General Curator

WHY WORK FOR WACO:

• Meaningful and challenging work
• Make a difference and improve communities
• Competitive Salary and Benefits
• Full Range of Benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Mandatory TMRS Retirement Plan with a 2:1 City Match
• Education Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance 
• Longevity Pay
• And More!
• Chance to do work you are passionate about
• Job Security
• Desire to give back

THE CITY OF WACO SEEKS:  

A talented, knowledgeable, and forward-thinking professional to manage the zoo’s animal care division, including general oversight of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, birds, aquatics, and animal records.  This is an exciting time at Cameron Park Zoo with the construction of Penguin Shores, the education center, and the new veterinary hospital – all opening in the summer of 2024. The ideal General Curator will be able to inspire and motivate staff while ensuring optimal animal care and wellbeing.      

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Wildlife Management or related field
• Five years of supervisory animal care experience in a Zoological facility
• Or an equivalent combination of education or experience which could include
• Associates degree and nine years of experience
• Masters degree and three years of experience
• No degree and thirteen years of experience
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Under limited supervision, manages all animal care operations including general husbandry of the collection, record keeping, exhibit maintenance and the performance of related duties in compliance with the standards of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), state and federal regulations and City policies and goals.  

Primary Duties

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Supervise the management of the animal collection and animal programs; assures that City and AZA quality standards are met, and appropriate services are provided.
• Supervises animal care supervisors and zookeeper staff.
• Assists in implementing facility improvements and facility expansions, and animal acquisition. 
• Assures all Cameron Park Zoo activities are in compliance with all laws, policies and regulations, including AZA accreditation standards.
• Manages the CPZ weapons program, by ensuring the weapons inventory is adequate and well maintained, and the team members have effective and consistent training. 
• Assists management in interpreting concerns, defines desired results, develops solutions and determines scope and priorities of programs and special projects.
• Promotes CPZ programs and services to local community agencies, advocates and citizen groups.
• Prioritize and assign tasks and projects; supervise essential and mandated training, provide opportunities for continuing professional education and evaluate staff; develop staff skills and conduct performance evaluations; meet regularly with staff to discuss and resolve workload and technical issues; review the work of assigned staff to assure the work quality and timely accomplishment of assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Assists in the planning and management of staff training and drills in compliance with AZA accreditation standards.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Waco and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.
• Develops and evaluates budget requests.
• May be required to respond afterhours, including holidays and weekends, in the event of a departmental or City-wide emergency.
• Performs other related and assigned duties are required. 
• Driving is essential.