Assistant Curator of Mammals & Birds

Minimum starting pay for this role is $80,000 annually. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

As the Assistant Curator of Mammals, Birds, and Amphibian, you will play a pivotal role in the management and development of our diverse collection. This position requires a passionate and experienced individual who can not only oversee the well-being of our avian, amphibian, and mammalian residents but also demonstrate strong leadership in fostering a collaborative and motivated team environment. The Assistant Curator will oversee the well-being and care of our avian, amphibian, and mammalian residents.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Lead and mentor a team of caretakers, ensuring they possess the necessary skills for animal care and exhibit maintenance.
• Design and implement ongoing training programs to keep staff updated on industry best practices, animal behavior, and conservation initiatives.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the department.
• Ensure the health and well-being of birds, amphibians, and mammals in the collection.
• Collaborate with the veterinary team to develop and implement comprehensive care plans.
• Oversee exhibit design and maintenance to provide enriching and stimulating environments for the animals.
• Work closely with the education and interpretation teams to develop engaging and education programs for our visitors.
• Collaborate on interpretive materials and signage to enhance the visitor experience and convey important conservation messages.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as education and conservation, to support integrated and interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including guest experience, conservation organizations, and state and federal agency partners.
• Assist in the development and management of the department budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently for optimal animal care and staff development.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to motivate and lead a diverse team.
• Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with staff, visitors, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation and a deep understanding of the role aquariums and zoos play in conservation and education efforts.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Openness to incorporating new technologies and methodologies in in animal care and management.

QUALIFICATIONS

The qualifications described here are representative of those that an individual must possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology or a related field or equivalent
• A minimum of 2 years of experience supervisory paid staff within a zoological or wildlife conservation setting.
• 8+ years proven experience in the care and management of birds, amphibians, and mammals.
• Previous experience leading teams of paid and volunteer staff to the successful accomplishment of a major task or objective.
• Possess a valid CA driver’s license (minimum of 3 years driving experience)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to balance bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist, climb ladders.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 0-75lbs.
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-100lbs.
• Ability to swim, SCUBA certification in dive aquarium habitats or open ocean.
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills.

MENTAL DEMANDS

The mental and emotional demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Flexibility and adaptability in dealing with high levels of responsibility, empathy, frustration and patience when it comes to the care of animals with basic needs.
• Resilience and ability to prioritize sometimes competing tasks and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and guests, even when differing perspectives present potential for conflict.
• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions and alternatives.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.
• Ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism.
• Ability to cope with occasional illness, injury, or loss of animals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to respond to unpredictable and potentially dangerous marine mammals, birds and program animals.
• Exposure to injury from animals.
• Food preparation with fish and shellfish.
• Exposure to various in temperature, humidity or wetness.
• Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways.
• Elevated platforms.
• Use of special auditory, visual, fall arrest and personal protective equipment.
• Exposed to working with biohazards.
• Use of hand tools, machinery and company vehicles.
• Aquarium habitats and open ocean environments.

INTERESTED & QUALIFIED?

If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below to “APPLY NOW.” You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required by all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:

1. You will complete a brief web application;
2. You will attach or build your resume;
3. You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.

Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration. If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks. If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise. Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!

Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.

APPLY NOW