Husbandry Curator

Position Overview:

The Husbandry Curator is responsible for overseeing the care, welfare, management, and exhibition of all aquatic, terrestrial, and semi-aquatic species within the facility. This leadership role ensures the highest standards of animal husbandry, regulatory compliance, conservation engagement, and exhibit excellence.


The Husbandry Curator works collaboratively with veterinary staff, animal care teams, facilities, environmental quality teams, animal ambassadors, and public engagement staff to align animal management practices with the institution’s mission of conservation, education, and environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities:

Animal Care & Collection Management:

• Oversee daily care, feeding, enrichment, and habitat maintenance for all aquatic and terrestrial species.
• Ensure optimal environmental conditions, including water quality, temperature, habitat parameters, and biosecurity protocols.
• Collaborate with veterinary teams on preventative care, treatment plans, emergency response, and welfare monitoring.
• Conduct regular welfare reviews to ensure physical and psychological well-being of all animals.

Exhibit Development & Oversight:

• Partner with exhibit design, facilities, environmental quality, and husbandry teams to develop and maintain engaging, safe, and educational exhibits.
• Provide expertise in species selection, habitat design, lighting, filtration, and life support systems.
• Monitor exhibit conditions to ensure safety, cleanliness, functionality, and welfare standards are met.

Regulatory Compliance & Biosecurity:

• Ensure full compliance with all local, national, and international wildlife regulations, including USDA, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, CITES, and other governing agencies.
• Oversee required permits, documentation, animal transport, acquisitions, and exports.
• Conduct audits and inspections to maintain compliance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure staff are trained and adhere to regulatory protocols and safety standards.

Leadership & Staff Management:

• Supervise, mentor, and develop animal care and husbandry staff.
• Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee scheduling, recruitment, and performance evaluations.

Conservation, Education & Public Engagement:

• Support and develop conservation initiatives and partnerships.
• Collaborate with public engagement and ambassador teams to create educational programming and interpretive materials.
• Represent the organization at events, tours, VIP engagements, and conferences.

Operational & Financial Management:

• Develop and manage departmental budgets for animal care, exhibit maintenance, and conservation programs.
• Oversee procurement of equipment, supplies, and specimens using ethical and sustainable practices.

Qualifications:
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, Biology, Aquatic Ecology, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife facility, including at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing diverse aquatic and terrestrial species.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of animal behavior, aquatic biology, ecosystems, and husbandry practices.
• Proficiency with life support systems, habitat design, and animal training techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Relevant professional certifications (AALSO, ZAA) preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in physically demanding environments.
• Comfortable working in wet, humid, outdoor, and variable weather conditions.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.