Assistant Curator - Birds

Job Description

Are you ready to spread your wings and take flight in your career? The Oklahoma City Zoo is seeking a passionate and dedicated Assistant Curator of Birds to oversee the day-to-day operations of our diverse avian collection. This leadership role not only involves managing a talented team but also shaping the future of our guest experiences by bringing our mission, vision, and values to life.

And here’s something to get you soaring with excitement: our brand-new penguin habitat is on the horizon, and we want you to be part of its implementation and success!

If you have a love for birds, a knack for collaboration, and the drive to innovate, this is your chance to leave a lasting impact on both our animals and our guests. Join us in creating a world of wonder and connection, one feathered friend at a time!

Ready to take the leap? Apply today and be part of something extraordinary.

Employment Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Starting Pay: $22.42-$25.78 Hourly

Experience Required: Five (5) years of paid experience working in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility with relevant taxa OR, an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties.

Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (preference for animal science related field).

Department: Animal Management.

Direct Supervisor: Curator of Birds.

Supervisory Responsibility: Direct (0); Indirect (10).

Primary Work Location: Zoo Setting both indoors and outdoors.

Certification: Valid Oklahoma driver’s license within thirty (30) days of hire and pass driver’s history check. Completion of OKC Zoo Learning Management System (LMS) training in the first six (6) months of employment.

Other: This position is safety sensitive. It is subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing. This position works around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases, thus is subject to annual tuberculosis testing.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

• Supervise the day-to-day operations of Lead Animal Caretakers, Senior Animal Caretakers, Animal Caretakers and associated staff and animals within department, as assigned. Assist the Curator of Birds in scheduling staff.
• Model ideal performance with policies, procedures, and protocols and ensure compliance with all standard operating procedures and zoo policies by assigned staff.
• Participate in the selection of new personnel for assigned areas and assists with the supervision of staff performance. Supervise and assist with staff onboarding, training and development.
• Assist Curator of Birds in exhibit and facility maintenance of assigned area; provide input into assessment of existing facilities; monitor contractors on area projects as assigned. Acquire supplies and materials.
• Assist the Curator of Birds in collection and captive management planning.
• Supervise and/or assist in animal exhibit projects.
• Demonstrate technical skills to perform daily advanced animal husbandry, animal introductions, neonatal and medical care for relevant taxa; including supervising assigned staff regarding the same.
• Recognize, interpret, and respond to animal behavior and health condition for relevant taxa and supervise assigned staff regarding the same.
• Keep detailed digital and written records of animal weight, health, enrichment, training and behavior. Ensure appropriate application, documentation and evaluation by assigned staff.
• Supervise assigned staff to develop an advanced understanding and execution of operant conditioning principles to train progressive animal behaviors including during public presentations. Participates in all required animal training programs.
• Supervise staff training and development to conceptualize and implement daily purposeful enrichment and documentation to promote, encourage, and evaluate goal-based behavioral outcomes.
• Educate and interact with guests in both formal and informal settings; provide positive guest experiences.
• Collaborate with other Zoo departments.
• Participate in and provide leadership during safety drills, emergency training and planning.
• Provide training and feedback on collaborative efforts to research natural behaviors and life histories of the animals in the area; research both current and new species, as assigned.
• Work effectively in a team environment. Develop, model, and foster a culture of collaborative decision making and group discussion.
• Support OKC Zoo’s strategic management plans and institutional goals.
• Drive motor vehicles within and outside the Zoo perimeter in support of operations all seasons of the year, including animal transports.
• Work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays and during emergency situations such as dictated by weather.
• Work in a manner that supports and protects the health of the assigned collection, to include wearing assigned PPE and limiting exposure to known contagions.