Area Curator

Zoo New England is seeking a dynamic, experienced leader for a new position in our Animal Care Department as we enter a new phase in our growth and strategic vision planning. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate with strong leadership and vision, as the department is undergoing restructuring and reorganization. The successful candidate will bring a spirit of teamwork, innovation, resourcefulness and creativity, have excellent communication skills, work well in a diverse group, and provide positive leadership.

• This position will oversee the management of the staff, habitats, and animals within 3 areas of Franklin Park Zoo.
• As part of the Animal Care management team, you will help orchestrate the operation and ensure the care of the animals in the areas, including collection planning, co-creation and implementation of policies and of programs such as training, enrichment and welfare, as well as review of plans and procedures to meet high standards.
• We are looking for an experienced and collaborative leader who will not only advocate for the animals but also staff, and who will foster a culture of excellence in animal care and guest experience. 
• This position comes with ample opportunities for conceiving and implementing new collection plans, exploring professional interests, and becoming involved in ZNE’s robust field conservation program.

WHO WE ARE  

• Zoo New England manages and operates both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo in Massachusetts and attracts over 1 million guests per year.
• We are in an exciting growth phase, with large-scale events such as the Boston Lights and award-winning conservation projects. We also recently launched an updated strategic plan and our interpretive master-plan initiatives.
• We are investing in multi-million-dollar capital improvements, recently opening an outdoor gorilla habitat; currently designing a Wildlife Health and Conservation Research Center, and opening a new African Experience complex, including addition of African penguins in 2026.
• The institution is focused and expanding, and this is a great opportunity to join our diverse staff and have an impact on the care, welfare and conservation of wildlife.

WHO YOU ARE   

• Proven leader in wildlife management in the zoo field:
• Over 10 years of experience managing animals in human care, preferably in an AZA accredited institution, including population management, husbandry, breeding and collection planning.

Empathic leader:

• strong interpersonal skills to foster collaborations and build trust with internal and external stakeholders and motivate/coach diverse teams.

Adaptable and Organized:

• Resilient and agile to prioritize competing tasks, deadlines, making educated decisions under pressure.
• Dynamic and able to work in a fast-paced environment. 

Open and Positive:

• Able to evaluate and pivot from practices and decisions in the care and management of animals and staff when appropriate.
• Recognize and act on opportunities for improvement.

Excellent communicator:

• Timely and thorough oral and written communication is needed for positive and effective interaction with staff, guests and stakeholders.

Proactive critical thinker:

• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find solutions.
• Able to forecast needs, mitigate risks and plan in advance.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Responsible for all aspects of animal husbandry and exhibitry of animals in the Tropical Forest, Hooves and Horns, and Children’s Zoo areas of Franklin Park Zoo.
• Act as a liaison between upper management and the veterinarians, animal care staff and registrar regarding animal health, care and habitats.
• Provide leadership in designing and implementing the Collection Plan and provide mentorship to support the Assistant Curators of the area, including overseeing acquisition, disposition and breeding.
• Ensure the successful implementation of welfare, enrichment and operant conditioning programs in the areas.
• Ensures compliance with zoo policies and assists in development and implementation of department/area policies, procedures, presentations and reports.
• Develop and enforce standards of animal care policies and procedures for the animals in the area to meet or exceed AZA and USDA standards.
• Help hire, schedule and assign area staff and volunteers, which includes performance management and disciplinary action.
• Fosters a culture of continuous learning; providing encouragement, coaching, training, mentoring and opportunities for professional growth.
• Collaborate with other Animal Care managers and with other departments on research and development of habitat designs and renovation, and identify, submit and prioritize work orders and projects in the areas.
• Partners and communicate with other departments such as Development, Education, and Events to support interdisciplinary initiatives to help promote institutional goals and mission.
• Represent the department at professional meetings, conferences or in the media as needed. Participates in internal and external committees, task forces and AZA programs.
• Prepares for and helps with emergency response, crisis management, safety drills and participates in safety meetings with fellow department representatives when required.
• Responsible for staff and animal safety, including using and directing the use of a variety of personal safety equipment, safety training, hazard assessment and mitigation. 
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology or related field of study. Graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive animal husbandry experience in an AZA institution. Experience with a mixed collection of animals, especially mammals, is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience supervising teams within a zoological setting.
• Proven knowledge and application of AZA accreditation standards and USDA requirements.
• Ability to coordinate with others to provide deliverables on an agreed upon deadline.
• Ability to think critically and demonstrate time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey scientific information clearly and concisely.
• TB tested negative within the last 6 months 
• Proficiency in Microsoft suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams and ZIMS.  
• Must have a valid driver's license with a safe driving history.   
• Must be physically able to work on their feet or sit for long periods, lift over 50lbs and perform the duties of an animal keeper on an as-needed basis.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours to accommodate operational needs, including weekends, holidays and evenings when required.

BENEFITS  

• Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and eligible dependents. 
• 9 paid holidays and 6 personal days.
• Accrue 10 vacation days and 12 days of sick leave your first year.    
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).    
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days.   
• Discounts and perks at ZNE institutions and other cultural organizations in MA.
• Free staff parking.
• 401K Retirement Plan after 6 months.

SELECTION PROCESS  

• For a full job description and to apply, go to https://zoonewengland.bamboohr.com/careers/292 

Experience Required

• 12 years of progressive animal husbandry experience in an AZA institution

Salary

• 75-90K/annually