Job Announcement POSITION TITLE: Curator, Marine Mammals and Birds 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 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: 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 * Perform all other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Zoological Operations. 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 jjordan@dhrinternational.com The Mystic Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer. 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