Zoo- General Curator

Manages all Zoo activities in a manner consistent with accreditation standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums; manages all zoo activities in a manner consistent with all laws and regulations regarding captive wildlife
 
Oversees and schedules mandatory training for zoo staff. Assists as one of the members of the immobilization and weapons team. Participates in crisis management planning and preparations; ensures timely staff training related to first aid, TB testing, shotgun use, animal escapes and safety drills.
 
Assists with the development and implementation of the animal operations budget; monitors expenditures; analyses various expenses related to animal care; monitors fiscal activity to ensure compliance with established budget guidelines and levels of authorization.
 
With input from the veterinarian and animal care staff develops and implements procedures and protocols concerning the general care and maintenance of the animal collection including diet formulation, housing, veterinary care, breeding programs and animal acquisitions/dispositions. Inspects animals, monitors general health, behavior, condition, and welfare of animals. With input from the Executive Director, develops goals and objectives for the care and maintenance of the animal collection.
 
Supervises, coordinates, and monitors Zoo Keepers, seasonal Zoo Attendants, and volunteers; develops, oversees, and implements animals care staff work schedules; daily workload details and duties; delegates project assignments for animal care; and monitors work in progress to ensure quality and timely completion. Fills in for animal care staff when needed and performs related duties as required.
 
Assists in the recruiting and training of animal care staff. Evaluates employee performance, makes recommendations related to termination/retention; makes recommendations for personnel actions affecting advancement/promotion; mediates and resolves employee disputes and other employee issues and concerns.
 
Works with zoo veterinarian and zoo registrar in implementing and coordinating animal transaction paperwork and transports.  Performs the actual physical transport of animals as needed. Assists the animal care staff in the capture, restraint and treatment of the animal collection following verbal or written directives from the veterinarian. Evaluates quality of veterinarian services and makes recommendations affecting retention, continuation, and termination of service agreements.
 
Develops and implements animal care policies and procedures for diet formulation while keeping staff informed on diet formulations and changes; emergency animal care; safety protocols; behavioral enrichment and operant training.  Maintains adequate inventory of animals’ feeds, cleaning supplies, and related equipment.
 
Develops animal collection plan including participation in Association of Zoos and Aquarium Species Survival Plans, Regional Collection Plans and Population Management Plans.
 
Assists the zoo registrar in maintaining records of the animal collection including health and medical information, treatment schedules, quarantine logs, daily animal behavior, feeding schedules, dietary needs, and welfare assessments. Works with registrar on obtaining permits pertaining to all local, state, federal, and international laws concerning captive wildlife and domestic animals and obtaining or maintaining professional registries.
 
Inspects animal facilities to ensure they are properly cared for, maintained, and within AZA and USDA standards. Assures appropriate maintenance and cleaning of exhibits and enclosures. Assists with minor repairs, renovation, and construction of animal exhibits. Evaluates zoo facilities to ensure the safety of the animals, other employees, and zoo patrons. Monitors public to ensure that safety regulations are adhered to and the animals are not abused.
 
Assists with marketing and promotion of zoo facilities, new exhibits, and special events.
 
Assists with government, corporate, foundation and private sector fund raising.
 
Assists the Curator of Public Engagement in developing, implementing and overseeing the zoos conservation programs; educates the public about wildlife and the role of zoos in wildlife conservation.
 
Contributes as requested to zoo publications and Keeper presentations. Assists with volunteer and intern management and training.
 
Performs related duties as required.1. Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from college with a bachelor's degree in Zoology/Biology;

AND
B. Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience related to the above duties;

OR
C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of animal diets, preventative/routine medical procedures including animal restraint and safety/emergency procedures. Considerable knowledge of collection management and breeding programs including artificial incubation and hand rearing. Considerable knowledge of Federal and State requirements, regulations and laws related to the housing, shipping, sale and purchase of animals.  Knowledge of a zoo's purpose and its responsibilities and ability to communicate the same, both verbally and in writing, to employees, volunteers and the general public.  Public speaking in support of the zoo is expected.

Skill in the use of a variety of hand and power tools.  Skill in the operation of light equipment such as tractor, pick up, front end loader.
 
Ability to identify symptoms of common animal ailments and ability to follow written and verbal instructions for administering medications.  Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing and positively influence others from inside/outside the zoo to improve organization effectiveness. Demonstrated ability to supervise and motivate personnel to meet zoo objectives. Demonstrated ability to maintain through and accurate records pertaining to the care and maintenance of an animal collection and the general maintenance of zoo facilities. Ability to read and understand drug, medication and related terminology. Ability to develop and initiate behavioral enrichment and operant condition training programs.
 
3.  Special Qualifications:
 
Must possess a valid Idaho driver's license
Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays
Must be able to lift 50 lbsTasks require a variety of physical activities generally involving muscular strain. Physical demands may occur in activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, lifting, etc. Talking, hearing and seeing required in the daily performance of job duties. Exposure to weather, environmental hazards and dangers resulting from working around dangerous animals and equipment. Mental application utilizes memory for details, emotional stability and discriminating thinking and creative problem solving.

Salary : $54,850 - $75,941