Curator of Animals

JOB SUMMARY
The Curator is responsible for the development and maintenance of world-class exhibits, and all life science/ husbandry operations in the facility. Daily responsibilities involve overseeing the care, procurement, maintenance, safety and well-being of all; animals, life support systems, exhibits and team members.

In addition to animal and exhibit care, this position must have high business acumen, servant leadership, exceptional customer service and be dedicated to achieving the highest possible standards of service in all they do. This role will report to the Executive Director of the Children's Aquarium and will have a team of animal care and LSS members as direct reports. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Department & Leadership

• Assist in the development and achievement of department goals, company objectives, and KPI’s for the Curatorial department.
• Promote good business practices with special focus on achieving the highest possible standards of service excellence and animal care. Ensure the highest level of guest service with regard to safety, courtesy, education and efficiency. 
• Manage, support and supervise all areas of the Curatorial Department. 
• Assist in overseeing the day-to-day operation of the Curatorial department as needed.
• Actively listen to guest and management feedback, requests and concerns in order to take action in an ethical, effective and timely manner to exceed their expectations.
• Anticipate changing guest and animal needs and service requirements and incorporate into operation plans.
• Maintain facilities and exhibits in a professional manner, clean and operationally ready at all times.  
• Work closely and effectively with other departments.
• Perform public relations functions and conservation promotions associated with the department, facility and company as needed.
• Collaborate with external organizations, conservation-oriented bodies, and strategic partners.
• Serve as Facility representative to professional agencies, institutions and various committees including aquarium operations, exhibits, research, and safety.
• Serve as on-call representative for animal components of the facility.  
• Coordinate with support departments for assistance on maintenance of life support systems and other relevant technical systems.
• Display a friendly, helpful and cheerful attitude while communicating effectively with our guests and fellow team members.
• To represent & promote the Company and the Facility in a positive manner in order to convey and maintain a professional image.

Animal Care, Safety & Compliance

• Organize, direct, and establish innovative exhibits. Constantly strive to improve existing animal exhibits and animal care standards.
• Initiate, develop and oversee the publishing of all operational standards, policies and procedures for all aspects of animal care, life support systems, exhibits, guest animal interaction, and safety.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of staff engaged in the inventory, care, feeding and delivery of animals.
• Ensure consistent and accurate records for animal inventory, mortalities lists, and animal dispositions are submitted. Prepare periodic reports for all Curatorial and Maintenance/LSS department activities.
• Conduct inspections of animal facilities to ensure the required sanitation standards; observe and report noticeable or unusual changes in animal behavior or illnesses.
• Oversee all overall health, surveillance and medical treatments as required. Review and monitor all animal necropsy and veterinarian site visit reports. Ensure accuracy and completion of animal health records.
• Prepare as requested periodic reports for all Curatorial and Maintenance/LSS department activities (daily, weekly, quarterly, etc.).

• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality, state and federal rules and regulations. 
• Ensure department and faculty compliance of company and facility-specific policies and procedures.
• To obtain approval from the appropriate authorities for all related activities as needed.
• Implement and train staff on emergency preparedness procedure. Manage emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals, or company property.

Financial

• Develop and have accountability for department annual capital, labor and expense budgets.
• Monitor the effectiveness of exhibits when it comes to guest experience and profit. Stay attune and adjust as needed to maximize profits. Keep record for review and improvement of revenue forecast and projections.
• Monitor the Curatorial inventory and departmental expenditure in order to reduce loss, waste and control costs to prevent going over budget.
• Actively seek and implement cost saving programs in order for the facility to operate as efficiently as possible.
• Proactively assist in the implementation of new experiences and educational opportunities to maximize revenues and guest experience.

Learning, Development & Culture

• To attend training and development programs in order to promote personal and career growth.
• To train team members and equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge and attitude in order to perform the job effectively and deliver memorable experiences.
• Implement and oversee high quality training and evaluation programs for Curatorial staff. To ensure that the needs of the business are being met.
• To conduct team member performance appraisals in a timely, fair and constructive manner in order to promote personal and career growth.
• To coach and discipline the Curatorial team members in a fair and consistent manner in order to motivate and improve performance.
• To engage and empower the Curatorial team in order to reduce turnover and increase retention.
• To motivate and inspire all team members to perform at their very best through role modeling, providing feedback, rewarding and recognizing, respecting and frequently communicating. 

EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• 4+ years in a similar animal care leadership position
• 4+ years strong background in saltwater aquariums.
• 2+ years’ experience in managing teams
• Relevant 4-year college degree or 2-year degree with work experience. 
• 4+ years strong background in saltwater aquariums.
• Previous experience working with relevant authorities and accrediting associations. 
• 2+ years’ experience in a customer service/guest interaction setting.  
• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite or G Suite.
• Dive, CPR, AALSO, and any other care/husbandry certifications highly preferred