Exhibits Technician III (Assistant Curator)

FHLB Des Moines; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Aquarium seeks a Fishes, Herpetology, and Invertebrates Assistant Curator (Exhibits Technician III). The role focuses on the safe management of the aquarium’s animal populations and on supporting the animal-care staff who care for them, including large elasmobranchs, teleosts, invertebrates, and reptiles.

You will supervise section staff, divers, volunteers and interns; lead advanced husbandry procedures; assist with exhibit repairs and life-support systems; and work with senior

Qualifications

• Four years of advanced husbandry experience with diverse taxa in a public aquarium or similar facility.
• Four years with marine/freshwater life-support system maintenance and repair in a public aquarium or similar facility.
• Two years of experience leading and coordinating animal procedures.
• Experience supervising, coaching, and evaluating husbandry staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of section staff, divers, volunteers, and interns to ensure welfare of live animal populations.
• Lead advanced husbandry procedures such as physical examinations of animals in the collection.
• Conduct emergency response training for dangerous animal scenarios.
• Collaborate with senior staff and veterinary team to develop SOPs and collection plans.
• Maintain life support systems and assist with exhibit repairs and cost analysis.

Skills

Animal Care

Staff Supervision

Diving/SCUBA supervision

Safety Protocols

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

SCUBA certification Open Water Diver or higher

Driver’s license

Tools

Life support systems

Exhibit construction/maintenance

Job description

Department:VIRGINIA AQUARIUMCompensation Grade:G22Compensation Range & Starting Salary:Pay Range: $49,504.00 - $77,147.20Starting Salary: $49,504.00 (minimum of the pay range)Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):NoScheduled Weekly Hours:40About Us:Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees. Apply now to join an organization where you truly make a difference.Job Duties and Preferred Qualifications:The Virginia Aquarium seeks a Fishes, Herpetology, and Invertebrates Assistant Curator (Exhibits Technician III). Through direct involvement, this position places emphasis on the safe management of the Virginia Aquarium’s population of animals, and the animal care staff who are entrusted with their care while supporting the mission of the Virginia Aquarium and the City of Virginia Beach. The population of species includes large elasmobranchs, teleosts, invertebrates, crocodilians, monitor lizards, venomous and non-venomous snakes, fishes, invertebrates (including jellies), and a variety of amphibians.The selected candidate must have proven experience with these types of animals, and the ability to train and supervise staff to safely work with these species.Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Supervise a team of section staff, divers, volunteers, and interns to ensure the welfare of live animal populations and management of assigned areasLead and coordinate advanced husbandry procedures such as physical examinations with animals in the collection (some potentially dangerous)Conduct emergency response training and drills in the event of a dangerous animal escape or injuryWork closely with senior curatorial staff and veterinary team to develop SOPs and collection plansConduct repairs, design and build new exhibits, maintain life support systems, and assist with cost analysis of relevant exhibitsRemain abreast of the latest animal care techniques for these unique species and seek opportunities to become involved with groups or organizations such as AZA, TAG or SSP groups where possibleSupport the guest experience by participating in visitor enhancement development and actively seek out guest engagement opportunitiesSuccessful candidates will have:• Four (4) years of full-time equivalent advanced husbandry experience with cnidarians (including jellies and corals), crustaceans, elasmobranchs, teleosts, and cephalopods in a public aquarium or similar facility• Four (4) years of full-time equivalent experience (may be concurrent) with marine and freshwater life support system maintenance and repair in a public aquarium or similar facility; specific preference will be given to mixed taxa exhibits• Two (2) years of experience leading and coordinating animal procedures• Experience supervising, coaching, and managing husbandry staff including conducting performance evaluations and providing feedback• Four (4) years of exhibit maintenance and husbandry diving experience, including leading dives performed in a public aquarium or similar facility• Current SCUBA certification of Open Water Diver or higher from a nationally recognized certifying agencyPreferences:• Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology, marine biology, marine science, zoology, aquarium science, aquaculture, or related field• Experience with animal acquisitions and dispositions• Experience researching and procuring aquarium and animal products• Operating/working knowledge of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and/or Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) current standards, guidelines, and programs• Operating/working knowledge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services’ current guidelines and standardsWork Schedule: 40 hours/week between 7AM-6PM including weekends, rotating holidays and occasional evenings for special events.The City offers a generous benefits package which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement, and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, and holiday and paid leave.Additional Requirements:• DMV Transcript: Yes• CDL: No• Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: No• CPS Check: No• Physical: Yes• Respirator: No• Psychological Screening: No• Polygraph: No• At Will: NoThis position is being advertised as a pool and will remain open until a pool of qualified applicants has been established.Minimum Requirements:Minimum Qualifications: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to seven (7) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with positions such as aquarist, exhibits technician, biologist, or animal keeper, assistant curator, or curator in a similar facility or program. Individual positions will have specific requirements regarding subject expertise, skills, and training; these will be noted on job requisition at time opening is advertised. Must possess and maintain at all times current SCUBA certification of Open Water Diver or higher from a nationally recognized certifying agency. Must have a current and valid driver’s license. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and overtime when required to meet operational needs. This position may require an incumbent to wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel-toed shoes, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, or other safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee’s supervisor based on position assigned. Positions within this class have been designated as Alpha I positions requiring employees to work during inclement weather, regardless of the City’s operational status. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to mandatory drug testing and annual exams. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination. Successful completion of pre-employment physical.Skills:Animal Care, Animal Health Care, Animal Welfare, Aquariums, Employee Supervision, Ensure Compliance, Safety Protocols, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), SupervisionWorking Conditions:Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City’s business.The Working Conditions Summary is intended to provide a general overview of the environmental conditions inherent in the job setting, as well as the physical, mental, and sensory requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position in the noted job profile. Please copy and paste the URL below into your web browser to view the Working Conditions Summary for this position.https://workingcondition-summary-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/P8647.pdfOfficial Job Descriptions:To browse official job descriptions, please access this link - https://virginiabeach.gov/careers/job-descriptions-pay-plans?search=&group=EVRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The City of Virginia Beach is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status as defined by applicable law.