Job
Announcement
POSITION
TITLE: Curator,
REPORTING
TO: Vice President of 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:
The Curator, Marine
Mammals & Birds directs the departmental husbandry operations including
animal acquisition and care, exhibitry, animal training and public
presentations, departmental administration (budgeting, departmental and
institutional planning, personnel management, interdepartmental planning, and
communication). The Curator assists in coordinating response efforts to
stranded animals and facilitates research endeavors involving the animal
collection. This position oversees a department of approximately 25 full- and
part-time employees and a budget of $1.4 million.
Specific responsibilities include:
·
Develop and implement operational and collection
management procedures;
·
Develop and implement animal husbandry and training
procedures;
·
Work closely with husbandry, research, veterinary,
exhibitry, life support and water quality personnel to safely showcase the
living collections at the highest level possible;
·
Maintain compliance with state and federal regulatory
agencies governing the maintenance of the facilities and collections;
·
Continuously review the status of collections and actively
participate in the development of long-range plans;
·
Ensure all safety and security measures are followed,
providing a safe and productive work environment for all employees;
·
Prepare and manage departmental budgets, ensuring the
use of effective and responsible fiscal practices;
·
Serve as an active member of the aquarium management and
IACUC committees;
·
Serve as an effective representative of the Aquarium
at meetings and professional organizations; and
EXPERIENCE
/ SKILLS REQUIRED:
The ideal candidate will
have a minimum of ten years of successful experience in marine animal husbandry
and management with an emphasis on marine mammals. This experience should also
include three to five years of demonstrated success in a curatorial or
equivalent position. The candidate will have a commitment to the highest degree
of integrity and professionalism in his/her personal work effort and in what
he/she expects of those associated with the department.
Other desired skills and characteristics include:
·
Ability to effectively lead and direct staff as
ambassadors of the Marine Mammals & Birds collection through education and
research activities;
·
Outstanding management, organizational and planning
skills and an orientation to detail, including budget control;
·
A collaborative leadership style, having the ability
to foster communication and teamwork among a diverse team of professionals;
·
Excellent written and verbal communication skills that
are effective with a range of audiences including internal staff and external constituents;
and
·
Commitment to the Sea Research Foundation mission;
EDUCATION:
A bachelor’s degree
in biology, marine science or related field is required; an advance degree is desired.
COMPENSATION
This position offers a competitive salary and benefits
package.
CONTACT
Interested parties should send a C.V. to:
Sig Ginsburg
Executive Vice President
Nonprofit Practice
DHR International
c/o James Jordan
The
Mystic Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer.
James Jordan
DHR International
One
973-792-1710 x 18
DHR International, established in 1989, is
the fastest growing and most innovative retained executive search firm of the
nation’s “Top 5.” With over 40 offices worldwide, DHR
Consultants recruit leaders in all industries and functions including, but not
limited to: Board Services, Diversity, Education, Industrial, Healthcare and
Life Sciences, Retail/Consumer, Financial Services, Technology, Nonprofit,
Media and Entertainment