This position will join the dynamic curatorial team managing the animal residents, programs and staff at Woodland Park Zoo. Reporting to the Director of Animal Care, this role will oversee, along with two Animal Care Manager direct reports, approximately one-third of the animal operations of the zoo, including a very diverse list of species such as grizzly bears, snow leopards, tree kangaroos, Komodo dragons and Steller sea eagles. We’re looking for a candidate who has significant AZA animal care experience, with two or more years in a manager role. Broad taxonomic experience is preferred, including with reptiles and amphibians. A strong working knowledge of current animal welfare principles is required, along with a track record of successful mentoring of Keepers and empowering front line Managers to implement our ambitious strategic plan and goals of the organization. The position will be involved in fundraising, media access, staff development, and all other aspects of the curatorial role. The position will work closely with two other Animal Curators, a Curator of Behavioral Husbandry, our Veterinarians as well as our Animal Welfare Scientist. The successful candidate will have a collaborative work style, be open-minded, and focused on leadership and bringing out the best in others. SUMMARY The Curator oversees a portion of the Animal Management department, with supervisory responsibility for a portion of the animal collection. The position contributes as a whole to the operations of the Animal Management team. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Ensures that animal care standards are maintained at the highest level through adherence to established zoo policies and procedures, while at the same time staying within a defined budget
- Develops, implements and oversees the behavioral husbandry program
- Participates in collection planning, acquisition, and transfer of zoo animals, establishing and communicating care parameters for newly acquired species, and acts as spokesperson for the zoo in order to respond to questions from the media
- Supports education mission of the zoo by teaching, writing and presenting material within technical specialty
- Manages performance appraisals and works with People & Culture department to resolve personnel issues for direct reports
- Makes recommandations and implements AZA conservation programs such as SSP, PMP, TAG
- Serves as staff representative for conservation efforts
- Takes a lead role during emergencies such as animal escapes or natural disasters
- Identifies potential safety problems, finding ways to reduce risks and injuries
- Authorizes modest expenditures; makes recommendations to Director of Animal Care regarding purchases and budget
- Oversees regular staff training program for animal management staff, especially in issues relating to the care of the animal collection
- Provides technical assistance in the planning and development of new animal exhibits, concepts and designs. Monitors impact to Animal Management operations of construction or renovation projects
- Supports fundraising and development efforts of Zoo
- Acts as back-up and fill-in capacity for animal care manager, performing supervisory functions of that job
- Maintains active involvement in AZA and other professional associations
- Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in a life sciences field from a four-year college or university; and eight years related experience and/or training including two years at a curatorial or supervisory level; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Advanced management, technical or scientific skill related to the care of exotic animals, experience and leadership in AZA conservation and science programs.
- Must demonstrate initiative, imagination and creativity related to animal care and wildlife conservation
- Expertise with a broad range of animal species
- Proven leadership and management skills
- Working knowledge of AZA policies and procedures
- Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community
- Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format
- Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and experience with ZIMS
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS - TB Test required annually
- Membership in the AZA at a professional level
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License required
PHYSICAL DEMANDS This position may be required to lift up to 50lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT This position may require that the individual be available or on-call 24 hours a day. Weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a typical office environment and/or outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications are due prior to 12:00 AM on the posted Close date (i.e. by 11:59 PM the evening before). Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. |
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