The New England Aquarium is seeking a dynamic Manager for our Giant Ocean Tank team. This role oversees the daily operations of our renowned four-story, 200,000 gallon Caribbean coral reef exhibit, which showcases a diverse array of Caribbean reef animals, including eels, sea turtles, a nurse shark, and hundreds of reef fish.
As the Giant Ocean Tank Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of animal care and operational efficiency. You will lead the Giant Ocean Tank team, foster a positive and collaborative work environment, and play a key role in setting departmental goals.
This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Sunday - Thursday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Work must be conducted onsite. Availability to work weekends, some holidays, and occasional early morning or late-night hours as the need arises is required. Must be able to travel, nationally and internationally.
ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP FUNCTIONS
Lead daily activities of the Giant Ocean Tank Aquarists to ensure the highest standard of animal care and promote efficiency in the department.Provide comprehensive guidance, mentoring, training, and constructive feedback to new hires and existing staff on animal husbandry, life support systems, and project management.Conduct performance evaluations and hiring interviews with the Associate Curator.Lead the Giant Ocean Tank Co-op Aquarist through the Northeastern University Co-op Program.Lead by example collaborating and encouraging a team environment. Ensure open lines of communication and demonstrate NEAq values and behaviors.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Coordinate and participate in daily operations, including scuba diving activities that ensure a safe, balanced, and positive work environment for staff, guests, and animals.Develop and implement protocols and standard operating procedures related to animal husbandry such as quarantine treatments, diet, nutrition, bio-security, and equipment maintenance and operation.Coordinate with the Facilities Department and Environmental Quality Department to ensure accurate maintenance of life support systems, water quality, and environmental parameters within the assigned exhibits and support areas.Act as Department liaison when appropriate with other NEAQ departments and external parties, including facility tours, donor tours, and media requests.Participate in record keeping, report writing, generating and reviewing purchase orders, budget preparation, managing fish food inventory, etc. in the area(s) of responsibility.Provide support and recommendations to all aspects of Animal Welfare; collection planning, enrichment programs, welfare assessments, and health.Collaborate and coordinate with the Animal Health Department on animal health matters.Ensure a high level of aesthetics throughout their area of responsibility. Assess the status of exhibits and recommend corrective actions.In collaboration with the Diving Safety Officer and the Dive Area Manager supervise the use and maintenance of SCUBA equipment, including the dive compressor. May assume the role of diving area manager for the Institution's diving safety program.Responsible for submitting and tracking preventive maintenance of equipment and using HIPPO program to communicate with Facilities.Ensure that all relevant support areas are safe, orderly, and clean.Assume a leadership role if requested in an emergency closure, power outage, sensaphone call, or similar unusual circumstance.Develop and manage relationships with colleagues in the industry.QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Training, Certifications and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in biology or related science preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of vocationally relevant experience.
- Supervisory/leadership experience is required.
- Open Water SCUBA certification is required and Medical Examiner's authorization to dive. Willing to perform SCUBA diving tasks daily.
- Valid driver's license, ability to secure a Medical Examiner's Certificate under Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (49 CFR 391.41-391.49), and willingness to drive transport trucks up to 26,000GVW.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must have a proven understanding of life support system design and operation, quarantine principles and protocols, water quality, and the interpretation of testing results.
- Must have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on solving problems.
- Must have strong training, mentoring, team-building skills, and a dedication to Animal Care Division priorities.
- Must be willing to work with a frequently changing, diverse collection of animals.
- Must have the ability to handle, cut, thaw, bucket fish, and inhale airborne fish particles multiple hours per day in an enclosed space without having to limit exposure.
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