Assistant Curator

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : 65,000 DOE

ALASKA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER

Title : Assistant Curator

Category : Fulltime, Year-round

Reports To : Animal Curator, , Head Veterinarian, Executive Director

FLSA Status : Non-Exempt

Supervises

Senior Keepers, Animal Keepers, Animal Care Interns, Volunteers

General Function

Responsible for assisting the Animal Curator in tasks requiring specialized skills in connection

with the care and maintenance of the animal collection and exhibit facilities at the AWCC with an

emphasis on animal training, behavior and time management for the team.

Major Activities (Typical Duties / Responsibilities)

Works days and hours assigned by the Animal Curator; changes based on season.

o Summer may require splitting overnight shifts during calving season.

o Medical procedures may require schedule adjustments to accommodate animal welfare needs

Assists with covering animal care department Manager on Duty (MOD) shifts.

o On occasions, may need to double-duty and help cover main MOD shifts as wellfacility wide.

o Aid the main MOD in the event of an emergency situation (animal or non-animal related).

Assist with animal care team time management, assuring all daily tasks are getting completed in

a timely fashion, including time to log records in the animal care software program for daily

record keeping.

Provides water and food for animals and cleans exhibits in assigned area. Checks to make sure

all areas are cleaned and maintained by keeper staff. Make daily animal observations and reports

any abnormal behavior or health concerns, exhibit security, and / or safety concerns to the Animal

Curator & Veterinary Technician immediately.

Make sure diet prep is completed for the next days consumption. If it is not completed, see to

it that diets get prepped. Records diet consumption daily and notifies the Animal Curator if

feeding behavior changes. Monitors that inventory is being properly completed on a weekly basis.

Recommends improvements in animal care procedures and schedules, exhibit upkeep and employee and

visitor safety.

Carries out prescribed veterinary treatments as assigned by the contracted veterinary staff and

Animal Curator. Assists in capture and crating / uncrating of animals. Assists with chemical

immobilization and handling of dart projectors. Safe drug handling protocols must be upheld.

Actively assists and participates in film projects that AWCC management signs up for in helping

to promote the AWCC and gain supporters for long term funding.

Performs routine maintenance and upkeep of walkways, zoo grounds and facilities as

assigned.

o Reports needed major repairs and checks and maintains equipment used.

Acts as liaison with the public by courteously answering questions and enforcing facility rules

and expectations. Presents educational programs and tours when assigned.

Research and preparation of information regarding AWCC wildlife for discussion with the public

and other professionals.

Reports all departmental personnel concerns directly and immediately to the Animal

Curator.

Fulfills the responsibilities of the position in a professional and appropriate manner.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills / Abilities

Ability to work in a team environment to help achieve AWCCs goals and objectives.

Strong communication skills, both written and oral.

Must possess a positive and respectful attitude.

Excellent customer services skills.

Exceptional work ethic, attention to detail and time management skills.

Abilities to lift 80#, bend, reach, stand, crawl, and work in a drastically changing weather

environment

Ability to compromise, listen, learn, understand, and follow instructions and

directions.

Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other

employees.

Ability to work directly with the public, providing information and assistance as

needed.

Ability / willingness to learn and pass on to customers those areas of interest to visitors, such

as local history, people, culture, geography, etc.

Ability to operate UTVs, ATVs, snow machines, trucks, trucks with tongue and gooseneck hitches,

and tractors.

Ability to work with hand tools and small power tools, chainsaws, etc.

Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed

Proven ability to effectively lead in a fast-paced environment

Efficient organizational skills, time management and ability to multitask

Must have a valid drivers license

Must be 18 years or older to apply

Current tetanus vaccine, willing to obtain rabies vaccination

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (education, experience, additional skills)

A Bachelor of Science in animal sciences or related field

1 2 years supervisory experience, in the animal care field or related

Experience working free contact with a variety of large Hoof stock species

A positive attitude and strong work ethic

Job Specifics

Compensation starting at an annual salary of $65k, DOE

Option to select medical, dental, and vision insurance. AWCCs covers 100% of the employee

premium

Option to select 403-b retirement, matching 5% after 1 year of service

PTO benefits, up to two (2) weeks in first year, more as tenure of service continues

12 paid holidays including the employees birthday

30 hours of annual sick leave

Salary : $65,000