Curator, Mammals

Job Summary

Manage the operations of an assigned group of Aquarium galleries and live exhibits, associated infrastructure, and resources. Directly supervise a team of Husbandry staff members and Husbandry volunteers. Provide staff training, scheduling, oversight of projects, development of protocols and procedures, staff development and reviews, and be responsible for staff safety. Oversee animal care to ensure the highest level of animal welfare and exhibit standards. Serve as a member of the Aquarium's Husbandry Operations Management Team and contribute to the collective management of a ~50-staff-member team and the entire onsite animal collection.

About the Role

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity. The role welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and encourages people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. The priority deadline for applications is July 31, 2026 at 12pm PST. The role may close earlier if the volume of applications necessitates it.

Core Activities

• Manage a team of Aquarium husbandry staff and volunteers; conduct regular one-on-one meetings and annual performance evaluations; oversee hiring, training, coaching, professional development, and promotional processes.
• Lead daily work plans that guide the team through daily and weekly duties across work areas.
• Create and coordinate staff schedules and gallery assignments.
• Develop, update, and oversee all operational protocols for assigned exhibit galleries.
• Manage animal welfare assessments for all assigned galleries and exhibits, ensuring both scheduled and unscheduled assessments are conducted consistently, on time, and documented according to standards.
• Manage annual and ongoing collection planning for areas of responsibility to ensure that live exhibits are appropriately stocked, accurately represented designated habitats, and are consistent with interpretive messaging.
• Collaborate with other Aquarium divisions to manage projects, coordinate repairs and maintenance, and contribute to cross-departmental activities and initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between Husbandry Operations and other Aquarium work groups to effectively identify and communicate where animal care activities impact or are impacted by other operational areas and functions; may oversee contractors performing work in areas of responsibility.
• Manage live exhibit development projects to include repairs, remodels, new installations, renovations, and improvements.
• Contribute to the collaborative management and oversight of the ~50-person Husbandry Operations team; advise senior Animal Care management on departmental policies, professional development, promotional processes, compensation, strategy, and team culture; oversee husbandry activities across other workgroups and galleries in the absence of other curators.
• Serve as an Aquarium spokesperson for Aquarium-managed PR and media, internal audience presentations, and industry-wide communications and presentations; represent the Aquarium on industry panels, workgroups, and AZA activities (SSPs, TAGs, etc.), where appropriate.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs)

• Bachelor's Degree in biology, marine science, aquarium studies, or related field
• SCUBA certification to include at least OW1, Rescue Diver, and Advanced Diver certifications; occupational and/or scientific diving authorizations preferred
• Ability to pass an occupational/scientific dive physical examination
• Experience working in an AZA-accredited institution or equivalent with progressively increasing responsibility in the care of live animal collections and live exhibits
• Experience directly supervising animal care staff
• Advanced understanding of mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration as it applies to aquarium systems
• Advanced understanding of the natural history and ecology of all habitats represented in the Aquarium's live exhibits
• Expert-level understanding of animal behavior and captive husbandry principals
• Expert-level understanding of animal welfare principles and their application in AZA-accredited institutions
• Expert-level understanding of AZA accreditation standards and the ability to manage work in compliance with those standards
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and resources and to adapt daily work plans in a changing environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage volunteers, and mentor staff
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and train staff in technical subjects
• Completion of at least two management training courses or programs (in-house or external)
• Demonstrated ability to understand and maintain budgets and budgetary planning requirements
• Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium's Leadership Competencies
• Expert-level understanding of animal training and enrichment principles
• Advanced understanding of regulatory compliance requirements related to the care of marine mammals (USDA APHIS, CDFW, USFW, AZA, etc.)

Physical Requirements

• Extended periods of standing, walking, climbing, bending, and squatting
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Typical office equipment, basic hand and power tools, MBA vehicles, small boats

Annual Compensation Range

$96,300 - $123,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.