Curator, Marine Mammals [EXE]

Vancouver Aquarium, one of the many properties owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, prides itself on working towards bringing families closer together and to creating memories worth repeating. Our Core Values – greatly exceeding guest expectations, serving others, creating emotional connections, constantly improving – give us purpose and guidance.

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Director, Animal Care, the Curator of Marine Mammals is primarily responsible for the long-range management of the marine mammal department and its daily operations. Directly responsible for the care and welfare of the Aquarium’s marine mammals and for developing, managing, and maintaining the Aquarium’s marine mammal department operations, protocols, and procedures. Manages the Aquarium’s marine mammal habitats, displays & programs and directs & coordinates the activities of staff. Sets and directs long term goals (1-5 years) of the department in conjunction with Director of Animal Care.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the health, welfare, and ongoing care of the Aquarium’s marine mammal collection in collaboration with veterinary and animal care teams.
• Develop and oversee animal welfare, preventative healthcare, nutrition, enrichment, and behavioral management programs.
• Ensure all marine mammal training practices and programs meet or exceed industry accreditation and professional standards.
• Provide leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development for marine mammal staff and trainers.
• Develop and deliver engaging marine mammal presentations, public programs, educational experiences, and guest interactions.
• Oversee marine mammal research initiatives and collaborate with internal and external research partners.
• Support collection management, including population planning, breeding programs, animal transfers, introductions, and transportation.
• Manage marine mammal facilities, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, maintenance, habitat quality, and operational excellence.
• Partner with veterinary, life support, dive, and operations teams to ensure optimal animal care and environmental conditions.
• Lead safety, emergency preparedness, and risk management programs for animals, staff, and guests.
• Represent the Aquarium with media, professional organizations, and industry conferences as a subject matter expert on marine mammal care and welfare.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable accreditation standards, regulations, permits, and animal care requirements.
• Oversee departmental planning, budgeting, recordkeeping, reporting, and administrative functions.
• Participate in the design, development, and implementation of new exhibits, habitats, and capital projects.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to advance the Aquarium’s mission, strategic goals, and animal care initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Biology degree or equivalent (Zoology, etc.) preferred.
• Must be fluent in English (verbal and written).
• Minimum of 10 years hands-on training and husbandry experience with marine mammals.
• Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience.
• Experience coaching, training and/or mentoring others.
• Current diver certification is required; candidate must pass dive medical (provided).
• First Aid certification is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

Skills:

• Excellent leadership and management skills and abilities.
• Excellent communication skills (media training an asset).
• High degree of consistency in animal training.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail during husbandry procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.
• Ability to crouch, bend and stand for periods of time.
• Excellent project management and time management skills, with the ability to keep on task with strategic items while managing day-to-day responsibilities.
• Strong customer service skills with both internal and external stakeholders.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Full-time, permanent
• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Exposure to animal bites, potential pathogens, and chemicals
• Requires standing and crouching for extended periods of time
• Must be able to lift at least 50lbs
• Required to work around potential water hazards
• Exposure to slippery conditions and uneven surfaces
• Required to work in extreme weather conditions
• Job requires high degree of alertness to changing conditions when working with large animals
• Requires frequent diving with dive team for maintenance and cleaning
• Required to work in extreme weather conditions.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Competitive salary range of $107,000.00 to $140,000.00 per year
• Comprehensive Benefits Plan for eligible team members
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Company Discounts
• Fun, supportive work environment with a mission-driven team

The Vancouver Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Candidate applications are reviewed by hiring professionals, and Artificial Intelligence is not used to screen, assess, or select candidates. Accommodation is available at every stage of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please contact the HR department.