The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) seeks an experienced and highly motivated zoological professional to serve as Assistant Curator for the Small Mammal House and Kids' Farm. This position plays a critical leadership role in ensuring exceptional animal welfare, husbandry excellence, conservation impact, staff development, guest engagement, and operational success within two of the Zoo's most popular animal areas.
- The Assistant Curator works closely with the curator, animal care managers, veterinarians, nutritionists, researchers, and conservation partners to assist oversight a diverse collection of small mammals and domestic livestock species while supporting the Zoo's mission of saving species through science, education, and conservation.
- The successful candidate will combine strong animal management skills with demonstrated leadership ability, a commitment to evidence-based welfare practices, and a passion for inspiring both staff and visitors.
About the Collection
- Small Mammal House
- The Small Mammal House features a diverse collection of small carnivores, rodents, insectivores, nocturnal mammals, and other ambassador animal species representing ecosystems from around the world. The Assistant Curator will support collection planning, breeding programs, habitat management, behavioral husbandry, and conservation initiatives for these species.
- Small Mammal House
Kids' Farm
- Kids' Farm provides immersive experiences that connect guests with domestic animals and agricultural conservation.
- The collection includes livestock and ambassador animals used to promote animal care education, agricultural literacy, and the human-animal connection.
- The Assistant Curator will assist oversight for programs that deliver meaningful guest experiences while maintaining the highest standards of animal care and welfare.
- Kids' Farm
Key Responsibilities
- Animal Management & Welfare
- Ensure exceptional daily care and welfare of a diverse collection of small mammals and domestic animal species.
- Assist oversight of husbandry programs including nutrition, enrichment, habitat management, behavioral monitoring, and preventative health care.
- Coordinate animal training and behavioral management programs supporting veterinary care, transport, restraint, introductions, and exhibit management.
- Assist with collection planning, animal acquisitions, transfers, breeding recommendations, and SSP participation as appropriate.
- Maintain compliance with all AZA accreditation standards and Smithsonian animal care policies.
Leadership & Staff Development
- Assist management and mentor animal keepers, volunteers, interns, fellows, and contractors.
- Support work priorities and schedules to ensure efficient daily operations.
- Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and professional development.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management activities.
- Conservation & Research
- Collaborate with researchers, veterinary staff, and conservation scientists on research initiatives and field conservation projects.
- Support data collection, population management, and scientific reporting.
- Assist in developing recommendations and reports for local, national, and international zoological and conservation organizations.
Education & Public Engagement
- Promote meaningful visitor experiences through interpretation, presentations, media interactions, and public programs.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on collection species and conservation issues.
- Support educational initiatives that inspire wildlife stewardship and conservation action.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate animal records and inventories utilizing Zoo management software.
- Contribute to budget planning, operational reporting, strategic initiatives, and departmental goals.
- Assist with exhibit planning, emergency preparedness, and institutional compliance activities.
Experience Required
- Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated experience managing and caring for a collection of wild or domestic animals in a zoological, aquarium, wildlife, farm, or related professional setting.
- Experience managing employees, volunteers, interns, or project teams.
- Knowledge of modern animal husbandry, behavior management, enrichment, and welfare practices.
- Ability to maintain detailed records and prepare professional reports.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working within an AZA-accredited institution.
- Experience managing small mammals and/or domestic livestock collections.
- Familiarity with Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs and population management.
- Experience with positive reinforcement training and behavioral husbandry.
- Experience supporting zoological research and conservation initiatives.
- Desired Competencies - Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Knowledge of managing exotic and endangered animals in a zoological setting.
- Knowledge of zoological animal management principles and AZA standards.
- Ability to communicate complex biological and conservation concepts to diverse audiences.
- Skill in maintaining detailed animal records and operational documentation.
- Ability to lead teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment while promoting exceptional animal welfare outcomes.
Working Conditions:
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to safely perform physical tasks associated with animal care operations.
- Occasional travel may be required.
Further Comments
- Why Join NZCBI? At the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, you will join one of the world's leading zoological organizations and contribute directly to animal welfare, conservation science, public engagement, and species preservation.
- As Assistant Curator for the Small Mammal House and Kids' Farm, you will help shape the future of two unique animal collections as part of a dedicated team committed to excellence in animal care and conservation.
- The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary
- $70,623 - $91,815 per year
