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Curator of Manatees & Aquatics (Full-Time)
Curator of Manatees & Aquatics (Full-Time)Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens • Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Curator of Manatees & Aquatics (Full-Time)

Curator of Manatees & Aquatics (Full-Time)

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens • Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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  • [job_card.full_time]
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Application Deadline : 30November 2025 and / or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well-qualified candidate pool has been established. Early submission is encouraged. Please ensure that yourapplication highlights your experience and qualificationsas they relate to the responsibilities of this role.

Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is seeking a Curator of Manatees and Aquatics (Full-Time) . This is a leadership opportunity to oversee our manatee habitats aquatic life support systems dive operations and the Manatee Rehabilitation Program (MRP) one of the most advanced and integrated aquatic systems in the field.

The person in this role will lead with empathy and clear communication. Theyll guide a talented team develop new protocols and collaborate across departments to ensure every animal system and staff member is supported for success. From hands-on water quality work to shaping long-term operational strategies this position plays a vital role in uniting animal care veterinary and life support teams towards a shared vision of excellence.

Were looking for someone who thrives on problem-solving inspires others to grow and brings a strategic mindset to managing people budgets and systems. You have a background with strong leadership knowledge of aquatic life support operations experience in animal care and a desire to build bridges between teams.

We value safety inclusion and innovation. Youll work alongside professionals who care deeply about the animals they serve and the people they lead. Together were building a future where technology enhances care collaboration fuels growth and conservation drives every decision.

Help us meet our mission Connecting our communities to wildlife and wild places.

What Youll Do :

  • Provide strategic and operational leadership for manatee and aquatic animal care programs including life support systems and water quality.
  • Supervise mentor and develop a talented team of animal care and LSS professionals (5-8 direct reports).
  • Serve as the institutional lead for the Manatee Rehabilitation Program working with FWC USFWS and other conservation partners.
  • Oversee water testing automation and system integration for aquatic habitats.
  • Lead emergency response safety training and Dive Control Board participation.
  • Manage six-figure budgets ensuring resources are aligned with organizational goals and conservation outcomes.
  • Develop and implement SOPs conservation initiatives and research collaborations.
  • Partner across departments to strengthen communication efficiency and inclusion.

What you bring :

  • Eight (8) years of progressive experience in professionally managed animal care including at least five (5) years supervising aquatic systems or marine mammal programs.
  • 1 year(s) experience managing a six-figure budget.
  • 5 years of experience in team management
  • Demonstrated experience overseeing life support systems and water quality management.
  • Proven experience ensuring compliance with AZA FWC USFWS and OSHA standards and regulations.
  • Proficiency in developing implementing and maintaining operational and safety protocols for aquatic animal programs.
  • Bachelors degree in Marine Science Biology Zoology Environmental Engineering or a closely related field. Equivalent combinations of education training and directly related professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Equivalency Statement : Candidates without a bachelors degree may qualify through extensive experience demonstrating progressive responsibility in aquatic animal care life support operations and staff supervision. Examples of qualifying equivalent experience may include :

    • 12 years of experience in aquatic animal care or environmental systems operations with 5 years in leadership roles.

  • AALSO or AAUS certifications combined with extensive life support and water quality management experience.
  • Technical or military training in water systems diving or environmental engineering with applied supervisory experience.
  • Open water scuba certification or equivalent (obtainable within 1 year).
  • First Aid / CPR / AED / O₂ Provider certifications (obtainable within 1 year).

    • A plus...

  • Masters degree in a related field.
  • 3 years experience managing a six-figure budget
  • Two (2) or more years of experience in a curator or senior management role within an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium.
  • Advanced-level certification(s) from Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators and / or American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).
  • Experience managing new aquatic exhibit construction renovation or large-scale life support projects.

    • ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS :

  • Availability to accommodate a flexible schedule including extended hours holidays weekends and a willingness to share on-call duties.
  • Availability to fulfill disaster-response duties and responsibilities including clean up.

    • PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to lift carry and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
  • Ability to operate motorized carts trucks power tools and aquatic system equipment safely and efficiently.
  • Ability to perform dive operations in confined or open aquatic habitats using SCUBA or surface-supplied air systems.
  • Ability to perform physically demanding tasks including working at heights on ladders scaffolds or elevated platforms as needed.
  • Ability to remain standing for extended periods and perform prolonged walking bending kneeling crouching crawling climbing or reaching.
  • Ability to respond effectively to aquatic emergencies and conduct physical inspections.
  • Ability to safely work in and around water systems mechanical rooms and electrical equipment.
  • Visual acuity and hand-eye coordination sufficient for monitoring animals reading instrumentation performing inspections maintenance tasks and equipment alarms.

    • WORK CONDITIONS

  • Exposure to hazards such as wildlife waste equipment loud noises chemicals and heights.
  • Exposure to a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat cold rain and wind.
  • Regular exposure to wet slippery and uneven surfaces in aquatic and maintenance areas.
  • Interaction with water treatment chemicals (chlorine ozone acids bases) electrical systems and mechanical hazards associated with pumps filters and pressurized systems.
  • Potential exposure to allergens (dust animal dander pollen) zoonotic diseases bloodborne pathogens and injuries from animals.
  • Irregular work hours including evenings weekends and holidays with flexibility to respond to emergencies or disaster events.
  • Work in confined spaces elevated areas or at heights using ladders scaffolds or platforms.
  • Requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves respirators safety glasses hearing protection and diving gear as appropriate.
  • Work may involve proximity to water electrical systems chemicals and other hazards requiring strict adherence to safety procedures.
  • May require being on call for emergencies.
  • May handle remote darting equipment or weapons.

    • We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal state and local employment regulations.

    EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

    Reasonable Accommodation. Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens are committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. Candidates are encouraged to request accommodation if needed during the application interview or employment process.

    Key Skills

    Abinitio,Administration And Accounting,Android,Bid Management,Inventory Management,Embedded C

    Employment Type : Full-Time

    Experience : years

    Vacancy : 1

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