Senior Curator, Aquarium
Location
San Francisco, California, United States
Work type
Onsite
Employment
Full Time
Experience
5-7 years
Compensation
$120K - $130K per year
Posted
33m ago
Summary and responsibilities
Role overview
Summary
The Senior Curator, Aquarium is responsible for the development, daily care, welfare, and management of the Aquarium's living collection, habitats, and programs. This role involves leading a team of biologists, overseeing conservation and research projects, and collaborating with other leaders to implement strategic plans. The curator also ensures adherence to industry best practices and regulatory standards for animal and plant husbandry.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The California Academy of Sciences is seeking a Senior Curator, Aquarium, reporting to the Director. The position leads the development, daily care, welfare, and management of the Steinhart Aquarium living collection, habitats, support areas, programs, and systems. The Senior Curator is part of the Aquarium leadership team and helps implement strategic priorities while managing staff, resources, conservation, research, breeding, and collection programs. The schedule may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage managers, biologists, interns, and volunteers, including hiring, training, scheduling, supervision, mentoring, and performance evaluation.
Oversee daily care and management of the living collection, galleries, habitats, and behind-the-scenes areas.
Develop and manage conservation, research, and breeding projects aligned with Academy strategic initiatives and AZA programs, including collaborations, grants, budgets, data collection, project management, and reporting.
Coordinate specimen acquisitions and transfers.
Maintain accurate records, protocols, procedures, and departmental standards using standardized software.
Advance animal welfare standards and innovations in animal and plant husbandry and environmental data management.
Develop and implement collection plans or environmental management programs while maintaining regulatory and accreditation standards.
Support departmental strategic planning, operating budgets, programs, projects, and new exhibit installations.
Coordinate habitat design and renovations, display concepts, environmental monitoring, and development of new tools and technologies with Exhibits Studio, Building Operations, Engineering, and other teams.
Collaborate with the Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability on research and strategic initiatives.
Develop staff through effective leadership and promote a culture of trust, respect, accountability, and constructive conflict management.
Build partnerships and programs supporting Aquarium and Academy strategic goals.
Participate in Academy committees, professional associations, and external partnerships.
Present science and environmental education programs to the public, media, and professional audiences.
Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, guests, media, and the public.
Follow all Academy safety regulations and perform other assigned duties.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Seven years of paid full-time animal/plant husbandry, analytical chemistry/water quality, or related experience in a public aquarium or zoological facility.
At least five years of progressive leadership experience managing projects, budgets, and/or professional staff.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine/Aquatic Biology, Chemistry, or a related field.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Advanced knowledge of animal care and welfare, USDA and AZA standards, public aquarium/zoo operations, maintenance, recordkeeping, life-support systems, and aquatic water-quality testing and management. Strong leadership, employee management, observation, decision-making, problem-solving, reporting, and written and verbal communication skills are required. Candidates must be able to present information effectively to guests, media, colleagues, and professional audiences; work collaboratively; use web-based communication tools; obtain CPR/AED/First Aid certification; and work weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
SCUBA certification or ability to obtain certification, scientific research experience, pest-control experience, and experience caring for venomous or dangerous animals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to transport 50 pounds, perform repetitive motions, stand, sit, walk, reach, talk, hear, distinguish colors, use computers, climb stairs and ladders, swim, and operate long-handled nets, extension poles, and shepherd's hooks. Must be willing and able to work with or near hazardous materials and venomous or dangerous animals.
COMPENSATION:
Salary range is $120,000-$130,000, with actual compensation based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, certifications, and internal equity. The Academy provides a comprehensive benefits package based on hours worked, with additional compensation and benefits details discussed during the interview process.
Updated 33m ago
Candidate fit
Skills and qualifications
Additional skills
Experience
5-7 years
Certifications
How this role is positioned
Role classification
Job domains
Industries
Employment
Full Time
Contract duration
Permanent
Hiring type
Direct
Global hiring
Location specific
Offer details
Compensation and benefits
Compensation
$120K - $130K per year
Location, schedule, and role shape
Work setup
Work conditions
Bandwidth profile
Context on the employer
Company snapshot
Company
California Academy of Sciences
Team size
Growing team
Location
San Francisco, California, United States
Founded in 1853, the California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned, AZA-accredited non-profit scientific and cultural institution located in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Home to a world-class planetarium, aquarium, rainforest, research institute, and natural history museum—all under one living roof—our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.
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Senior Curator, Aquarium
San Francisco, California, United States • Full Time