Curatorial Department Supervisor

**Curatorial Department Supervisor**

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, King St & Flinders St
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
Australia

***

Are you passionate about marine conservation, animal welfare and creating amazing displays? Are you an experienced leader with a desire to manage a team in an iconic global brand?

We have an exciting opportunity to join us at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium as a** Curatorial Department Supervisor**

**About the Role**

Reporting into the Curator, you will be responsible for coordinating the operations of the curatorial department as well as leading a team of Aquarists and Keepers, ensuring they are supported in delivering all animal welfare, displays, team development and guest experience objectives.

The role will be overseeing teams who work in both our penguin exhibit and aquatic displays.

Key responsibilities for both roles will include (but are not limited to);
- Ensure the highest possible standards of animal husbandry, exhibit presentation, technical operation and safety in daily operations of the SEA LIFE Aquarium.
- To monitor all public display areas to achieve the objective of delivering a World Class guest experience.
- Leading Aquarists/Keepers by example and setting the standard for animal care and professionalism.
- Work closely with the Curator/Exhibit Manager/ Lead Aquarist offering support and assistance with running your zone and staff.
- To ensure the correct animal acquisition/breeding, quarantine and transport processes to allow the collection of all animals in the correct health, whilst meeting or exceeding the requirements of the SEA LIFE network.
- Assist with the development and implementation in conjunction with Curator/Exhibit Manager/ Lead Aquarist of policies and procedures that maximises the management of animal husbandry and animal innovation throughout the displays development livestock holding facilities.
- Responsible for an allocated zone within the SEA LIFE attraction.
- Lead, develop and support SEA LIFE attraction Curatorial team members in specific areas of responsibility
- Assist the Manager and Curator to develop collection management strategy for all species and displays.
- Work closely and coordinate with team, Managers and Curator to assure curatorial team is appropriately staffed and achieves overall department objectives day to day.
- Work closely with Veterinarian and Veterinarian Nurse to carry out best practice animal health and wellbeing practices.
- Build relationships with relevant organisations to position and promote SEA LIFE attraction as a respected leading zoological/aquarium organisation.
- Deliver animals through acquisition, quarantine and/or transport in ideal health in accordance with SEA LIFE and Merlin CWE standards and local authority’s requirements.
- Maintain animal management records according to SEA LIFE and Merlin policy and legislative requirements.
- Ensure health and safety policy is strictly followed to ensure safety of staff, guests and animals.
- Stay up to date with scientific information regarding the animals within the collection.
- Deliver effective and high-quality aquarist/keeper talks, guest interactions and presentations, and support team to do the same

**About You**

You will:

- Have at least 5 years proven aquatic animal husbandry **or** penguin experience
- You will have a high degree of supervisory skills in an aquatic displays capacity
- Be a clear communicator, good planner with strong organisation skills
- Be adept at problem solving and proactive with a solutions focus

The following qualifications would be an advantage:

- Certified rescue diver or above
- First aid and O2 provision certificate
- The AS2299 commercial dive medical and have the ability to dive regularly
- A Bachelor’s degree in Zoology or Biology or an equivalent Animal Care Diploma

**Benefits**

The salary for this role is $65,000 - $75,000 pa + superannuation, other benefits include:

- Corporate benefits including free access to all our attractions worldwide
- Domestic and global opportunities to develop and progress your skills and career in tourism and attractions
- Additional Leave (including birthday and wellbeing) and 3 volunteer days to give back to a social cause you care about
- Being part of a business built on fun

**About Us**

Merlin Entertainments is the company behind iconic brands like SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, and Peppa Pig World of Play. We operate in over 140 attractions across 25 countries, delivering memorable experiences to 54 million+ visitors a year.

We’re the leading operator of visitor attractions in Australia and New Zealand, with 10 attractions, including SEA LIFE, Wild Life, Madame Tussauds, and the Fly Treetop Adventures, amongst others.

Merlin Entertainments is driven by a strong social responsibility with the vision to create a world where the global community respects, conserves, and sustainably manages our precious aquatic habitats, wildlife, and natural resources. We s