Curator of Fish & Ectotherms
The Curator, Fish & Ectotherms, manages a diverse collection of species including reptiles, amphibians, fishes, and invertebrates. The CFE will spend most of their time in supervisory and administrative tasks leading an animal care team in the daily husbandry of the collection in their care. The Curator must have extensive experience in the areas of animal care and management with the species they oversee.
Functions & Responsibilities
Essential Functions
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Manages the department which includes crocodilians and other reptiles, amphibians, freshwater and marine fishes, and invertebrates.
• Counsels with Leadership Team, peers and subordinates regarding animal care, welfare, nutrition, and health care issues.
• Participates in the collection and facilities planning; development of exhibits and educational programming; construction/maintenance of enclosures/tanks, research and conservation activities.
• Assist in the permitting process for collection activities.
• Create accession and deaccession plans that support the ICP. Plans must have the following: location coming from or going to, exhibit plans for arrival, permanent exhibit plans, veterinary requirements going out or coming in, approved quarantine plans, approved veterinary plans, animal care plans for quarantine period and beyond.
• Work with Leadership Team in supporting the institutional strategic plan and the Institutional Collection Plan (ICP).
• Interacts with counterparts in other institutions regarding acquisitions and dispositions, breeding and SSP Activities.
• Must have experience leading and supervising staff. As an animal care leader, he/she is expected to conduct him/herself in accordance with the MSAQ Code of Conduct.
• Oversee the professional development of staff and create a team atmosphere that emphasizes coordination between peers and departments.
• Displays leadership skills in his/her interactions with others. She/he must demonstrate excellent leadership skills including time management, prioritization, working cooperatively, effective and timely communication, and serving as a role model.
• Assists in procedures and projects, answer questions, facilitate maintenance or grounds work, etc.
• Responsible for various administrative and future planning tasks as assigned by the VP, Animal Care.
• Reports to the VP of Animal Care.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and travel.
• Any other tasks assigned.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
• AZA, IMATA, American Humane, and/or RAW or AES experience requested. Familiarity of accreditation policies and procedures required.
• Record-keeping, collection management experience.
• Familiarity with basic quarantine protocols, medications, and vaccination programs.
• BS in the animal related sciences required.
• Diverse knowledge of fish and ectotherm life histories and an advanced understanding of animal husbandry
• Advanced knowledge of the operation and maintenance of aquarium & life support systems.
• Experience in preparing and conducting public educational programs.
• Able to lift a minimum of sixty (60) pounds.
• Able to negotiate various field conditions.
• Able to work standing up for extended periods of time.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Valid SCUBA certification and collection experience.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, days closed due to inclement weather, and to travel for extended periods of time to perform collecting and other duties.
• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Education & Experience
• BS in the animal related sciences required.
• Ten years’ experience with ever-increasing responsibilities or management experience.
Job Requirements
Physical Requirements
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
