Museum Curator - Higher Ed. jobs in New Jersey

About us:

As a Herschend Family Entertainment property, Adventure Aquarium is in the business of creating memories worth repeating by greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, and seeking constant improvement. Stewardship, guest satisfaction, and team member satisfaction are our core areas of focus. We aim to be a great place to work for great people by leading with patience, kindness, humility, respect, unselfishness, forgiveness, truthfulness, and trust. Together, we will create emotional connections that will last a lifetime!

What you’ll do

• As a member of the AAQ Leadership team, you will coach, guide, lead by example, and create an environment where people work as a team and empower each other by being patient, kind, humble, respectful, selfless, forgiving, honest and committed when interacting with one another and the guests.
• Ensure animal well-being/welfare is a top priority.
• Serve as a member of the animal welfare committee.
• Oversee animal training and enrichment for department.
• Provide for the needs of all animals in assigned areas by doing regular daily feedings, maintaining water quality through the operation of individual life support systems, and administering treatments as directed by the Curator.
• Prepare and deliver employee performance evaluations, appropriate disciplinary actions, and praise and recognition activities.
• Maintain exhibit quality standards through regular maintenance and cleaning activities.
• Coordinate department purchases and maintain budgets.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area both on and off exhibit, and promptly report mechanical failures to supervisors. Ensure that appropriate recordkeeping of all husbandry processes, including training, water testing activities, acquisition/disposition, and mortalities.
• Help train new Husbandry Department employees to ensure compliance with established standards and protocols.
• Aid the Curator in overseeing general maintenance of all related work areas and equipment.
• Assist in recruiting, evaluating, and selecting new Husbandry team members.
• Participate in long and short-term departmental planning.
• Collaborate with Engineering on repairs of critical life support equipment and complete joint projects.
• Ensure that animal food, maintenance equipment, and supplies are ordered and stocked in appropriate amounts, given the needs of the aquarium and the availability of resources.
• Collaborate with veterinarians in carrying out prescribed medical procedures and protocols.
• Research and suggest upgrades, enhancements, and changes to exhibit systems to the Curator.
• At the direction of Senior leadership, interact with and respond to public/media requests for information.
• Participate in aquarium-related education, public relations, and membership programs, including facility tours and presentations.
• Help design and construct new exhibit life support systems.
• Cross-train with other staff within Husbandry and Animal Health Services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and defined.
• This position has been identified as Safety Critical with authorized operator requirements.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology (8 years of professional husbandry experience may be considered in place of a degree).
• A minimum of eight years of professional experience at a public aquarium, zoo, or similar institution and a demonstrated knowledge of aquarium operations.
  • Operational experience accepted related to marine birds, mammals, and reptiles. Experience should include an increasing degree of responsibility over time with a broad base of technical knowledge, skills, and specialization responsibility.
• 2 years of supervisory experience
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work as a part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.
• Ability to travel when necessary, usually not exceeding four weeks at once.
• A valid driver’s license required
• Ability to drive small-medium-size trucks and tow trailers is required.
• SCUBA certification preferred

Who You Are

You are someone who strives for excellence in all you do. You are friendly and communicate well with all levels of employees. You are excited about joining a company that operates as a team, all working together to achieve the same company goals.

What you’ll get

• Comprehensive benefits plan through Cigna.
• 401(k) and Profit-Sharing Plan after 3 months of service
• Eligibility to participate in GROW U – our fully-funded and tuition assistance education programs.
• 2 weeks’ vacation, 1-week personal time, 1-week sick time, 8 paid holidays; all based on a full calendar year
• Free admission and 24 General Admission tickets annually, to be used by family and friends
• Complimentary tickets to local attractions when available
• 30% Discount at our Retail and Photo areas, as well as in-house food vendors
• Training and development

Special Requirements:

• Successful completion of pre-employment background and drug screening.
• Capable of performing strenuous and heavy physical labor.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods, climb stairs, bend, and stoop.
• Allergies related to animals or plants, which might interfere with the ability to work, must be controlled by medications or protective equipment
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to safely perform the job.

Note: This position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially hazardous machinery, restraint devices, and toxic chemicals and drugs.  Occasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required. (e.g., Goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns)