Curator of Stone Zoo and Birds World

This position oversees the management of the staff, habitats and animals within Stone Zoo and Birds’ World at 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.  

 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 Boston Lights and award-winning conservation projects.
• We also recently launched our strategic plan and our interpretive master-plan initiatives.
• We are investing in multi-million-dollar capital improvements, recently opening a gorilla habitat; currently designing a Conservation and Health Center and opening a new African Experience complex in 2025.
• 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 exhibitory of animals in Stone Zoo and the Birds World area 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.
• 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.
• Assist in updating and implementing the Collection Plan in conjunction with the Assistant Curators of the area and overseeing the acquisition, disposition and breeding of area collection.
• Prepares for and helps with emergency response, crisis management, safety drills and participates 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, oversees 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 12 years of progressive animal husbandry experience in an AZA institution. Experience with a mixed collection of animals, especially birds 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 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 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 cultural organizations in MA.
• Free staff parking.
• 401K Retirement Plan after 6 months.
• For a full job description and to apply, go to https://zoonewengland.bamboohr.com/careers/284
• Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice

Experience Required

• Experianced

Salary

• $70-80K/annually