Facility
Gulf Breeze Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Gulf Breeze Zoo is a 50+-acre facility, located just east of Pensacola, Florida. This ZAA-Accredited facility is home to a diverse collection of animals, with the collection consisting of breeding Nile and pygmy hippos, white rhinos, giraffe and various hoofed stock species, gorillas, orangutans, a myriad species of smaller primates, large cats and bears, a petting area, and a wide assortment of birds and reptiles.
Conservation is at the core of what we do. Through our various breeding programs and in conjunction with our Corporate Conservation Coordinator we annually fund a myriad of conservation programs both nationally and internationally.
We are hiring for a dynamic, physically fit, experienced animal person who is either currently in a curatorial role or who is ready to take the next step up to this level. The General Curator will work in conjunction with the two area Assistant Curators to manage and oversee the collection of over 1200 animals.
The position is physically demanding and active. Although mainly administrative, this is a hands-on working position and requires work in the field.
Applicants must have significant hands-on animal experience, including proven management experience. Must be professional, in both demeanor and appearance. Non-smoking work environment.
Job Description: General Curator
• Direct oversight of the animal collection, including two section assistant curators and a full-time staff of 15-20 animal keepers.
• Ensure a high level of animal care and welfare.
• Reflect current trends and practices in the zoological field, including exhibition and care.
• Reviews, creates, maintains and provides both leadership and oversight for policies, procedures and protocols related to animal care and handling.
• Record-keeping and collection management will be of paramount importance.
• An understanding of nutrition, conformation, breeding habits, proper display techniques, and an eye for animal health and well-being
• Develops and manages, with senior staff, behavioral conditioning and enrichment plans.
• Daily inspections of all sections, animals and staff.
• Works with the Director to develop annual departmental budgets, species procurement and capital improvements as they relate to Animal Care
Education and Pre-requisites
• 5+ years of paid experience in a zoological park or breeding center with at least 3 years with ever-increasing responsibilities in a Curator or Senior Lead position.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a broad range of animal species.
• Record-keeping, collection management experience.
• Familiarity with basic medications and vaccination programs.
• BS in the animal related sciences preferred.
Compensation and benefits
Starting salary of $52k – $65k and commensurate with experience, paid sick and vacation time, insurance options, 401k.
Application instructions
Only those applicants which fulfill the first 2 requirements criteria will receive a response.
You can view our website at www.gulfbreezezoo.org