Application Deadline: 30 November 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 your application highlights your experience and qualifications as 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.
- They’ll 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.
- We’re 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. You’ll work alongside professionals who care deeply about the animals they serve and the people they lead.
- Together, we’re 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 You’ll 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.
- Bachelor’s 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 bachelor’s 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...
- Master’s 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
Salary
- $70k- $72k
