Curator of Birds

The Detroit Zoo is looking for a motivated leader to serve as the Curator of Birds to manage a diverse collection of animals.  This position will serve under the Senior Director of Animal Care as part of the Zoo’s dynamic, passionate and expert Animal Care team led by the Chief Life Science Officer and compromised of Animal Curators, Supervisors, Animal Care Staff, Animal Health, Animal Welfare, Animal Nutrition Services and Water Quality.

• We are seeking candidates with significant experience in the direct care and an extensive knowledge of bird natural history. 
• A competitive applicant will be passionate about animal welfare and looking to continually raise the bar to provide the highest-level quality of life for the animals under their care. 
• The candidate should be open to creative and innovative ideas with experience and expertise in bird breeding and reproduction, capture and restraint skills, banding, social management and bird introductions are strongly desired. 
• A strong understanding of and experience in the application of operant conditioning and enrichment techniques is also preferred.
• Candidates should have a strong managerial background and demonstrate a leadership style that fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, teamwork, innovation and safety. 
• This leadership position will also promote the Zoo’s core values and mission.  Ability to collaborate is a must, such as working closely with animal health, welfare, research, conservation, education and other zoo teams to provide the best animal welfare and contribute to conservation efforts. 
• In addition, this position is responsible for long-term planning and vision, as well as the day-to-day operational management of the animal care staff, the animals under their care and the facilities and habitats in which they live. 
• Skilled active listening and strong written and oral communications skills are a must. 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise Bird Department Supervisors and assigned Animal Care staff, providing leadership, mentorship, and performance evaluation.
• Provide direction and oversight of all Bird Department operations, including animal care and welfare, enrichment and operant conditioning, staff training, maintenance, guest interaction activities, research, conservation, education, special events and other projects as needed.
• Develop and manage staff schedules to ensure optimal animal care and exceptional guest experiences.
• Review animal reports, observations, and daily operations; create, implement, and update standard operating procedures to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of animals, staff, and facilities.
• Support or lead animal-related projects, including introductions, transfers, research, welfare assessments, and veterinary care, while providing critical assistance in emergency animal management.
• Model and reinforce the Zoo’s mission, vision, and core values, fostering a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused workplace culture.
• Actively support conservation initiatives and research, prioritizing participation in Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) conservation programs.
• Collaborate with Marketing/Communications, Events, Development, Guest Experience, and other departments to advance the Zoo’s mission; provide expertise in exhibit renovations and new exhibit design in alignment with modern zoological practices, AZA standards, and USDA requirements.
• Participate in staff recruitment, hiring, and professional development.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Maintain accurate records and provide timely written and verbal reports.
• Conduct and coordinate emergency response drills; serve as Curator on Duty for the Life Sciences Department and respond to emergencies as needed.
• Lead or support avian research projects and contribute to institutional knowledge.
• Engage in strategic planning and contribute to institutional initiatives.
• Oversee planning and execution of capital improvement projects for bird facilities.
• Actively participate in cooperative management programs (e.g., AZA Studbooks, Population Management Plans, Species Survival Plans, Taxon and Scientific Advisory Groups).
• Develop and deliver presentations at professional conferences and meetings.
• Provide educational presentations in both formal and informal settings for staff, peers, and the public.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of departmental and institutional goals.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Four-year bachelor’s degree in biology, animal science, wildlife management, zoology or other fields of study applicable to zoo animal management. 
• 4-year minimum of direct experience in the day-to-day care for birds in a zoo setting, with extensive knowledge of the care of animals, animal behavior and the hazards of working with wildlife.
• At least 3 years of experience in the direct supervision of animal care management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective time management skills.
• Working knowledge of AZA Accreditation Standards and USDA Animal Welfare Standards.
• Working knowledge of animal and zoonotic diseases and methods of preventing the spread of the contagious disease.
• Familiarity with AZA animal population management programs (SAFE, SSP, TAG, PMC, etc.).  Leadership service as a studbook keeper, SSP coordinator, SAFE Program Leader, or Taxon Advisory Group committee member a plus.
• Proficient with Zoological software platforms such as ZIMS software and PMC Track. 
• Experience maintaining records and preparing reports.
• Flexible, efficient, self-motivated team player, and solution-orientated: finding creative solutions to complex challenges. 
• Able to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employees, interns, volunteers, and zoo guests. 
• Ability to represent the Zoo in a professional manner at all times.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action.
• Regular, reliable and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position.

Preferred

• Strong preference for an advanced degree.
• Experience in a curatorial, education, conservation or research role.

Working Conditions

• Days off will be either Friday-Saturday or Sunday-Monday. 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, on holidays, and evenings for animal procedures and events will be necessary at times.
• Will need to have the ability to work onsite in inclement weather. 

Physical Requirements

• This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping for extended periods, lifting and moving up to 40 pounds, and using standard office equipment and the computer.
• The individual must be able to perform the job's essential functions satisfactorily with or without accommodation.
• Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
• Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community.
• We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.