Curator, Mammals

Monterey Bay Aquarium is recruiting a Curator of Mammals to lead the husbandry and conservation programmes for marine mammals at the Aquarium. Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the world’s leading aquariums and a global leader in ocean conservation, with a mission to inspire conservation of the ocean through education, science and public engagement. The Aquarium’s marine mammal programmes include the highly regarded sea otter conservation and rehabilitation programme, one of the longest-running and most successful efforts of its kind globally.

The Curator of Mammals provides leadership, strategic direction and oversight for the Aquarium’s mammal programmes, including the sea otter conservation programme. Responsibilities include leading and managing the mammal husbandry team; overseeing animal care, welfare, training and enrichment; supporting the Aquarium’s sea otter conservation, rescue, rehabilitation, surrogacy and release programme; contributing to research and conservation efforts on sea otters and other marine mammals; supporting the Aquarium’s external partnerships with US Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, academic institutions and partner organisations; managing budgets and operational planning for the mammal programme; supporting fundraising and donor engagement; representing the Aquarium to external stakeholders, scientific networks, the media and the public; and contributing to the Aquarium’s broader strategy and conservation work.

Required qualifications include significant experience in marine mammal husbandry, conservation or research (typically 8+ years), with progressively responsible leadership experience; a relevant degree (marine biology, zoology, veterinary science or related); demonstrated team management experience; strong understanding of marine mammal welfare, husbandry, training and conservation; experience with permits and regulatory compliance (US Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA Fisheries, USDA, AZA); excellent written and verbal communication skills including media engagement; the ability to work with diverse stakeholders including scientists, regulators, NGO partners and the public; and commitment to ocean conservation, the Aquarium’s mission and values.

Applications should be submitted via the Aquarium’s careers portal with a CV and covering letter. The position has a priority application deadline of 26 June 2026 with review of applications continuing until the position is filled.

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Original posting: https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/MON1023MBAF/JobBoard/84cdbbe5-6ebd-4432-86f2-05e6fcf67a82/Opportunity/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=66e3664e-246c-4577-bf93-80ecb5bb656d