Manager, Tropical Marine Fishes

The Manager of Tropical Marine Fishes at John G. Shedd Aquarium in Chicago oversees the care and welfare of tropical marine species, including sharks and reef fish. This role involves managing a team, ensuring compliance with regulations, and implementing training and enrichment practices. The manager also represents the aquarium to the public and handles administrative tasks such as budget management. Strong leadership skills and a commitment to animal wellness are essential.
About the position

The Manager of Tropical Marine Fishes at Shedd Aquarium plays a crucial role in ensuring the optimal care and welfare of a diverse collection of tropical marine species, including teleosts and elasmobranchs. This position is integral to the aquarium's mission of facilitating impactful public engagement with wildlife through an animals-first approach. The manager oversees the daily husbandry and welfare of various marine habitats, including a 400,000-gallon shark habitat and a 130,000-gallon mixed reef fish habitat, among others. This role requires a commitment to innovative behavioral training and enrichment practices that encourage natural behaviors in the animals under care. Reporting directly to the Director of Animal Care and Sustainability, the Manager collaborates closely with various departments, including Animal Health and Environmental Quality, to ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements. The position also involves contributing to cross-departmental goals, particularly in relation to conservation and research initiatives, such as SAFE: Sharks and Rays and breeding management under Species Survival Plans (SSPs). The manager is expected to develop and implement novel enrichment and training practices while fostering an environment focused on animal wellness and health. In addition to animal care responsibilities, the Manager of Tropical Marine Fishes serves as a spokesperson for the aquarium, representing Shedd and its programs to the public and media. This includes developing presentations and engaging in high-profile issues. The role also encompasses administrative duties, such as budget management and compliance with legal standards, ensuring that the aquarium meets its strategic goals and objectives. The manager must demonstrate strong leadership skills, working hands-on with the team while also managing administrative tasks effectively.

Responsibilities
• Oversee the daily husbandry and welfare of tropical marine fishes and elasmobranchs.
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• Lead a team of aquarists in caring for various marine habitats within the aquarium.
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• Collaborate with the Director of Animal Care and Sustainability to ensure optimal animal care and compliance with regulations.
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• Implement training protocols for proactive medical care for all animals under the Tropical Marine Fishes Team.
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• Manage the selection, training, and development of the Tropical Marine Fishes Team.
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• Publicly represent Shedd Aquarium and its programs, particularly regarding tropical marine fishes.
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• Assist in the administration and control of the department's budget.
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• Collaborate with national and international breeding and conservation programs.
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• Maintain compliance with animal welfare assessments and veterinary protocols.
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• Implement up-to-date husbandry practices and positive operant conditioning principles.
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• Support the goals of professional organizations related to the aquarium.
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• Develop training protocols to encourage natural behaviors in animals.
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• Demonstrate hands-on work with the team 80% of the time and administrative tasks 20% of the time.
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• Manage other aquarium teams when the direct manager is unavailable.
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• Partner with other managers to develop and implement budgets that support institutional priorities.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in marine sciences, biology, zoology, or a related field.
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• 6+ years of experience in animal care at an accredited zoo or aquarium, focusing on aquatic animals.
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• SCUBA certification, minimum Open Water level.
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• Proven success in the care of aquatic animals, particularly tropical marine species.
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• Knowledge of collection planning processes and sustainability priorities.
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• Familiarity with life support systems, water quality parameters, and veterinary protocols.
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• Experience with animal record-keeping and animal management software.
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• Strong communication, leadership, and personnel management skills.
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• Ability to develop and manage a department budget.
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• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with animal management software including TRACKs.
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• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for maintaining a living collection.
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• Good public speaking skills and experience in media representation.

Benefits
• Medical Insurance
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• Vision and Dental Insurance
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• Accrued Paid Time Off
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• Paid Holidays
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• Life Insurance
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• Parental Leave
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• Employee Assistance Program
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• Employee discounts