Associate Curator of Aquatic Collections

The Associate Curator of Aquatic Collections directly oversees the Husbandry Manager and Sustainability Manager in addition to program and project activities in their area(s) of responsibility. They are responsible for setting priorities and clear expectations that ensure high level animal care practices and measured outcomes. They oversee programmatic work within the Fishes department including collection planning, quarantine, and larval programs. The Associate Curator also has oversight of New England Aquarium's Animal Welfare program.

This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and work must be conducted onsite, with some days worked at our main facility on Central Wharf, and others at our Animal Care facility in Quincy, MA. Must be available to work occasional weekends, holidays, and early morning or late night hours as required, which occasionally involves responding to life support alarms outside of normal working hours, including weekends. Must be able to travel nationally and internationally.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates and facilitates annual collection planning for the Fishes Department. Acts as the point of contact for animal suppliers and vendors to ensure compliance and quality control. Works closely with the Aquarists to ensure appropriate space has been allocated for all incoming acquisitions. Tracks life span/life expectancy for animals under the care of the Fishes Department. In conjunction with the Associate Curators and Fishes Managers, makes recommendations on animal acquisitions and husbandry modifications based on the outcome of data compiled.
• Oversees the Animal Welfare Program including programmatic oversight of assessments, action plans, and training. Acts as the Welfare Committee Chair. Coordinates and facilitates the quarterly Welfare Committee meetings, responsible for continued refinement of the program, ensures compliance to standards. Oversees the review of animal welfare concerns.
• Reviews all quarantine plans through the Tracks Transaction module. Evaluates all Quincy Animal Care Center quarantines with the Husbandry Manager, Husbandry Aquarists, and Animal Health Department. Tracks quarantine success rates in conjunction with the Husbandry Manager and Husbandry Aquarists. Makes recommendations on animal acquisitions based on the outcome of those rates. Actively participates in reviews of quarantine protocols with the Animal Health Department.
• Sets area strategy and advises aquarists through Husbandry Manager and Sustainability Manager to ensure the proper appearance, operation, and Husbandry of exhibits and support areas. Evaluates exhibits and support systems and recommends improvements/maintenance.
• Oversees and directs Area Managers to ensure timely and accurate completion of scheduling, record keeping, report writing, purchase orders, and administrative tasks in area(s) of responsibility, and ensures successful communication of the same. Models leadership for Managers.
• Works closely with the Campus Operations team to ensure that the Quincy Animal Care Center facility's maintenance and repairs are addressed. In tandem with other QACC leaders, oversees the submission and tracking of preventive maintenance of equipment using HIPPO program to communicate with Campus Operations.
• Collaborates in the development and implementation plans for improvements to existing exhibits, life support systems, and support areas. Participates in and helps direct departmental projects and the development of new exhibits. Oversees the installation of new support systems and spaces, working with Director(s) of Project Management, the Campus Operations team, the Marketing team, and Curators.
• Provides oversight and support for the Larval Fishes and Live Foods Programs.
• Collaborates with the Curators and the Animal Care Coordinator on the development of annual budgets for the Department. Provides ongoing budget management such as expense tracking and analysis. Tracks various capital projects, grants, and contracts when appropriate.
• Has a proactive approach towards external engagement, including establishing colleague relationships and maintaining expansive networks with industry peers. Emphasizes collaborative efforts and expertise exchange, especially in the husbandry domains of animal welfare, quarantine procedures, and collection planning.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Training and Experience

• Bachelor's degree with a concentration in science preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of vocationally relevant experience.
• Minimum 4 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience with project planning and management preferred.
• Experience with large and small life support systems required.
• SCUBA certification by a recognized certification agency required.
• Medical Examiner's authorization to dive in accordance with NEAq Diving Control Board
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to secure a Medical Examiner's Certificate in Accordance with Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (49 CFR 391.41-391.49).
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of diverse taxonomic groups; elasmobranchs, teleosts, corals, plants, invertebrates
• Well-versed in TRACKS and have a solid understanding of institutional and industry-accepted programs for animal data management.
• Must have a solid understanding of life support design and operation, quarantine principles and protocols, and water quality and the interpretation of testing results.
• Must be willing to work with a frequently changing, diverse collection of animals.
• Proven leadership, team building, communications, and collaboration skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact positively and successfully with all levels of an organization and community.
• Organizational skills, attention to detail and proven ability to handle multiple complex tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and use sound judgment in solving problems.
• Demonstrated ability to build and leverage external contacts and networks to advance internal programs such as welfare, quarantine, and acquisition planning.
• Must be able and willing to perform SCUBA diving as assigned. The amount of time diving varies significantly depending on the area of assignment, from occasionally to routinely.
  
  

For more information and to apply online please visit: http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/

New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.