Conservation Manager- Fish & Invertebrates

Minimum starting pay for this role is $78,000 annually. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

The primary role of the Conservation Manager of Fish and Invertebrates is to assist the Curator of Fish and Invertebrates with the development and implementation of Aquarium conservation initiatives. The Conservation Manager will serve as a lead for administrative and communication aspects of the conservation initiatives, and coordination of ex-situ and in-situ projects. This includes responsibility for grant reporting compliance, permitting, serving as a spokesperson to disseminate program information and accomplishments internally and publicly, and participating in the development of sustainable funding proposals. The Conservation Manager is required to be familiar and proficient and assist in the daily husbandry routine in the Fish and Invertebrates Department.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing conservation projects and initiatives under the Fish and Invertebrate Department.
• Managerial responsibilities for any direct reports including wage and hour management, annual performance reviews, scheduling, staff development, performance corrections, etc.
• Participate in Fish and Invertebrates weekly management meetings and semi-annual strategic planning sessions.
• Assists with identifying interested and appropriately experienced staff to participate in aquarium conservation projects.
• Coordinates training of staff in conservation initiatives, including white abalone, sunflower sea star, and various fish and invertebrate husbandry conservation projects.
• Coordinates fieldwork with multiple partners including dive and vessel planning.
• Coordinates the production of aquatic specimens for head start initiatives.
• Assists Curator of Fish and Invertebrates and works closely with Grant Staff in writing and submitting grant and permit applications.
• Is familiar with permit guidelines for the Aquarium’s conservation initiatives to ensure permit compliance.
• Generates pertinent reports for outside partners as needed (i.e. reporting out for permit and grant compliance).
• Help to develop and operate project related budgets.
• Contributes data and information to the Registrar for Husbandry End of Year Report to reflect conservation initiatives’ performance throughout the year.
• Works with the Development Department on conservation fundraising initiatives.
• Oversee budget management, procurement, and vendor negotiations to ensure cost-efficiency, policy compliance, and optimal resource allocation.
• Responsible for communicating with outside partners, such as government agencies, non-profits and AZA institutions on behalf of the Curator of Fish and Invertebrates.
• Creates and delivers educational presentations and content both internally and to the public to share conservation efforts.
• Provides updates at meetings with project partners.
• Serves as liaison for Vice President and Curator of Fish and Invertebrates to Marketing Department for the development of conservation content for public dissemination, including through social media.
• Provide husbandry coverage to assigned areas.
• Serve as department or section lead in the absence of other members of the Fish and Invertebrate Management Team.
• Provides the highest possible quality of care to the animals in their care.
• Observes and recognizes possible behavior and physical changes that may require treatment. Promptly reports those conditions to Fish and Invertebrate Management Staff. Coordinates care and treatment with the Veterinary Staff as well as state officials and partners.
• Participation in AZA initiatives including Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE)
• Co-develop and lead research initiatives
• Prepares food and feeds the animals planned diets. Works with management to determine appropriate base levels and make adjustments as needed.
• Experienced in designing and fabricating display and aquaculture life support systems, with plumbing experience.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned to help support department operations.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years’ experience as an Aquarist at a public aquarium or equivalent experience
• 1+ year supervisory or program leadership experience
• Prior experience with federal and state permitting processes and compliance.
• Prior experience with aquatic animal husbandry.
• Open water SCUBA certification with the ability to obtain AAUS Scientific Diver certification.
• Knowledge of aquaculture practices including live food production.
• Small boat handling experience is a plus.
• Possess a valid CA driver’s license (minimum of 3 years driving experience)
• Life support system design and fabrication with plumbing experience
• Basic research and project management experience

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experience communicating science in an informal and/or formal setting.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of staff both paid and volunteer.
• Experience with training and/or coaching is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills, including demonstrated ability to create and manage workplans, project timelines and reporting deadlines.
• Ability to focus on projects in a shared workspace with frequent interruptions.
• Word processing, computer skills, and experience with database management.
• Prior experience with an animal record database is a plus.

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.

• Able to speak to audiences for extended periods of time
• Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to balance, bend, squat, climb, kneel, twist
• Ability to lift and carry up 50
• Ability to pull and push up 100lbs
• 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.

• Food preparation with fish and shellfish.
• Ability to work at sea for extended periods.
• Exposure to variations 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, please click on the link below to “APPLY NOW.” You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required for 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 online assessment(s).

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