CURATOR OF ANIMAL COLLECTIONS

Position: Curator of Animal Collections

Organizational Relationship

Reports to: Director of Animal Care & CEO

Supervises: Assistant Curators

Coordinates with: Curatorial, Veterinary, Education Department, COO, and other departments as needed

EPZ Team Member Responsibilities

• As essential personnel, animal department staff are expected to be available as per business needs which include weekends, holidays, evenings and in inclement weather
• Foster an appreciation of wildlife and their habitats that will inspire active participation in conservation
• Assist management in ensuring safety, cleanliness, and efficiency in all areas of the operation of the Zoo
• Follow and adhere to all policies and procedures and safety protocols for the department and the Zoo
• Use proper radio etiquette and adhere to proper uniform attire at all times
  
  

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees the animal care department organization, staffing and operational activities for a variety of Zoo programs including the care and husbandry of animals, new animal acquisitions and the maintenance of animal enclosures
• Serve on Animal Welfare and Acquisitions and Dispositions Committees
• Research specific animal history prior to acquisition, make recommendations for acquisition and disposition of animals. Complete appropriate paperwork and record meeting notes from the Acquisitions and Dispositions Committee
• Participate in the preparation of Animal Care Department documents and reports related to Standard Operating Procedures, inventory, equipment, supplies and products
• Assist Director of Animal Care with development and maintenance of Institutional Collection Plan
• Assist Director of Animal Care and Veterinary staff with monitoring animal husbandry methods, diets and enclosures, ensuring the health and welfare of all animals residing at the Zoo
• Oversee animal care department supply ordering and distribution in accordance with department budgeting
• Manage staffing and scheduling of Assistant Curators and of Animal Keepers as needed
• Coordinate with curatorial staff to assist with the evaluation of exhibit needs, participate in the design of new exhibits within the Animal Care Department
• Work with department staff to ensure participation and compliance with recommended training, wellbeing, and behavioral husbandry plans
• Assist Registrar with relevant paperwork and planning associated with animal movements
• Coordinate with other departments to plan Animal Care Department needs for special events and evening events
• Respond to public inquiries regarding animals and their behaviors
• Participate as assigned, in the development and administration of department budgeting
• Monitor and complete purchase orders for department
• Participate in AZA programs
• Maintain and update Zoo’s collection of TAG and SSP documents
• Maintain and update database of institution reproduction plans
• Oversee the keeper-run zookeeping internship committee
• Assist Director of Animal Care with future capital project exhibit design and collection plan implementation
• Work closely with Assistant Curators for Behavioral Husbandry and Conservation and for Animal Exhibits, Assistant Directors of Education and the Marketing and Guest Services departments to develop conservation events and messaging
• Retain familiarity with and safely shift code red animals with the 2 Key-2 Lock system
• Maintain familiarity and compliance with AZA and USDA regulations
• Other duties as assigneZ
  

Work Environment

• Work assignments are subject to the hazards inherent in caring for wild animals in captivity and may include:
• Interaction with a variety of domestic and wild or potentially dangerous animals; animal odors, animal body fluids, cleaning materials, disinfectants, etc.
• Inclement weather conditions
• This position requires significant amounts of heavy lifting
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with EPZ staff and volunteers
• Ability to work irregular hours as needed including nights, holidays and weekends
• Ability to work special events and other functions as required
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology, zoology or related field
• Minimum of 3 years experience working at an AZA-accredited zoologic facility with minimum of 1 year with staff supervisory experience
  
  

Core Competencies

• Dedication to animal husbandry with high level of attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organizational, project-management and record-keeping skills
  
  

Other Requirements

• Must have negative TB test
• Rabies vaccination strongly preferred
• Capable of performing strenuous and/or heavy physical labor
• Able to work outside in all weather conditions
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record
  
  

Pay and Identification

Pay: Starting range at $70,000

Identification: Two forms of official valid identification are required. Ability to pass background and child abuse clearances