What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mammal Curator position at Alaska SeaLife Center?
Mammal Curator
Summary:
This position is responsible for directing and managing all aspects of the Alaska SeaLife Center mammal division including marine mammal husbandry of permanent resident and research animals. Also assists and provides support staff to the rehabilitation program during high case loads.
Education/Training Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in marine biology, biology, zoology or related field. A minimum of ten years experience in animal husbandry with a minimum of five years of management experience. Extensive background in marine mammal training and husbandry required. Experience with marine mammal research and rehabilitation required. Experience in a research setting preferred. Ability to lead, inspire and manage staff is preferred.
Essential Duties:
- Oversees all mammal-related care and operations.
- Provides excellent care and well-being of all animals.
- Supervises personnel matters within the Mammal Division. Assigns and checks work, establishes schedules, sets deadlines, and delegates authority. Sets performance standards for staff. Prepares annual performance evaluations. Makes personnel related recommendations to the Husbandry Director.
- Ensures all Mammal personnel are properly trained and equipped for their assigned tasks, and conducts or arranges for training as necessary to carry out the Department s objectives.
- Establishes routine for animal training and enrichments, daily animal schedules, session plans, training plans, and assignments.
- Works in conjunction with the research department managers to coordinate and facilitate mammal research sampling and data collection protocols and schedules.
- Works with the Husbandry Director to coordinate international, federal, state, and local permitting procedures for specimen acquisition and maintenance.
- Works with other department heads in maintaining exhibits and collections in a manner stimulating and factual to the visitors.
- Cross trains with other husbandry curators and keepers for efficient use of staff resources.
- Plans and directs the display, care, and maintenance of all mammal species.
- Assists the Husbandry Director with preparing the mammal component of the annual budget. Monitors expenditures in the mammal division to ensure budget compliance.
- Coordinates mammal record keeping, filing, and diet planning. Familiar with ZIMS is desired.
- Coordinates the development of mammal husbandry programs and protocols consistent with current industry standards for animal care and use including AZA and APHIS.
- Continually strives to develop new educational and revenue generating programs within the mission of the ASLC and plays an active role in such presentations.
- Works with life support and other departments on design and operation of mammal habitats.
- Maintains a current supply inventory and coordinates animal food and consumables procurement.
- Works closely with the Veterinary team to achieve optimum mammal health and behavior.
- Works with research staff and visiting scientists to facilitate research on ASLC mammals within accepted research and husbandry protocols.
- Attends, as requested, industry meetings and represents ASLC before various professional organizations.
- Maintains SCUBA certification and participates as a dive team member.
- Fosters good relations with visitors, volunteers, community leaders, contractors, and fellow staff members by promoting positive attitudes, good will, cooperation, and providing high standards of service.
- Complies with all Alaska SeaLife Center policies, procedures, and programs.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Other Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge in all phases of animal husbandry programs, systems design, physical life support operations, and exhibit design and display techniques. Ability to interface with researchers as required.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Ability to swim and dive; stand and walk; stoop, kneel, and crouch; use arms and hands; handle objects, tools, and controls; and sit. Ability to lift and move 50 pounds. Ability to pass a pre-dive physical.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 10/28/2021
FULL TIME WITH BENEFITS
START DATE: 12/1/2021
PAY RATE: $55,640 to $65,000 DOE