Job Announcement
POSITION TITLE: Director of Animal
Husbandry
DEPARTMENT: Mammals and Birds
REPORTING TO: Senior Vice President
of Research and Zoological Operations
LOCATION: Mystic, CT
THE COMPANY: Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration
Mystic Aquarium &
Institute for Exploration are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a
nonprofit institution based in Mystic, CT. The Foundation's mission is to
inspire people everywhere to care about and protect our oceans by exploring and
sharing their biological, ecological and cultural treasures.
With a primary focus on
research and education, the aquarium has a large collection of aquatic animals supported by a
team of highly dedicated marine animal research experts. Prominent exhibits include
the
Mystic Aquarium is also
the home of the Institute for Exploration (IFE) and is the only aquarium in the
world with exhibits based on work done by Robert Ballard and his deep-ocean
exploration team.
The organization has an
annual budget of approximately $14M and more than 225 employees. Major sources
of revenue include federal, state and private grants, gate receipts and other
earned income sources.
SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversee and direct the day-to-day management of
collection animals and husbandry personnel. Assist with the development of the
zoological collection master plan and the implementation of both short-term
plans and long-range collection plans in support of exhibition, education and
conservation purposes. Develop, administer and monitor overall husbandry
budget and assist with prioritizing implementation of significant capital
expenditures.
Specific Responsibilities:
·
Plan, develop and establish policies and objectives
for Husbandry.
·
Maintain working knowledge of life support systems and
water quality parameters and oversee the quality of the physical environment in
which the animals are maintained. Ultimately responsible for the well being of
the animals under our care and should be able to interact with and converse
about issues relevant to these areas.
·
Work with the Curatorial staff to develop plans for
the improvement of existing facilities and plans for future exhibits in
collaboration with Facility Operations and Exhibit Design personnel.
·
Assist with development of species strategy and
exhibit themes.
·
Assist with the development and implementation of an
animal collection plan.
·
Oversee the stranding program.
·
Assure compliance with all international, federal and
local laws. This includes maintaining permits, regular and reporting
inspection compliance, inter-facility exchanges and various interactions with
government agencies, including (but not limited to) the USDA, NMFS, US Fish
& Wildlife, DFO, etc.
·
Support the goals and objectives of professional
organizations (AZA, IMATA, IAAAM, etc.) as they relate to the Aquarium and support
staff participation in these organizations. Respond to and cooperate with
requests for information or initiatives appropriate to our facility as related
to these professional organizations.
·
In the absence of or as directed by the Sr. Vice
President of Research and Zoological Operations, publicly represent the
organization and its programs, both verbally and in written form, particularly
regarding marine mammal issues. This includes overseeing the writing and
presentation of marine mammal presentations and serving as an aquarium
spokesperson for high-profile marine mammal issues in the media and elsewhere.
·
Assists with the coordination of research on
collection and stranded animals and procedures involving animal care as well as
incorporation of research and conservation messages into exhibits.
·
Ensure quality of exhibits including graphics,
educational components and interpretation.
·
Serve on the IACUC Committee.
·
Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
EXPERIENCE / SKILLS REQUIRED:
·
Master's degree or equivalent in the Biological
Sciences with a minimum of 10 years experience in a related field.
·
Relevant experience should include: compliance with
the animal collection regulations and accreditation standards; daily and long
term animal care; exhibition and collection planning, specimen acquisitions and
de-acquisitions.
·
Has demonstrated advanced working knowledge of the
husbandry and exhibit design (including educational components) appropriate for
captive marine mammals, birds, fishes and invertebrates and their life support
systems.
·
Must possess the ability to lead a husbandry program
and interact collaboratively with other departments while applying experience
and creativity in exhibit design.
·
Must have experience with budget development and
personnel management.
·
Must possess strong leadership skills.
The
Mystic Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Please address all nominations and applications to:
Sig Ginsburg, Executive Vice President
c/o James Jordan
DHR International
973-792-1710, ext. 18
James Jordan
DHR International
One
973-792-1710 x 18
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