Senior Aquarium Curator & Team Leader

California Academy of Sciences; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco seeks a Senior Curator for the Steinhart Aquarium to lead living collection care, habitats, and related programs, guiding strategy with the leadership team and ensuring animal welfare and conservation goals.

You will manage biologists and support staff, coordinate research and AZA-aligned projects, oversee budgets, collaborations, and exhibits development, and represent the Aquarium in public presentations and professional forums.

Qualifications

• Seven years of paid full-time animal/plant husbandry or related field in a public aquarium or zoological facility.
• Minimum five years of progressive work experience in managing projects, budgets, and/or professional staff.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine/Aquatic Biology, Chemistry or related field.

Responsibilities

• Directly and indirectly manage and supervise managers, biologists, interns and volunteers, including schedules and work assignments.
• Oversee development, daily care, and management of the resident collection and assigned galleries, habitats, and behind-the-scenes support areas within Steinhart Aquarium.
• Develop and oversee Aquarium conservation and research projects aligned with the Academy’s strategic initiatives and AZA programs.
• Coordinate the acquisition and transfer of specimens or similar projects.
• Maintain records using the department’s standardized software programs.
• Assist with departmental strategic plan and operating budget, and manage programs and exhibit installations.

Skills

Leadership

Management

Animal care

Public speaking

Project management

Budgeting

Staff development

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Biology/Zoology

Job description

The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco seeks a Senior Curator for the Steinhart Aquarium to lead living collection care, habitats, and related programs, guiding strategy with the leadership team and ensuring animal welfare and conservation goals.

You will manage biologists and support staff, coordinate research and AZA-aligned projects, oversee budgets, collaborations, and exhibits development, and represent the Aquarium in public presentations and professional forums.