animal exhibit plans; ensure compliance with laws and AZA standards.

Skills

Executive leadership

Animal care expertise

Communication skills

AZA standards knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in animal science

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The National Aquarium seeks a Vice President of Animal Care and Wellbeing to lead animal care, health and welfare, rescue operations, and dive safety across the organization. The VP will supervise ACW leaders, set welfare standards, guide habitat planning, and ensure timely decisions and follow-through to improve animal and staff outcomes.

They will advise senior leadership, collaborate with Facilities and Water Science, and drive policies that support wellbeing, conservation, and education