Area Curator

 Essential Job Functions

• Oversee the management of the animals, facilities and programs of the areas assigned together with Assistant Curators.
• Develop and maintain collection plan in assigned areas. Create tools, forms and policies, to fulfill AZA and internal needs.
• Manage personnel, including communicate expectations, address performance gaps and providing regular feedback, support and mentoring.

 Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsible for the development of the animal collection in assigned areas according to ZNE's policies and procedures, and according to best animal management
• Develops professional relationships with outside experts and specialists in order to have the best information available when making decisions.
  • Manages and develops assistant curators, supporting and mentoring during line staff interviews, staff development, conflict resolution and team building, and any other personnel related matter in the assigned area.
  • Communicates staff and animal needs to the leadership of AC and appropriate departments, and communicate vision and direction to other levels of the AC department.
  • Plans, writes and participates in animal transfers, introduction and breeding plans, and all necessary documents related to them. Oversees complicated medical procedures, restraining and capturing of animals.
  • Authors, edits, promotes and enforces zoo guidelines, policies and standards within the assigned areas. Identifies need for and initiates new guidelines and procedures.
• Ensures accurate, current records are kept on animals, training, enrichment, welfare and exhibits in the assigned areas. Monitors and responds to concerns and drives improvements in those areas.
• Writes, updates and disseminates animal management/husbandry protocols, ensuring excellent standards are met.
• Uses existing knowledge of animal care and wellbeing to guide management of various species and individual animals in existing and new habitats and scenarios.
• Prioritizes and directs maintenance and horticultural work within the assigned areas in the enhancements of animal quarters, buildings, exhibits, and surrounding grounds, including exhibit design and construction.
• Participate in emergency response and the firearms response team.
• Works closely with the other curatorial staff, Director of Animal Resources, Animal Training Advisor, Animal Wellbeing Advisor and Registrar in developing and effecting programs and Provides input and supports other long-range planning and development of the Department, including budget development and management and policies. Works closely with the Animal Health department on all matters related to the health of the collection.
  • Works with other departments to develop, plan and implement educational guest and donor engagement programs. Assists with publicity, graphics, construction projects, general maintenance, and other services for the assigned areas.
  • Acts as the area curator in other areas when other curators are away.
• Perform related work as required and/or assigned, in any area of either zoo.

 Working Conditions  

• Frequent exposure and close contact with a variety of exhibit animals of all taxa.
• Frequently need to bend, stoop, climb, kneel, reach, and lift.
• Frequent requirements to move moderate to heavy
• Work in uneven terrain with exposure to dust, allergens and varying weather conditions, including inclement weather.
• Move about on slippery
• Properly handle toxic and/or hazardous
• Safely work in confined or cramped
• May work from elevated
• Ability to assist in emergencies and cope with high stress situations, (e.g., the recapture of escaped animals or emergency assistance to guests as directed).
• Working on weekends and holidays will be required.
• Must be able to be on call to deal with animal emergencies.

Minimum Job Requirements

• S. in Zoology, Biology, Ecology or a related biological field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of twelve years of progressive exotic care of animals from a variety of taxa, behavior and husbandry in an AZA-accredited institution or an institution with equivalent standards.
• Knowledge of AZA accreditation standards, code of ethics, and modern zoological practice.
•  Minimum of five years of experience in direct personnel management.
•  Must have strong and open leadership skills, desire to engage others and enhance their skills in animal care and welfare. 
• Must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
•  Proven ability to establish and maintain an effective rapport with all levels of management, employee and park guests.
• Must have good observation skills.
• Must be able to manage multiple assignments and prioritize accordingly, accepting new responsibilities, adapting to changes and communicating progress or seeking clarification.
• Must be safety focused, be able to conduct risk assessment, flag unsafe practices and mitigate risks.
• Team player with excellent skills in coordinating internal and external work (e.g. projects, animal movements).
• Must be able and willing to work weekends, holidays, and overtime when needed.
• Must have the computer skills necessary including applications in Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Zoom, ZIMS and more.
• Must be self-motivated, with the ability to effectively manage time and resources.
• Must have the ability and willingness to function independently and as a member of a team.
• Must have no allergies, diseases, or conditions that would prevent working in any area of the Zoos.  
• Must be able to withstand physical hardships associated with duties and be able to lift at least 50 lbs.
• Ability to drive and operate motor vehicles and hold a valid State Driver’s License.
• Eligible to acquire a Massachusetts gun license by the end of the 6-months introductory period. Will be required to train in ICS, handle and use firearms as part of the Dangerous Animal Response Team.
• TB tested negative before starting. Acceptance of zoonotic disease prevention protocols as mandated by ZNE, including rabies, hepatitis, prophylactics, fecal screens, serum storage, etc.

Preferred Job Requirements

• A strong knowledge in carnivores, primates and ungulates management is a plus
• Experience coaching and mentoring internal leaders
• Skills in exhibit design, renovation and construction are desirable

Zoo New England is an Equal Opportunity Employer by Choice

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