What are the responsibilities and job description for the Curator of Mammals position at Detroit Zoological Society?
Curator of Mammals
The Curator of Mammals develops and oversees animal care practices, staff performance and development and the design and maintenance of mammal facilities. The Curator of Mammals oversees execution of research, conservation and education programs that advance the strategic goals of the Detroit Zoological Society.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide direction and oversight of all Mammal Department operations, including animal care, behavioral husbandry, staff training, maintenance, research, guest interaction activities, special events and other projects as needed.
- Work interdepartmentally to accomplish large scale projects to ensure optimal animal care, guest experience, and human safety
- Oversee development of staff work schedules to ensure optimum care of animals and exceptional conditions for guests.
- Responsible for leading the Mammal Department staff, recruitment, coaching, developing, and evaluating performance.
- Create and maintain a positive department team culture based on communication and transparency
- Develop Mammal components of Conservation and Animal Welfare Masterplans.
- Coordinate living animal plan for the Mammal Department focusing on population sustainability, animal welfare, guest experience, staff expertise, and budgetary considerations
- Propose and coordinate the acquisition and disposition of animals.
- Coordinate animal health and other medical procedures with veterinary staff.
- Prepare, submit and monitor budgets as required.
- Maintain records and provide written and verbal reports as required.
- Conduct emergency response drills to ensure emergency preparedness.
- Conduct and/or coordinate research projects.
- Contribute to strategic and other institutional planning processes.
- Contribute to planning for major/minor capital improvement projects for Mammals.
- Participate in cooperative management programs, such as Association of Zoos and Aquariums studbooks, Species Survival Plans, Saving Animals From Extinction programs and Taxon Advisory Groups.
- Lead field trips of educational and/or scientific interest.
- Develop and conduct presentations at professional meetings, including educational presentations.
- Produce and publish research results and other articles for peer-reviewed and popular publications.
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in zoology or a closely related discipline.
- Four (4) years of experience in the care of captive wildlife.
- Three (3) years of supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- A valid State of Michigan Driver’s license is required.
- Must have strong decision-making, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Organization and effective time management skills.
- Strong leadership skills.
Preferred
- Advanced degree in zoology or a closely related discipline.
- Experience in a curatorial, education, or research capacity.
Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions, with frequent exposure to and contact with dangerous animals, with risk of zoonotic disease transmission (Hepatitis B, Herpes B, Tuberculosis, Salmonella and others), and with exposure to computer monitors. Weekend and evening work will be required as necessary.
Physical Requirements
This position may require the individual to sit for long periods and perform physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping, and standing for an extended period. This role must also be able to use the telephone and computer and must be able to lift and move 50 pounds. The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.
Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions, with frequent exposure to and contact with dangerous animals, with risk of zoonotic disease transmission (Hepatitis B, Herpes B, Tuberculosis, Salmonella and others), and with exposure to computer monitors. Weekend and evening work will be required as necessary.
Physical Requirements
This position may require the individual to sit for long periods and perform physical effort on a daily basis such as walking, bending, stooping, and standing for an extended period. This role must also be able to use the telephone and computer and must be able to lift and move 50 pounds. The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.
Salary : $45,100 - $57,100