Head Curator, Marine Mammals & Ocean Conservation

indianapoliszoo; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an experienced Curator of Marine Mammals & Oceans to lead two departments and champion animal welfare, conservation, staff development, and guest experience.

You'll provide strategic leadership over marine mammals and oceans programs, supervise Assistant Curators, collaborate with Veterinary Services and other departments, and guide exhibits, rearing, and population management.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of direct or related experience in a zoo, aquarium, marine mammal facility, or similar setting.
• At least 4 years of personnel management or supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, welfare, training, enrichment, reproduction, and health practices for marine mammals/aquatic animals.
• Ability to lead, coach, develop, and hold employees accountable.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with staff, other departments, professional organizations, and external partners.
• Commitment to animal welfare, conservation, professional development, and continuous improvement.
• Strong observational skills and temperament to work effectively with animals.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Marine Mammals and Oceans departments.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Assistant Curators and departmental staff.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, training, and daily operations.
• Oversee animal husbandry, welfare, training, enrichment, behavioral management, and reproductive programs.
• Work with Veterinary Services to monitor animal health and welfare concerns.
• Lead collection planning, acquisitions, dispositions, transfers, breeding, and population management.
• Ensure programs comply with Zoo policies, AZA standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee animal transportation, permits, documentation, and collection records.
• Provide curatorial expertise for exhibits, holding areas, renovations, repairs, and facility projects.
• Participate in conservation programs, AZA activities, and Species Survival Plan programs.
• Represent the Indianapolis Zoo through professional organizations, conferences, and events.
• Collaborate with Education to engage guests in marine mammals, oceans, and conservation.
• Assist with departmental business plans and budgets; manage resources within parameters.
• Promote a safe and secure workplace and respond to safety concerns.
• Support Wild U philosophy by creating meaningful guest interactions and conservation involvement.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Animal welfare

Communication

Collaboration

Decision making

Observational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Marine Biology

Graduate degree preferred

Job description

The Indianapolis Zoo is seeking an experienced Curator of Marine Mammals & Oceans to lead two departments and champion animal welfare, conservation, staff development, and guest experience.

You'll provide strategic leadership over marine mammals and oceans programs, supervise Assistant Curators, collaborate with Veterinary Services and other departments, and guide exhibits, rearing, and population management.