Facility
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Manages specified zoogeographic region which includes but is not limited to a variety of animal species and exhibits, development & direction of region animal husbandry staff and direction of departmental objectives, policies, planning, and participation in conservation activities. Represents the Zoo as the subject matter expert for a specific region and taxa. Develops region/taxa specific animal collection plans, animal care direction, safety protocols, habitat maintenance and modifications, budgeting submissions and ensures animal wellbeing best practices in coordination with professional standards.
Manages region’s animal collection to include review, evaluation, development, and implementation of region animal care practices. Manages the region animal collection including but not including but not limited to; collection planning, department safety protocols, animal transportation plans, birth/hatch management plans, hand rearing efforts, facility work requests, exhibit design, enrichment, internship program, and all written Animal Care policies and procedures.
Works as a member of the curatorial team.
Manages staff and policy relating to the overall care and well-being of the Australia and the Islands region’s animal collection (e.g., animal health, disease diagnosis and treatment, development of husbandry protocol, animal nutrition, enrichment and other activities related to animal care).
Supervises Assistant Curator and staff in daily operations, issues instructions (written and verbal) for completion of all required work, selects and hires staff, determines performance standards and work objectives, evaluates staff and takes necessary actions in a timely fashion, identifies staff development opportunities and facilities those opportunities, and identifies and acts upon disciplinary issues.
Serves on and contributes to internal committees such as Animal Wellbeing, training, enrichment, and research.
Provides mentoring and leadership development for the Assistant Curator along with oversight of staff development and training.
Represents the Zoo in region related Animal Management matters externally and internally while providing Zoo leadership with related recommendations and direction.
Creates and maintains professional collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders.
Oversees region related animal acquisitions/dispositions including the review of recommendations, completion of paperwork, logistical preparations and physical transports.
Remain current with all professional standards and regulations related to Animal Management (AZA, USDA, and ZAA). Ensure Zoo compliance with all related professional standards and regulations and advises the Zoo leadership accordingly. Produces and manages policies relating to the overall care and well-being of the region animal collection (e.g., animal health, disease diagnosis and treatment, development of husbandry protocol, animal nutrition, enrichment and other activities related to animal and plant care).
Supervises region staff in the absence of the Assistant Curator, issues instructions (written and verbal) for completion of all required work, selects and hires staff, determines performance standards and work objectives, evaluates staff and takes necessary actions in a timely fashion, identifies staff development opportunities and facilitates those opportunities, and identifies and acts upon disciplinary issues.
Provides leadership and expertise in developing short-term and long-term objectives for the region animal collection, educational graphics, conservation initiatives, research and visitor amenities and services.
Ensures compliance will all Zoo safety protocols and policies
Develops plans and ideas for improvements in the region’s animal husbandry, exhibitry, signage, horticulture/landscaping and visitor satisfaction. .
Oversees minor maintenance, water quality testing, water changes, filter maintenance and other work related to aquatic systems.
Coordinates and travels on animal transports as assigned.
Holds weekly staff meetings within the region and attend required Zoo-wide staff meetings.
Submits articles to zoo related publications.
Acts as Curator On Duty (COD) as a part of the Curatorial staff rotation.
Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
High school diploma or equivalent required.
B.S. in life sciences or equivalent required.
Five to ten years of direct supervisory experience, preferably in a professional zoological institution.
Five to ten years progressive experience in the leadership of an animal care team, preferably in a professional zoological institution.
Knowledge of professional animal care principles, wildlife laws and animal wellbeing best practices in coordination with professional standards.
In depth knowledge and experience with professional standards related to AZA, USDA, and ZAA.
Ability to ensure institutional compliance with professional standards through the AZA, USDA, and ZAA.
Animal Care background with Marsupials and Birds preferred.
Ability to evaluate and implement change in both internal and external processes.
Ability to evaluate the return on investment for programs.
Ability to follow and be an example of institutional values.
Ability to develop and conduct training programs for new and existing staff required.
C.P.R./First Aid certification preferred.
Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required.
Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the Make it G.R.E.A.T. standards required.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business required.
Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
Ability to work a non-standard workweek including non-paid overtime, weekend work, evening work as needed and be on call 24 hours a day to respond to issues related to the region as required.
Possession of a valid Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required.
Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.
Compensation and benefits
Our mission at the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks is to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. When you are a part of our full-time Columbus Zoo and Aquarium team, you are helping us achieve that mission! We offer competitive wages, paid time off, excellent benefits including covered premiums for vision, dental, basic life and disability insurance, and OPERS retirement. Did we mention the perks? Company provided tuition reimbursement, Zoo family membership, free admission and discounts at all of our parks, team member appreciation events, wellness program, and more. Plus, as a nonprofit organization, our employees can take advantage of the student loan forgiveness through the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Application instructions
Please apply online at: https://careers-columbuszoo.icims.com/jobs/2116/curator%2c-australia-%26-the-islands/job