Job Description

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 37 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals. 
 
Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 85 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to our volunteers. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Conservation department implements an ambitious annual roster of field research projects to meet the goals of our institutional Conservation Action Plan and in support more broadly of the Aquarium’s strategic plan, An Aquarium Without Walls The Research Operations & Safety Manager is a critical support staff position, working across the project portfolio and playing a critical role in ensuring the success of the Research Staff during field activities. The position also oversees logistical elements of field work, management of field data, and training and supervision of seasonal fieldwork staff, including undergraduate research interns. In this capacity, this position is responsible for annual recruitment, training, mentoring, and oversight of these student interns, ensuring positive and educational field experiences while also achieving project goals. This position works closely with all research project leads to support their activities, including participating in field and lab work when needed.

PRIMARYRESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages lab and field logistics (scheduling, staffing, use of equipment, vehicles, boats, etc.)

• Responsible for development and implementation of safety procedures for lab and field activities, including staff training and provision of related equipment/supplies

• Manages and maintains field and lab equipment, including procurement, repairs, organization

• Oversees data, QA/QC, metadata/storage/sharing (supported by Program Assistant)

• Maintains laboratory records, supplies, equipment, and lab security

• Manages all samples collected for laboratory processing once onsite at TMA, including inventory, storage, and prioritization/scheduling, including procurement and maintenance of storage facilities/equipment (e.g., freezers)

• Supervises 1 full-time direct report (Program Assistant) and part-time/seasonal research staff (interns and technicians)

• Supports lab sample processing and field research, as needed

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education and Work Experience   

• 5+ years of experience in field and/or laboratory research preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required

• Experience managing people and working with students required 

• Experience managing data required

• Experience managing ecological field equipment and laboratory equipment required

• Experience managing logistics for mid-sized teams preferred

Knowledge and Skills  

• Excellent written and oral communication skills required 

• Excellent organization skills required 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook) required 

• Proficiency in R preferred

• Knowledge of Long Island Sound species and habitats required

• Must be comfortable working outside in all weather conditions, including on boats and in mud, and able to carry 35+ pounds over uneven terrain during field research

• Must be able to work collaboratively, work independently, and multi-task 

• Strong leadership skills with proven ability to accept and delegate responsibility as well as organize tasks and people 

• Must be able to reliably commute to the Aquarium and to partner meetings and field sites throughout Connecticut and New York

The typical work schedule will be 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm, but weekend, early morning, and evening work will be required for fieldwork and other department activities with advance notice.

SALARY: $32-34 per hour plus benefits.

START DATE: July 1, 2026 (Negotiable)

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.