Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from California Academy of Sciences
Job overview
The Assistant Curator at California Academy of Sciences manages the Aquarium's living collection and habitats, playing a key leadership role in animal care and departmental culture.
Responsibilities and impact
The Assistant Curator supervises biologists, oversees daily care and management of animal collections and habitats, coordinates specimen acquisition, maintains records, supports strategic plans, collaborates on research and conservation, and engages with the public and professional communities.
Compensation and benefits
The salary range is $80,000 to $90,000, with actual pay based on experience and skills; the position includes comprehensive benefits and emphasizes fair and competitive compensation.
Experience and skills
Candidates must have at least seven years of full-time animal/plant husbandry experience in a public aquarium or zoo and two years of leadership experience; advanced knowledge of animal care, USDA and AZA standards, and aquarium operations is required; a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field and SCUBA certification are preferred.
Career development
The role offers opportunities to lead projects, develop staff, and collaborate across departments on research and conservation, supporting professional growth in a mission-driven environment.
Work environment and culture
The Academy values curiosity, collaboration, innovation, and a culture of trust, respect, and accountability, with a mission focused on regenerating the natural world through science and learning.
Company information
California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and cultural institution in San Francisco featuring a planetarium, aquarium, research center, and natural history museum under one roof, dedicated to biodiversity science and environmental education.
Team overview
The Assistant Curator joins the Steinhart Aquarium leadership team, managing biologists and working with diverse species and habitats in a collaborative environment.
Job location and travel
The position is based in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park at the California Academy of Sciences, with a full-time schedule including some weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Application process
Applicants should submit a resume and application via the California Academy of Sciences Careers Page portal.
Unique job features
This role uniquely combines leadership in animal husbandry with opportunities to engage in public education, conservation projects, and innovative habitat management within a world-class aquarium setting.
Company overview
The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. It operates as a natural history museum, aquarium, planetarium, and research institute, offering diverse exhibits and educational programs. The Academy generates revenue through ticket sales, memberships, donations, and grants. Founded in 1853, it has a rich history of scientific research and public education, emphasizing sustainability and biodiversity. Notable features include the Living Roof, an innovative green roof, and the Steinhart Aquarium, one of the most biologically diverse aquariums in the world.
How to land this job
Tailor your resume to emphasize your extensive experience in animal and plant husbandry, especially with aquatic and terrestrial species such as fishes, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates, aligning with the Assistant Curator role at California Academy of Sciences.
Highlight leadership skills in managing professional staff, including hiring, training, mentoring, and performance evaluation, since the role requires managing a team of biologists and coordinating daily operations.
Apply through multiple channels including the California Academy of Sciences Careers Page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and ensure your candidacy is noticed.
Connect on LinkedIn with current staff in the Steinhart Aquarium division or related departments at California Academy of Sciences. Use ice breakers like commenting on their involvement with the Hope for Reefs initiative or asking about their experience managing biodiversity projects to create meaningful conversations.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'animal husbandry,' 'aquatic habitats,' 'staff management,' 'USDA and AZA standards,' 'behavioral husbandry,' and 'conservation breeding programs' to pass initial automated screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate the tailoring of your resume, identify all relevant application portals, and discover LinkedIn connections to network with, allowing you to focus your time on preparing for interviews and deepening your industry knowledge.
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