SEA LIFE New Jersey is seeking an Aquarium Curator

Are you an experienced aquarium professional ready to lead a passionate team and shape the future of animal care at one of the most exciting marine attractions in the Northeast?

As the Aquarium Curator you will lead all aspects of animal welfare, husbandry, exhibit development, conservation initiatives, and aquatic life support operations. This is a unique opportunity to oversee a diverse collection of marine and terrestrial species while inspiring guests through immersive exhibits, educational programs, and meaningful conservation efforts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead Animal Care Excellence

• Oversee the health, welfare, enrichment, and husbandry of SEA LIFE New Jersey's aquatic and terrestrial collection.
• Ensure compliance with all SEA LIFE and Merlin animal welfare standards while driving continuous improvement in care practices.
• Lead collection planning, exhibit development, animal acquisitions, and population management initiatives.
• Maintain and advance best practices aligned with Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) standards and future accreditation goals.

Inspire and Develop a High-Performing Team

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of animal care professionals.
• Foster a culture of safety, innovation, accountability, and engagement.
• Drive team performance through training, mentorship, and professional development.

Oversee Life Support Systems and Aquarium Operations

• Provide strategic oversight of all aquatic life support systems (LSS), ensuring optimal water quality and habitat conditions.
• Monitor key performance metrics including collection health, breeding success, conservation outcomes, and operational efficiency.
• Manage departmental operating and capital budgets to support business and animal care objectives.

Drive Conservation, Education, and Guest Engagement

• Partner with education and attraction teams to deliver impactful guest experiences and conservation messaging.
• Develop relationships with conservation organizations, professional associations, and community partners.
• Serve as a spokesperson for SEA LIFE New Jersey through media appearances, community outreach, and public presentations.

Shape the Future of SEA LIFE New Jersey

• Collaborate with local and regional stakeholders to develop innovative exhibits and experiences.
• Influence strategic decisions regarding animal collections and display development.
• Champion initiatives that enhance both animal welfare and guest engagement.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Zoology, Animal Science, or a related life science discipline preferred.
• 8+ years of professional aquarium, zoological, or aquatic animal care experience.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing teams in an aquarium, zoo, or related animal care environment.
• Strong knowledge of aquatic life support systems, including filtration, UV sterilization, protein skimming, ozone systems, and water quality management.
• Experience working with a wide variety of aquatic species, including sharks, rays, jellies, seahorses, corals, cephalopods, reptiles, and turtles.
• Knowledge of fish health, quarantine procedures, and disease management.
• SCUBA certification required; Rescue Diver certification and aquarium dive program management experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage guests, stakeholders, media, and industry professionals.