Curator

Payroll Title:
CURATOR 4 Department:
AQUARIUM-MUSEUM Hiring Pay Scale
$79,200 - $111, 300/ Annually Worksite:
SIO Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
Uncovered Total Openings:
1 Work Schedule:
8 hrs/day, Days, 8 hrs/day, Sun-Thursday 8-5pm


#140598 Curator

Filing Deadline: Sun 8/2/2026
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UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.


UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 07/22/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.


Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

At the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, we connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet. As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, we share the spirit of curiosity that drives Scripps' global research to understand our planet. We engage people in science and invite them to ask questions, explore, and observe to better understand how our world works - Earth, ocean, atmosphere, and life - and our unique role in our global ecosystem. We use science to guide conservation action to support a healthy thriving planet where we feel hope for the future and empowered to make positive change. We connect people with each other, with nature, with science, and with a shared sense of purpose to care for our amazing one-and-only planet Earth.

Our values can be found here:


Job Location: Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under general direction of the Chief Animal Care, Science and Conservation Officer (CACSCO) co-direct the Husbandry unit within the Birch Aquarium, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD, which involves administration, operation, life support and animal husbandry functions. Direct and manage the functions and activities of aquarium personnel involved in routine and technical aspects of installation, operation, repair or maintenance of aquarium property, and collection, health and maintenance of aquarium animals. Assume full curatorial duties and manage the unit in collaboration with curatorial team and in the absence of the CACSCO

QUALIFICATIONS

• Five (5) or more years experience managing an aquatic animal husbandry unit at a zoo, aquarium, or other related attraction.
• Five (5) or more years experience of coral husbandry, health and propagation. Extensive experience managing diverse populations for scientific advancement and conservation.
• Knowledge of aquarium planning and design of displays and exhibits, general husbandry and method of behavior.
• Specialized knowledge of aquarium water systems and associated life-support equipment.
• AAUS Divers Certification and ability to maintain active diver status as well as lead a team of dive staff in the field and aquarium setting.
• Specialized knowledge of the husbandry required to maintain and display marine organisms in aquaria.
• Knowledge of behavioral interactions of marine animals in aquaria.
• Knowledge of common diseases of marine organisms and the appropriate treatment protocols.
• Specialization in an area of the museum's collection and knowledge of standard museum curatorial practices.
• Knowledge of collection building / connoisseurship, ethical and legal standards for acquisition, and of the current market.
• Knowledge of selection, evaluation, and exhibition of objects.
• Knowledge of the principles of conservation / preservation.
• Donor cultivation and relationship building skills.
• Skills in scholarly research and writing scholarly publications.
• Demonstrated competency with and commitment to fostering fairness, respect, and inclusion in alignment with the Principles of Community.
• Advanced degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Ability to work weekends/holidays as needed.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Will be required to hold valid driver's license and have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures.

Pay Transparency Act


Annual Full Pay Range: $79,200 - $143,400 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)


Hourly Equivalent: $37.93 - $68.68


Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

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To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit:


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Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.


a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace