Facility
John Ball Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
John Ball Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, with a mission to inspire people to be active participants in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. We are seeking a General Curator to join our team to oversee the institution’s entire animal collection and animal management staff.
In collaboration with the Chief Administrative Officer, the General Curator will lead the animal care teams to ensure that the operations of the department are done to maximize safety, animal welfare, and a positive work environment. Will develop and implement the Zoo’s Institutional Animal Plan and ensures that acquisition, transfer and breeding at the Zoo aligns with that plan. Will work closely with other departments to ensure exhibit maintenance, modification, and construction meets the needs of animals, staff, and guests.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Demonstrates leadership by establishing credibility; acting with integrity; showing commitment; inspiring, motivating and guiding team to achieve Zoo goals and objectives.
Mentors Animal Management Supervisors, coaches for excellence, and evaluates performance to ensure that the daily operations of the department meet the highest standards of safety, ensure good welfare for all animals at the Zoo, and create a positive working environment for all paid staff and volunteers.
Recommends hiring and terminations, provides training and work assignments for, administers policy and procedure for, reviews and evaluates the work performance of, and administers disciplinary actions for subordinate staff.
Serves as a member of the JBZ Senior Leadership team and participates in long range goal setting, planning, and decision-making for the Zoo including the creation of budgets for all assigned areas.
Works with Animal Management Supervisors to develop, maintain, and implement departmental policies and procedures including, but not limited to, standard operating procedures, safety procedures, emergency protocols, and contingency plans.
Ensures that all animal husbandry policies, practices and procedures conform to US Department of Agriculture licensing standards for institutions exhibiting live animals; US Department of the Interior permits required to own and display certain species; and accreditation standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Creates, maintains, and evaluates the Institutional Animal Plan to meet the goals of the Zoo’s Strategic, Conservation, and Education Plans.
Coordinates the acquisition, transfer, and breeding of individual animals to support the Institutional Animal Plan of JBZ.
Supports the implementation of the JBZ Master Plan by recommending, developing, and implementing short- and long-range plans to improve the quality of animal habitats at the zoo in a manner that best meets and/or exceeds the physical, psychological, and behavioral needs of the animals; the safety of staff and guests; and the educational goals of the zoo.
Works with the operations department to ensure that animal exhibits are properly constructed and maintained to ensure the safety of the guests, staff, and animals at the Zoo; to provide good welfare for animals; and to create engaging experiences for guests.
Develops budget for the animal care department and is responsible for monitoring purchases to ensure alignment with financial goals and objectives.
Supervises the Zoo’s participation in the Species Survival Plan and other national and international conservation programs of species as outlined in the Zoo’s Conservation and Institutional Animal Plan.
Works with the Zoo Veterinarian to ensure that the activities necessary for animal management and veterinary care are implemented effectively.
Works with other departments as necessary to properly support the zoo mission including but not limited to events, volunteers, education program development and marketing efforts.
Education and Pre-requisites
REQUIRED SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE
Thorough working knowledge of exotic animal management practices and principles including animal behavior, health and nutrition requirements and safe handling animals including venomous reptiles.
Thorough working knowledge of animal husbandry principles and practices.
Thorough working knowledge of the Species Survival Plan and other cooperative animal conservation programs.
Working knowledge of all federal rules, regulations and requirements for animal ownership and exhibition licensing and permitting.
Working knowledge of federal, state and local statutes and regulations governing zoo safety, sanitation and accessibility.
Working knowledge of Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standards.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in zoology, animal husbandry or a closely related field
5+ years of progressively responsible and demonstrably successful experience in the care and oversight of a group/collection of animals at an AZA-accredited institution.
Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Compensation and benefits
John Ball Zoo offers a complete benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, 401k with matching contribution, vacation time, personal time and paid holidays
Application instructions
Apply here: http://www.jbzoo.org/careers