Animal Curator

The Oregon Zoo is at the forefront of animal welfare, pioneering innovative research, and driving both local and global conservation efforts. We set the gold standard in animal wellbeing, implementing cutting-edge practices that exceed the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) standards. Our commitment to sustainability and conservation education inspires individuals and communities to create lasting impact for our planet.

• With the support of a $380 million voter-approved bond, we are reimagining our habitats, building state-of-the-art naturalistic spaces for animals like penguins, sea otters, and giraffes.
• This transformation is designed to create a place where both wildlife and people can connect and thrive together.
• We are seeking an Animal Curator to lead our Bird team, support our California Condor propagation efforts, and enhance our ectotherm population. In this role you will have the opportunity to make a direct impact by focusing on animal husbandry, behavior and training programs, evaluating animal care and wellbeing, and guiding staff development and training.
• Are you ready to make a difference in wildlife conservation, shape the future of wildlife care and sustainability? Join us at the Oregon Zoo and play a key role in shaping the future of animal care.

As the Animal Curator, you will:

• Serve as the Zoo’s Bird team manager, overseeing the care of a diverse population of birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates within your purview.
• Supervise the animal care program, ensure compliance with USDA, AZA, local, and federal regulations and contribute to the Animal Population Plan.
• Lead the California Condor species recovery program in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with a focus on propagating and restoring condors to their natural habitat.
• Develop, maintain, and update animal husbandry routines, policies, and operating procedures related to animal care, safety, and equipment use, ensuring that all areas under your purview exceed industry standards. 
• Lead and evaluate the performance of an Area Supervisor, who oversees a team of Lead Animal Keepers and Animal Keepers.
• Foster staff development, ensuring the team meets the evolving needs of the zoological profession and contributes to organizational goals.
• Oversee animal transfers, introductions, and medical treatments to ensure the highest standards of care and wellbeing for all species.
• Prepare and manage the budget for assigned animal sections, ensuring timely attention to expenditures, needs and program objectives.
• Develop both short- and long-term plans to meet the zoo’s goals.
• Provide expertise in animal habitat and holding design, particularly in developing  a new penguin habitat. Support ongoing facility improvements and pdate population plans for birds and ectotherms.
• Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders, regulatory agencies, other zoos and aquariums, AZA to advance the zoo’s goals and conservation efforts.
• Actively engage in AZA programs, serve on committees or advisory groups, and share insights on animal management and population sustainability.
• When necessary, represent the zoo as a spokesperson for the Oregon Zoo's animal population and conservation efforts.
• Represent the zoo’s conservation goals to donors, helping to increase investment in bird conservation and animal habitats.

Attributes for Success:

• Expertise in animal care techniques, including innovative approaches to creating enriching environments that prioritize animal wellbeing, with a focus on behavioral management and addressing husbandry issues through training and enrichment.
• Proven experience in avian reproduction management, reptile husbandry, and a deep understanding of animal wellbeing best practices for a wide range of species.
• Strong leadership skills, including managing social dynamics, supervising staff, fostering professional growth and cultivating a compassionate, inclusive work environment that supports staff development and ensures the wellbeing of both animals and team members.
• Ability to manage budgets, control expenditures, and address challenges with innovative, logical solutions while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Comfort with public speaking and delivering engaging, professional presentations on the Oregon Zoo’s mission, goals and conservation efforts to diverse audiences.
• Skilled in scheduling, project management, and evaluating staff tasks to ensure the successful implementation of daily operations. 
• Commitment to advancing racial equity and implementing meaningful changes in work practices, visitor services, and education programs, with a focus on addressing historic inequities in the zoo field and the region.

Experience Required

• Minimum qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or related field with an emphasis on wildlife and/or zoo animals and, Seven years of experience as an animal care professional and Two years of supervisory experience or, Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Salary

• $102,984.94 - $138,009.83 Annually