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About the Role

The Senior Curator, Aquarium is responsible for the development, daily care, welfare, and management of the Aquarium's living collection and all associated habitats, support areas, programs, and systems. This role is a key member of the Steinhart Aquarium leadership team, collaborating with other leaders to implement the strategic plan and manage staff, spaces, and resources. The Senior Curator oversees conservation, research, and/or breeding projects aligned with the Academy’s strategic initiatives and AZA programs, fostering a culture of respect, trust, and accountability.

Responsibilities

Manages managers and a team of biologists, including hiring, training, daily supervision, scheduling, mentoring, and performance evaluation.
Provides leadership and oversight for the development, daily care, and management of the resident collection and assigned galleries, habitats, and support areas.
Develops and oversees Aquarium conservation and research projects, including collaborations, grant writing, budgeting, data collection, project management, and reporting.
Coordinates the acquisition and transfer of specimens.
Maintains accurate records using standardized software programs.
Maintains Steinhart Aquarium protocols, procedures, recordkeeping, and standards, recommending advancements in animal welfare and husbandry.
Develops and implements the institutional collection plan or an environmental management program, upholding industry best practices and regulatory standards.
Assists with the implementation of the departmental strategic plan and operating budget, managing programs, projects, and new exhibit installations.
Coordinates the design and renovation of habitats and displays, including research into novel species care.
Collaborates with the Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability to advance cross-divisional research projects.
Develops and enriches staff, promoting a departmental culture of trust, respect, accountability, and effective conflict management.
Helps develop impactful partnerships and programs supporting the Aquarium and Academy's strategic goals.
Participates in relevant Academy committees, workgroups, professional associations, and partnerships.
Presents science and environmental learning programs to the public, media, and professional meetings.
Interacts professionally with colleagues, guests, and the media.
Follows all Academy safety regulations.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Directly and indirectly manages and supervises managers, biologists, interns, and volunteers.
Manages projects, programs, or designated areas as assigned.

Requirements

Completed seven (7) years of paid full-time animal/plant husbandry or seven (7) years of paid full-time analytical chemistry/water quality or related position(s) in a public aquarium or zoological facility.
Minimum five (5) years of progressive work experience and leadership in managing projects, budgets, and/or professional staff.
Ability to complete CPR/AED/First Aid certification.
Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays as required.
SCUBA certified or able to attain SCUBA certification (Preferred).
Experience with scientific research projects (Preferred).
Experience with pest control measures (Preferred).
Experience caring for venomous and dangerous animals (Preferred).
Ability to transport 50 lbs.
Ability to perform repetitive motions 75% of the time.
Ability to stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
Must be able to differentiate between colors.
Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.
Must be able to work a computer.
Must be able to climb stairs and ladders.
Must be able to swim.
Must be able to use extension poles, long-handled nets and shepherd’s hooks.
Must be able to work with, or adjacent to, venomous and dangerous animals.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of essential animal care and welfare requirements for the living collection and/or standard laboratory equipment, instrumentation and methods.
Advanced knowledge of USDA and AZA standards for animal care and welfare.
Advanced knowledge of public aquarium/zoo operations, maintenance, record keeping, life support systems.
Water quality testing methods, parameters, and methods for maintaining them in aquatic habitats.
Excellent observation, decision making, problem solving and reporting skills.
Excellent employee management and leadership skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to present programs and effectively convey information to guests, the general public, the media, colleagues, and in professional meetings.
Ability to work as a leader of a team and engage in a culture that promotes trust, respect, and accountability.
Ability to utilize web-based communication and collaboration applications.

Location

San Francisco, CA

Work Type

Full-Time

Experience Level

7+ years of experience in animal/plant husbandry or related field
5+ years of progressive work experience and leadership

Education Level

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine or Aquatic Biology, Chemistry or a related field.

Salary/Compensations

$120,000.00 - $130,000.00

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

About the Company

The California Academy of Sciences is a globally renowned scientific and cultural institution located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, featuring a planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum.
Our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.
We are a diverse team of scientists, educators, storytellers, designers, and communicators.
We value curiosity, collaboration, and innovation.
Our work connects people to the natural world and empowers them to protect it.
We are implementing a new strategic plan with initiatives focused on Hope for Reefs, Thriving California, and Islands 2030.

Equal Opportunity

The California Academy of Sciences will give full consideration for employment to all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (SF Police Code, Article 49).