Senior Curator, Birds and Ectotherms

Description

JOB SUMMARY  The position oversees all aspects of a progressive department of animal care professionals, managing a diverse collection of animals and associated facilities, within the assigned Department. The Senior Curator will serve as the primary contact and liaison for the assigned Department, working closely with a team of Associate Curators and Zoological Managers to provide leadership and supervision to animal care staff. This position will be responsible for the team’s training and development, implementing effective animal management practices, and reporting directly to the AVP, Animal Care & Welfare.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Mentor and guide the activities of an animal management team (including Associate Curators, Zoological Managers, Assistant Zoological Managers);
• Oversee development, implementation and supervision of safe, proper protocols for all aspects of care for the assigned animal collection including: sanitation, health, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, and behavioral husbandry;
• Cooperatively develop and implement comprehensive collection plans for each section of the department, soliciting input from various internal and external stakeholders;
• Direct the safe coordination of animal acquisitions and deaccessions, in support of Dallas Zoo’s Institutional Collection Plan, liaising effectively with AZA animal programs;
• Direct the implementation of staff training programs in areas of animal care, facilities maintenance and operation;
• Actively recruit staff, interns and volunteers, working cooperatively with Associate Curators and Zoological Managers to strategically develop a dynamic team of animal care professionals;
• Formulate, communicate and implement DZM management policies, and supervise staff training in safety and security policies;
• Assist in ongoing development of a ZIMS-based records system documenting activities and events within the Savanna’s animal collection; prepare required reports summarizing department activities;
• Collaborate with veterinary staff in the medical care of the designated animal collection;
• Collaborate in production of interpretive graphics associated with animal exhibits;
• Manage buildings, exhibits, holding areas and grounds of relevant areas; prioritize maintenance;
• Develop short- and long-term strategies to activate and/or refresh existing exhibits, plan for renovations, and explore concepts for new interactive spaces (maximizing quality of life for animals, guests and staff);
• Serve as project manager, as assigned, for design, construction and/or installation of new habitat features;
• Coordinate and conduct research, and/or produce popular or scientific papers concerning biology and captive management of wild animals;
• Identify and prioritize budgetary requests, including capital improvements, major maintenance, time and material projects, minor tools and equipment, professional services, animal purchase and animal transportation; administer budgets, monitor expense and prepare reports;
• Collaborate with other departments/divisions to further develop programs and facilities that improve upon the organization’s operations, and/or facilities;
• Represent the Department and/or DZM at professional meetings, conferences or in the media as required;
• Follow all safety protocols, understanding the Senior Curator’s role in emergency procedures, and serving as a member of Dallas Zoo’s Emergency Response Team;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree in biology or related science field is required; graduate degree preferred;
• Must have extensive knowledge of animal husbandry, with at least fifteen years preferred of exotic animal care experience, at an AZA-accredited facility, and at least ten years at a supervisory level;
• Must be solution-oriented, finding creative solutions for complex challenges;
• Demonstrated interest and expertise in management, reproduction of diverse bird and ectotherm species;
• Comprehensive knowledge of incubation processes (artificial and natural), as well as neonate care;
• Comprehensive knowledge of behavioral management, including operant conditioning philosophy, techniques and terminology, as well as benefits and goals of environmental enrichment;
• Incumbent should have broad interests in research, behavior and conservation;
• Excellent facilitation, as well as communication skills, both oral and written;
• Comfort with computer software: MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, ZIMS;
• Ability to represent the Zoo in a professional manner at all times;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, must be self-directed;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with management, other employees & zoo guests;
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs;
• Must be able to work holidays and weekends, assuming and performing similar duties at regular and irregular hours as required;
• Must be able to actively work outdoors in hot or inclement weather;
• Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check and TB test;
• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this job and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties to be assigned.