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Working under the general direction of the Chief Zoological Officer, the West Zone Curator is an integral member of the Zoo’s Senior Animal Staff team. Managing a variety of animal areas, this position requires a dedicated and motivated team player with strong leadership skills. The managed areas are home to a wide variety of high-profile animals and areas including The Bird House, big cats, penguins, okapi, hippopotamus, flamingo and the Once Upon a Farm exhibit - the team’s structure includes two associate curators, two team leads and approximately twenty zookeepers.
Job Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement and supervise safe, proper and welfare-centered programs for all aspects of animal collection management to include: sanitation, health, nutrition, reproduction, behavior and specimen acquisition and disposition
- Plan and supervise enrichment and operant conditioning programs
- Supervise, train, and manage Associate Curators, Team Leads, and Zookeepers
- Develop, implement and supervise programs and protocols for the safe and proper management and maintenance of animal exhibits and animal holding areas
- Ensure that records system is maintained and complies with State and Federal regulations concerning animal sales, exchanges, and procurement
- Responsible for the formulation and implementation of animal collection planning within the department
- Collaborate with veterinary staff in medical care of the animal collection
- Prepare an operating budget for the department for review and approval by the CZO and manage such budget
- Represent the Zoo in professional matters and associations, as well as during public tours and correspondence
- Develop and maintain safety protocols and serve as needed on the Zoo’s crisis management team
- Perform other related duties as assigned to obtain the goals and mission of the Zoo
Required Skills:
- Experience working with SSPs, TAGs, etc.
- Familiar with AZA, USDA, and other regulatory agencies and requirements
- Experience working with a variety of animals within an accredited zoological institution
- Experience in successfully managing people – including excellence in team building, conflict resolution, and employee development skills
- Experience maintaining data collection and animal record keeping
- Basic computer skills including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing with staff in all lines of business and the public
- Ability to proactively manage multiple projects, including prioritization and effective time management
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, special events, etc.
Competencies:
- Proficiency in written and oral communication
- Proficient in MS Office and record keeping software & systems
- Records and reports creation and management
- Problem Solving/Analysis
- Stress Management/Composure
Flexibility
- Teamwork Orientation
Supervisory Responsibility:
- This position provides direction and support to associate curators, team leads, and zookeepers.
Reporting Structure:
- Reports to Chief Zoological Officer.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
- This is a full-time/40 hours per week, salaried position which regularly requires weekend work.
- Must have flexibility to respond to and be on-site for after hour emergencies.
Work Environment:
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, chemicals and vibrations.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, or moderately loud while on Memphis Zoo grounds.
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.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.
- The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
- The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and walk.
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Other Duties:
- Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
- Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Other Requirements:
- Valid driver's license.
- Proof of current automobile insurance.
- Clear driving record.
- Clear background check.
- Clear drug screening.
- Clear TB screening.
Experience Required
Required Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Husbandry or a related field Experience in the collection, care, and conservation of exotic animals and facilities within an AZA institution Seven or more years of experience, including two years supervising animal staff in the collection, care and conservation of exotic animals in the capacity of Associate Curator, Zookeeper, or a closely related position within an AZA institution.
- Please upload the following items during your online application session:
- a cover letter, resume or CV, the names and contact information of three (3) professional references, salary history and expectations.
- The cover letter should specifically address how previous experience meets the skills and tasks required for this position. Walk-in interviews and phone calls are not accepted.
EOE Years Of Experience:
7+ Years Level of Education:
- 4 Year Degree
Perks
- Benefits program including medical,
- dental,
- vision,
- life insurance,
- short term disability,
- long term disability,
- 401K,
- PTO,
- Paid Emergency Leave
Salary
- $60,000 - $70,000 based on experience
