Oceans Care Lead - Aquatic Animal Welfare & Team Leadership

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

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.