Position Summary
This position is responsible for managing the Life Science Department, day-to-day husbandry operations, and Aquarist staff in the Aquarium. Primary responsibilities include the care, wellbeing, procurement & management of all animals under the facility’s care. In addition, this role will be responsible for the following: maintenance of all habitats; oversight of LSS functions/projects; training, coaching and development of all staff regarding animal care; continual development of the animal behaviour and enrichment programs; leading education & conservation through guest interactions and outreach programs.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Manage and achieve department and facility objectives and key performance indicators.
- Assist in the development of policies and procedures for all aspects of animal operations, life support systems and exhibits.
- Understand, follow and enforce all standard operating procedures in order to exceed the operational requirements and ensure guests receive the highest standards of quality and service at all times.
- Manage, support and supervise all staff within the Life Sciences Department to ensure highest level of safety, courtesy, education, efficiency and operational readiness at all times.
- Develop and train animal behavior and enrichment activities, including overseeing & conducting public presentations/ interactions consistent with the facility’s philosophy and procedures both on-site and off-site.
- Represent & promote the Children’s Aquarium Dallas in a positive manner to maintain a professional image for the company and the facility.
- Oversee the care, wellbeing, procurement & management of all animals under the facility’s care. Ensure animal care and habitats meet compliance of facility specific policies and procedures.
- Organize, establish, review, and improve exhibits and monitor the effectiveness. Partner with Co-Directors to ensure habitats and programs engage, educate and entertain diverse audiences to maximize revenue.
- Oversee the maintenance and operation of life support systems and other technical systems related to animal care. Ensure compliance with health and safety standards in accordance with local municipality, state and federal rules and regulations.
- Monitor and identify animal health concerns, disease diagnosis and water quality concerns. Develop, implement & communicate a care and treatment plan. Oversee all medical treatments. Review and monitor all animal necropsy and veterinarian site visit reports.
- Oversee the daily dive requirements.
- Monitor the Life Sciences inventory and departmental expenditure to reduce loss/waste, control costs and accurately communicate expenses.
- Maintain up-to-date electronic records on animal health, water quality, system maintenance, system checks, and stock reports.
- Manage emergency situations to minimize damage, loss or injury to guests, team members, animals, or company property.
- Create and implement high quality structure for the department as well as training programs for Animal Care Team.
- Manage the schedule of Life Sciences staff to ensure adequate staffing levels are maintained for all animal husbandry needs and habitat maintenance.
- Conduct check-ins, Coaching, and other performance appraisals in a timely, fair and constructive manner in order to promote personal and career growth.
- Completes training and stays up to date with all software, digital information processes and methods of communication applicable to the role and property.
- Is able to seamlessly function in GEA roles and act as efficient MOD when needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
- Five years + experience with care and training of mammals and birds required.
- One year + in a similar management role required.
- PADI Rescue Diver or equivalent required.
- First Aid, Emergency O2, and AED certification required.
- Degree in wildlife/marine biology or relevant work experience required.
- Proven aptitude for developing compelling habitats preferred.
- Experienced animal biologist/aquarist with a strong background in fresh and saltwater aquariums, reptiles, amphibians, birds and small mammals required.
- Experience in the care of flora and fauna in a public aquarium setting.
- Experience working with relevant authorities and accrediting associations.
- Competency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, HCM software.
- Experience managing large teams required.
- Exceptional leadership skills and proven experience.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience managing departmental budgets preferred.
- Strong listening, presentation and decision-making skills.
- Creative problem solver who thrives when presented with a challenge.
- Energetic and eager to tackle new projects and ideas.
Abilities
- Ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Ability to read, listen and communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to access and accurately input information using a moderately complex computer system.
- Hearing and visual ability to observe and detect signs of emergency situations.
- Requires the ability to perform the physical, visual and hearing requirements in the working conditions below.
Other
- Upon employment all team members are required to comply with the standards, rules and regulations, which may be established by the Company and updated from time-to-time. Team members who violate property rules or have irregular attendance will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
- The leisure business functions seven days a week. Due to the seasonal nature of the industry, team members may be required to work varying schedules, weekends, holidays and overtime to reflect the business needs of the property.
- This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that a team member in this position may be asked to perform.
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