Assistant Curator of Invertebrates

The San Francisco Zoological Society (“Society”) is a non-profit institution that manages and raises funds for San Francisco Zoo and Gardens (“Zoo”).  The Society’s mission, supra, is summarized as the 3 c’s: to connect our visitors with wildlife so that they care about nature and ultimately conserve it.  The Society’s leadership team is comprised of a President & Executive Director as well as a professional team of Senior Managers. The Society endeavors to meet or exceed the standards of its industry peers, including those established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (“AZA”). For over 25 years, the Society has been continuously accredited by the AZA.

• Upholds the Society’s mission and core values (Respect, Professionalism, Resiliency, Efficiency and Equality) and other policies/procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and elsewhere.

SUMMARY:

• Under the general supervision of the Curator of Invertebrates, provides direct supervision of the Animal Keepers and Interns in the Insect Zoo.
• Assists in the management of the animal collection.
• Helps to coordinate and oversee invertebrate conservation projects.
• Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
• Requires extensive knowledge of the care and feeding of terrestrial invertebrates.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain detailed records.
• Proficiency with basic computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to perform heavy work safely and effectively.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Should have a passion for invertebrate conservation.

Requirements:

• This position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive animal husbandry experience, preferably at an AZA institution. Supervisory experience is preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license.
• Experience with invertebrate conservation work is desirable.
• Experience working in a USDA/APHIS PPQ-regulated insect containment facility is highly desirable.

SECTION A: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervise assigned staff and assist the Curator of Invertebrates.
• Help to coordinate invertebrate conservation projects.

SECTION B: JOB RELATED DUTIES

• Helps coordinate the San Francisco Forktail Damselfly Conservation Project, both at the Zoo and at local field sites.
• Ensures compliance and record keeping for USDA, CDFA, AZA and other regulatory agencies.
• Maintains and improves animal husbandry standards within the section.
• Coordinates medical procedures with the Veterinary Hospital.
• Assists with wellness assessments.
• Orders supplies and works with the Nutrition Center to ensure proper food deliveries.
• Assists with exhibit upkeep and renovations.
• Helps to manage beehives on Zoo grounds.
• Helps to maintain native plant gardens.
• Coordinates with Pest Control and assists with native wildlife response.
• Researches and develops new animal exhibits and non-living displays.
• Helps maintain the collection of preserved arthropod specimens.
• Updates standard operating procedures and other reports.
• Gives public presentations and tours.
• Under direction of the Curator, schedules work assignments.
• Under direction of the Curator, completes Annual Performance Evaluations.
• May be required to perform the duties of an Animal Keeper on an as-needed basis.
• Performs other duties as required and assigned.

SECTION C: CORE EXPECTATIONS

• Represents management and demonstrates a commitment to the Zoo’s mission statement and its core values, as well as a commitment to institutional DEAI values.
• Performs duties in a service-oriented manner.
• Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity.
• Maintains good work habits and adheres to the employee handbook and all policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supports the Office’s commitment to equal employment opportunities.
• Demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety.
• Demonstrates good presentation skills in dealing with the public, Zoo Board and internal and external stakeholders.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. 
• The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. 
• The employee is occasionally required to sit. 
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. 
• The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to potentially hazardous animals
• The San Francisco Zoo encourages bilingual candidates to apply.
• Salary Range: $67,000-$72,000