Animal Curator - Behavioral Husbandry

This Animal Curator position focuses on leading the Woodland Park Zoo behavioral management program, applying best practices with animal behavioral management zoo wide for the entire animal collection. This position also supervises animal care staff teams for ambassador animals, zoo farm and public demonstrations (including free flight bird show). Other tasks assigned to this position include coordinating requests for tours, monitoring keeper talks & other public presentations. 

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE

• As our new Curator, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:
• Leadership Skills: You inspire, empower, and support your team to achieve their full potential while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Behavioral Management Expert: Advanced management, technical or scientific skill related to the care of exotic animals, experience and leadership in AZA conservation and science programs.
• Well versed in a variety of taxa: You have expertise in a broad range of animal species.
• Creative Problem Solver: You demonstrate initiative, imagination, and collaborative approach related to animal care and wildlife conservation.
• Strong Written and Verbal communication: You can write speeches and articles for publications that conform to prescribe styles and formats and you are able to effectively present information to executives, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures that animal care standards are maintained at the highest level through adherence to established zoo policies and procedures, while at the same time staying within a defined budget.
• Develops, implements, and oversees the behavioral husbandry program.
• Participates in collection planning, acquisition, and transfer of zoo animals, establishing and communicating care parameters for newly acquired species, and acts as spokesperson for the zoo in order to respond to questions from the media.
• Supports education mission of the zoo by teaching, writing, and presenting material within technical specialty.
• Manages performance appraisals and works with People & Culture department to resolve personnel issues for direct reports.
• Makes recommendations and implements AZA conservation programs such as SSP, PMP, TAG.
• Serves as staff representative for conservation efforts.
• Takes a lead role during emergencies such as animal escapes or natural disasters.
• Identifies potential safety problems, finding ways to reduce risks and injuries.
• Authorizes modest expenditures; makes recommendations to Director of Animal Care regarding purchases and budget.
• Oversees regular staff training program for animal management staff, especially in issues relating to the care of the animal collection.
• Provides technical assistance in the planning and development of new animal exhibits, concepts and designs. Monitors impact to Animal Management operations of construction or renovation projects.
• Supports fundraising and development efforts of Zoo.
• Acts as back-up and fill-in capacity for animal care manager, performing supervisory functions of that job.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences field from a four-year college or university with eight (8) years related experience and/or training including two years at a curatorial or supervisory level; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Membership in the AZA at a professional level within 3 months of hire.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

BENEFITS

• The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for fulltime staff including:
• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
• 11 paid holidays and 2 personal holidays 
• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick your first year
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days 
• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks  
• Free staff parking 
• 403(b) Retirement Plan 

SELECTION PROCESS

Application:

Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.

Screening:

We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer:

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant successfully complete a: driving record review, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment tuberculosis test.

Salary

$110,000 - $125, 000 year; FLSA exempt