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 Alaskan Coast, a one-acre outdoor beluga whale display, and the Hidden Amazon, a lush exhibit exploring the rainforest ecosystem. The aquarium also has a diverse slate of age-specific educational programs and tours. 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. IFE has assembled some of the finest talent in oceanographic and deep-sea archeological research, which develops advanced deep-sea vehicle systems to conduct research and educates students and the general public about its work. 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 jjordan@dhrinternational.com www.dhrinternational.com <http://www.dhrinternational.com/> www.dhrnonprofit.com <http://www.dhrnonprofit.com/> James Jordan DHR International One Newark Center Newark, NJ 07102 973-792-1710 x 18 jjordan@dhrinternational.com <mailto:jjordan@dhrinternational.com> www.dhrinternational.com <http://www.dhrinternational.com> 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