Marine Biologist jobs

A Legacy of Excellence

Entertaining Your World

Jacobs Entertainment, Inc. (JEI) is a developer, owner and operator of gaming and entertainment facilities across the United States. Core to the company’s value is our commitment to ethical leadership, outstanding training, and open employee communication.

Jacobs Entertainment is currently in search of a “Curator” for Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Greater Cleveland Aquarium energizes curiosity for aquatic-life and the environment with up-close encounters, education programs and themed galleries that take guests around the world. Located along the Cuyahoga River in the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse, industrial brick architecture is juxtaposed with imaginative fresh and saltwater habitats. It is the only freestanding aquarium in Ohio.

Our employees are supported with a comprehensive benefits program that include the following:

• $200 Referral Bonus
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 7 paid Holidays
• 80 hours of Vacation after 1 year of employment
• 48 Hours of Paid Sick Leave available immediately and renews annually
• We offer a variety of affordable medical, dental, vision and flexible spending account plans after 60 days
• Employee Assistance Program FREE of charge
• Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D
• Matching 401K program after 90 days
• Ongoing learning and development programs
• Work towards your future advancement within the company—most of our supervisors and managers are promoted from within

Essential Job Responsibilities and Duties:

• Maintain accountabilities for all aspects of animal husbandry and scuba diving operations, ensuring safety, consistent, and mission-aligned daily practices
• Serve on the leadership team to support strategic planning, performance improvement, and organizational goals
• Ensure exemplary animal well-being, health, and husbandry standards in accordance with accreditation criteria and all applicable regulations
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of a master plan for the acquisition, management, and exhibition of a large, diverse resident animal collection
• Develop, implement, and evaluate animal care and scuba diving SOPs and quality assurance measures
• Oversee the enrichment program for all animals; measure and evaluate natural behavior driven enrichment for effectiveness
• Lead, coach, and evaluate aquarists, veterinary staff, and dive staff; set expectations, provide training, and foster a culture of professionalism and continuous improvement
• Partner with veterinary staff on preventive medicine, quarantine and biosecurity, diagnostics and treatment, and medical record standards
• Maintain accurate animal and diving records; ensure compliance with all applicable USDA, OSHA and other regulatory standards; and complete permit and license reporting as required.
• Oversee and evaluate animal diets, implementing adjustments to meet nutritional needs and veterinary recommendations
• Collaborate with operations and life support teams on exhibit design, renovations, preventive maintenance, and water quality performance
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, staffing plans, schedules, and resources to support efficient, sustainable operations and continuous improvement
• Support the creation and implementation of daily activities and educational programs
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support and achieve organizational goals
• Represent the aquarium through professional associations, external partnerships, speaking engagements, and media interviews
• Identify and engage in species conservation programs aligned with institutional goals
• Contribute to emergency response planning and execution through drills and staff training for animal and diving operations

Skills, Education and Other Requirements:

• A minimum of six (6) years of experience in management and leadership in an aquarium or zoological setting
• Previous experience as General Curator is preferred
• Bachelor of Science in biology, zoology or related field required
• Advance knowledge and experience in the husbandry of animals in aquarium or zoological setting is required
• Demonstrated experience in aquarium scuba diving
• Knowledge of USDA Animal Welfare Act regulations, OSHA commercial diving and AZA standards
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems creatively and the ability to use good judgment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
• Working knowledge of applicable local, state and federal governmental regulations.
• Experience managing a departmental budget
• Ability to work on-call and able to respond to incidents or emergencies in a timely manner
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays
• Identification that establishes identity
• Identification that establishes the right to work in the United States