Senior Curator (Full-Time, Exempt)

Join Our Animal Leadership Team as a Senior Curator at ZooTampa! Are you an experienced leader with a passion for animal care, wildlife conservation, and team development? ZooTampa is seeking a highly qualified Senior Curator to join our dynamic team and lead the care and management of our diverse animal collection, with a focus on elephants. This is your chance to make a lasting impact at one of Florida's top zoological institutions, renowned for its commitment to excellence in animal welfare and guest experience.

Why Should You Apply?

• Expertise in Elephant Management:
• This position is tailor-made for individuals with extensive experience in elephant care.
• You'll have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to our elephants' well-being, from managing daily operations to overseeing enrichment programs.

Leadership and Team Development:

• As a Senior Curator, you’ll shape the future of ZooTampa's animal care teams, mentoring and developing a skilled staff while working collaboratively across departments.
• We’re looking for someone with a proven track record in leadership, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

A Career with Impact:

• This is more than just a job—this is a chance to influence conservation programs and exhibit design that will engage the public and inspire future generations.
• You’ll represent ZooTampa nationally and internationally, putting your expertise to work in the world of conservation.

Position Summary

• Responsible for performing diverse administrative and supervisory functions in directing the operation and maintenance of the living collection of animals. 
• Assists in operational management and supervision of functions such as custodial care and welfare of all animals in area of responsibility. 
• Responsible for continuously monitoring and analyzing Department functions and making recommendations to the S.V.P.
• Chief Zoological Officer and S.V.P Chief Conservation and Animal Health Officer on current and future Department and Zoo needs.
• Reports to the S.V.P. Chief Zoological Officer.

Who We Are

• ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually.
• We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities.
• The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.
• Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.
• Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.
• Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!
• Your day to day

Park Management Team Member (PMT)

• Works as part of the PMT to ensure overall organizational goals executed according to plan and achieve assigned metrics of success. The PMT collectively serves to fulfill the following priorities:
• Brand promise throughout all guest experiences and communications
• Consistent adherence to quality and safety standards
• Excellent consumer value and consumer enjoyment
• Make certain guest experience in relevant to guest needs, perceptions and expectations
• Plan-Do-Check-Act management philosophy through all activities
• Financial awareness and project management that is analytically driven.
• Vibrant institutional culture
• AZA accreditation, exceeding industry standards
• Institutional accountability and compliance
• Internal and external communications

Functional Priorities

• Serves as principal assistant to the S.V.P. Chief Zoological Officer in planning, organizing, coordinating and managing the operation and maintenance of the Zoo’s animal population.
• Supervision of Zoo personnel and functions as it relates to the Animal Department.
• Development and implementation of animal population plan objectives
• Supervision of assigned animal divisions to ensure excellence in animal welfare, guest experience and fulfillment of ZooTampa’s mission, core goals and business objectives.
• Works with the Senior Director of Animal Programs to assist in the development of conservation programs, guest engagement and messaging.
• Assist in the development of engaging animal exhibit concepts and plans that reflect our “brand” strategies.
• Develop and implement animal husbandry and enrichment programs in coordination with the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry.
• Represents the Zoo nationally and internationally as required.
• Supervises regulatory and contractual requirements related to functional areas of responsibility to ensure the Zoo remains in compliance.
• Provide leadership guidance and development of zoo curators under areas of responsibility.  Assists with hiring, training, and supervising staff members, and ensures that team members have the necessary knowledge and skills to carry out their duties effectively.
• Responsible for managing certain business aspects of the zoo, including developing and managing budgets, and collaborating with other department leaders for fundraising program support, public relations and marketing initiatives.
• Essential Individual Functions (including, but not limited to):
• Train subordinate supervisory, technical, and other support personnel; assists in development of the unit service level analysis and ensures that stated objectives are met throughout the fiscal year.
• Generate and submit regular reports, holds staff meetings, observes, and performs other functions as required to monitor and meet program objectives.
• Direct and supervise select Curators and Associate Curators in all activities.
• Coordinate and supervise the acquisition, disposition, transfer and exhibition of animals; maintains applicable records on the animals and assists and supports the zoo participation in the Species 360/ZIMS database.
• Supervise the monthly internal audit of the animal population inventory.
• Initiate viable breeding programs for selected animal species.
• Assist the Veterinarians in animal diet selection and formulation.
• Supervise and coordinate with the veterinarian on matters of animal health and preventative medicine.
• Participate in the renovation, planning and design of new exhibits that is aligned with ZooTampa brand guidelines, designed to exceed guest expectations, ensure institutional relevancy.
• Manages and participates in the alleviation of animal related emergency situations and conditions.
• Represent ZooTampa at professional conferences and meetings as required.
• Ensure regulatory compliance related to functional areas of responsibility.  Enhance, develop, implement, and enforces policies and procedures of functional areas of responsibility.
• Supervise all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, and all relevant International, Federal, State and local laws and regulations.
• Perform facility inspections to ensure that employee safety standards are being met.
• Perform facility inspections to ensure that the highest level of animal welfare is being practiced.
• Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of the Zoo’s long-range animal collections and conservation plans. 
• Assist in the development and administration of animal department’s budgets.
• Collaborate with relevant departments to ensure both internal and external media related to the animal population is correct and appropriate. 
• Coordinate any importation or exportation of collection, working with staff, consultants and brokers as appropriate.
• Maintain strong working relationships with professional networks regarding collection matters.
• Produces written materials and reports as necessary.
• Responsible for supervising the HR function for animal departments including staffing and hiring decisions, as well as evaluating, motivating, and disciplining staff.
• Participate in Federal, State, and AZA related committees as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• What are we looking for?

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor of Science or higher degree in the natural sciences or related field or equivalent specialized training.
• A minimum of five years of curatorial experience in the zoological field.
• International travel experience is preferred.
• A broad range of husbandry management experience with various taxa in a zoological setting is preferred.Skills and

Experience:

Broad based knowledge of:

• Animal diets, needs and habits, hazards, safety measures and precautions applicable to the housing and care of animals.
• Principles, practices, and techniques used in the custodial care and housing of wild and domestic animals on exhibition in a public zoo.
• Wildlife laws as they relate to the State of Florida, USF&WS and USDA.
• The design and construction of cages, pens and natural habitats for a variety of animals.
• Methods and techniques used in capturing and transporting animals.
• USDA and FWC housing regulations and requirements.
• The design of staff training and effective supervisory techniques and programs.
• Planning, scheduling, and staff counseling techniques.
• The design, evaluation, and implementation of employee performance evaluations.
• Animal Transport regulations as they apply to national and international transport of collection specimens.
• Recognizing symptoms of animal sickness.
• Ability to diagnose team member training and development needs of subordinates and develop training programs.
• Ability to analyze work methods and procedures and implement changes and modifications for improvements.
• Ability to maintain records, prepare oral and written reports and impart them effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinate personnel, other employees, municipal officials and the general public.
• Demonstrates considerable initiative and independent judgment and provides supervision, leadership, staff coordination and consultation for functions of subordinate work units.
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. 
• Ability to follow specific instructions and also be comfortable self-directing.
• Capacity to anticipate; ability to think ahead and plan over multi-year time span.
• Capacity to change: ability to identify and correct operational problems quickly. 
• Management: the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
• Must be able to think logically and solve problems with minimal guidance. 
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.
• Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively to the department.

Computer Proficiency:

• Must be proficient with Word, Excel, Power Point and Access, and be able to adapt well to various other computer programs.  Working knowledge of ZIMS is preferred.
• Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to withstand typical Florida climate, sometimes temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds on foot or in zoo vehicle.
• Must be willing to work varied hours. Must be willing to travel internationally.

Our Perks at ZooTampa:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance options
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (Generous PTO Vacation and Wellness time)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Forgiveness
• Free gym membership
• Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• And so much more!
• Ready to Take the Lead? Apply Today!
• If you are ready to bring your passion for wildlife management and leadership to an exciting new challenge, we want to hear from you. Click below to submit your application today!
• Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace

Experience Required

• A Bachelor of Science or higher degree in the natural sciences or related field or equivalent specialized training.
• A minimum of five years of curatorial experience in the zoological field. International travel experience is preferred.
• A broad range of husbandry management experience with various taxa in a zoological setting is preferred.Skills and

Experience:

• Broad based knowledge of:
• Animal diets, needs and habits, hazards, safety measures and precautions applicable to the housing and care of animals.
• Principles, practices, and techniques used in the custodial care and housing of wild and domestic animals on exhibition in a public zoo. Wildlife laws as they relate to the State of Florida, USF&WS and USDA.
• The design and construction of cages, pens and natural habitats for a variety of animals.
• Methods and techniques used in capturing and transporting animals. USDA and FWC housing regulations and requirements.
• The design of staff training and effective supervisory techniques and programs.
• Planning, scheduling, and staff counseling techniques.
• The design, evaluation, and implementation of employee performance evaluations.
• Animal Transport regulations as they apply to national and international transport of collection specimens.
• Recognizing symptoms of animal sickness.
• Ability to diagnose team member training and development needs of subordinates and develop training programs.
• Ability to analyze work methods and procedures and implement changes and modifications for improvements.
• Ability to maintain records, prepare oral and written reports and impart them effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinate personnel, other employees, municipal officials and the general public.
• Demonstrates considerable initiative and independent judgment and provides supervision, leadership, staff coordination and consultation for functions of subordinate work units.
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to follow specific instructions and also be comfortable self-directing.
• Capacity to anticipate; ability to think ahead and plan over multi-year time span.
• Capacity to change: ability to identify and correct operational problems quickly.
• Management: the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities. Must be able to think logically and solve problems with minimal guidance.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Must be flexible and have the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude with the public.
• Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively to the department.

Perks

• Our Perks at ZooTampa: Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• and Life Insurance options 403(b) Retirement Plan Paid Time Off (Generous PTO Vacation and Wellness time) Employee Assistance Program Tuition Forgiveness Free gym membership Free admission to the Zoo,
• MOSI,
• and the Florida Aquarium Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida And so much more!