ASSISTANT CURATOR of CHILDREN ZOO & PENGUINS

This position oversees the management of the staff, exhibits and animals within the Franklin Farm, Nature’s Neighborhood and Penguins when it opens (construction starting spring 2024). As part of the Animal Management Team, you will help orchestrate the operation and all aspects of the care in your area, including collection planning, record keeping, husbandry, diet and enrichment approvals and implementation, review and development of plans and procedures to a high-standards. We are looking for a passionate and collaborative leader who will not only advocate for animals but also staff, developing keepers and fostering excellence, critical and big picture thinking in the team.

WHO WE ARE  

• Zoo New England manages and operates both Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo in Massachusetts, and attracts over 1 million guests.
• We are in an exciting growth phase, with large-scale events such as Boston Lights, award winning conservation projects, launching strategic planning and interpretive master-planning.
• We are investing in multi-million-dollar capital improvements – we recently opened a gorilla habitat; we currently designing a Conservation and Health Centre and our new African Experience complex opens in 2025 (part of it falling under this position).
• 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   

• Empathic leader: strong interpersonal skills to foster collaborations and build trust with internal and external stakeholders and motivate/coach a diverse team.
• Adaptable and Organized: Resilient and agile to prioritize sometimes competing tasks, making educated decisions under pressure and work in a fast pace 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 take action on opportunities for improvement.
• Excellent communicator: Timely and thorough oral and written communication is needed for positive and effective 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 area. Act as a liaison between upper management and the veterinarians, animal care staff and registrar regarding animal health, care and habitats.
• Ensure the successful implementation of welfare, enrichment, operant conditioning programs in the area. Ensures compliance with zoo policies and assist 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, 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 Senior management and other departments on research and development of habitat designs and renovation, and identify, submit and prioritize work orders in the area.
• Partners and communicate with other departments such as Development, Education, and Events to support integrated and interdisciplinary initiatives to help 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.
• Assist in updating and implementing the Collection Plan and support the Curator in overseeing the acquisition, disposition and breeding of area collection.
• Prepares for and helps with emergency response, crisis management, safety drills and participate in safety meetings with fellow department representatives when required.
• Responsible for the safety of animals and staff in the area, including using and directing the use of a variety of personal safety equipment, oversee safety training, assessing and mitigating hazards. 
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field of study.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive animal husbandry experience, preferably in an AZA institution. Experience with Penguins and birds is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 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 demonstrated 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 and fully vaccinated for COVID-19. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft suite, including Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams and ZIMS.  
• Must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license with a safe driving history.   
• Must be physically able to work on their feet or sitting 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 HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents. 
• 9 paid holidays and 6 personal holidays.
• 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 organizations in MA.
• Free staff parking.
• 401K Retirement Plan after 6 months.

Experience Required

• 6 years of progressive animal husbandry experience

Salary

• 52-56K/annually