The Animal Curator provides professional and administrative direction and supervision of the Zoo’s animal collection, facilities, and personnel.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides leadership and daily supervision for 20-30 animal care employees and volunteers, overseeing all aspects of their duties, including daily inspection and evaluation of animal habitats and associated facilities.
- Identifies staff development needs and assists with the implementation of staff training.
- Maintains accountabilities for all aspects of the animal collection, facilities, and employee performance within the department at the Zoo.
- Contributes to planning and implementation of an organized master plan for the acquisition, management, and exhibition of a large, diverse assortment of resident animals.
- Conducts and reviews evidence-based welfare evaluations; and oversees the enrichment program for all zoo animals.
- Natural behavior-driven enrichment is measured and evaluated for effectiveness, with detailed records maintained for this program.
- Assists with initiating, administering, and reviewing protocols for animal care, safety, and operational protocols.
- Performs research and provides guidance on enclosure design, exhibition, and management techniques to meet a high standard of animal wellbeing, safety, and guest engagement.
- Contributes to the development of graphics, exhibit signage, and education programs.
- Maintains accurate animal records and ensures compliance with all applicable USDA, AZA, and regulatory standards.
- Provides data and reporting for permits and licenses as needed.
- Oversees and evaluates animal diets, implementing adjustments to meet needs and veterinary recommendations.
- Provides coverage for other curators as needed, ensuring continuity of care and operations.
- Collaborates successfully within and across departments to achieve goals for animal wellbeing, conservation, and guest engagement; Engages frequently with the public.
- Maintains regular professional contact with colleagues from other zoos and a wide variety of governmental agencies and may occasionally address concerns or complaints from outside the zoo.
- Submits purchase requests for departmental needs.
- Actively participates in efforts identified by the Zoo’s conservation program.
- Assists with management of pests and nuisance wildlife on Zoo grounds.
- Represents the Zoo in AZA managed animal programs and SAFE programs as designated.
- Regularly interprets and applies a wide variety of laws and regulations to administer and supervise the animal collections, facilities, and personnel.
- Participates in and, when appropriate, leads emergency response efforts involving animals, staff, or public safety.
- Assists the Director of Animals with risk management and mitigation duties and performs other duties assigned.
Experience Required
- Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge Knowledge and experience in the husbandry and propagation of animals in captivity.
- Strong understanding of management principles and the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships within a collective bargaining unit environment Knowledge of USDA Animal Welfare Act regulations and AZA standards.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to use good judgment and tact.
- Knowledge of operant conditioning, enrichment, and evidence-based animal welfare. Ability to conduct research and publish popular and technical scientific articles.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with the public and act as the spokesperson Advanced knowledge of the theory or practical application of biology, zoology, or a related natural science discipline.
- Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Life Sciences, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A minimum of five (5) years of experience as an Animal Curator in an accredited zoological facility preferred.
Further Comments
- Additional Requirements Availability to work weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts as required. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to operate zoo vehicles safely on and off zoo grounds.
- Occasional travel, including overnight and out-of-town trips, is required to visit other zoos, wildlife reserves, and similar areas for liaison, study, professional meetings, research and animal acquisitions.
Perks
- https://www.evansvillegov.org/city/topic/index.php?topicid=53&structureid=17
