ZOO GENERAL CURATOR

DUTIES:

• Aids the Zoo Director in formulating and administering organization policies in day to day operations.
• Participates in formulation, administration and development of long range goals and objectives.
• Directs and coordinates activities of departments for which responsibility is delegated to further attainment of goals and objectives.
• Oversees the health and well-being of the zoo’s animal collection including acquisition and disposition of animals, leads and/or oversees animal care personnel allocation and work activities.
• Works closely with the zoo’s veterinary staff on ongoing and preventative care of the animal collection.
• Responsible for all of the zoo’s conservation programs including population management, resource conservation, and partnering with local and global NGOs for the protection of wild animals and their habitats.
• Oversees the education department including personnel management, curriculum and programming. Works with departmental managers for volunteer training and policies and procedures for staff and volunteers.
• Reviews analyses of activities, costs, operations and forecast data to determine departmental progress toward stated goals and objectives.
• Confers with the Zoo Director and other administrative personnel to review achievements and discuss required changes in goals and objectives resulting from current status and conditions.
• Acts as liaison between the Zoo Director and all departments for which responsibility is designated. Communicates departmental needs to Zoo Director in a timely manner.
• Maintains effective and appropriate relationships with Board members, ad-hoc committees, volunteer groups, management, staff, general public and vendors.
• Directs, motivates, trains and evaluates the performance of direct report senior level managers in an effort to obtain the goals and objectives of the organization.
• Collects and interprets financial, economic and statistical data for budget preparation and purposes.
• May perform the duties of Zoo Director during absence or when directed to do so for an interim period of time.
• Participates in activities as directed and in relation to Evansville Zoological Society Board needs and other events that dictates such level of involvement.
• Represents the organization at various community and business functions and act as a "Zoo Ambassador".
• Collaborates with all government agencies as required.
• Performs fundraising duties as required.
• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism standards at all times.
• Performs other related duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

o Four (4) year degree in one of the natural sciences or a closely related field or equivalent specialized training. Advanced degree preferred.
o Five (5) years of supervisory experience at an AZA accredited institution.
o Knowledge of all the components of keeping a living animal collection under human care (exhibitory, animal husbandry and welfare, natural history of animals, basic medical needs, nutrition, biotic and abiotic variables, enrichment, operant conditioning).
o Good communication skills and ability to interact with the public and media as required.
o Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to use good judgment and tact.
o Excellent organizational skills (oral and written) and the ability to excel at details, multi-tasking and working under pressure.
o TB test conducted annually.
o Driver’s license and ability to operate Zoo vehicles.
o Weekend and after-hours work.
o With a 24/7 operation this position is considered on-call when not at work and must be reachable after hours.
o Must have some experience and be skilled in the use of software programs such as MS Word, Outlook , PowerPoint, Excel., Building management systems, security camera systems.
o Knowledge aquatic filtration systems.
o Maintain a positive professional demeanor and attitude.