Assistant Curator, Kids Kingdom and Reptiles

Aza•Pittsburgh, PA

46d

About The Position

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is looking for its next Assistant Curator of the Kids Kingdom and Reptiles section. Candidates must be dynamic and detail-oriented leaders who excel in building relationships, customer service, strategic thinking and bringing people together. This position will assist the Curator with supervision of animal care and welfare in the Kids Kingdom and reptiles sections of the Zoo. The current animal composition of this area includes birds, mammals, reptiles and fishes. The animal collection includes not only domestic, Children's-Zoo type hoofstock, but also macropods, red panda, and meerkats; exotic birds (including penguins); reptiles (including Komodo dragons, crocodilians, and venomous snakes); amphibians, and fishes. Strong experience with and knowledge of birds and reptiles is desired. With a strong leadership team, an impactful strategic plan and a dynamic ambitious 20-year masterplan, the zoo is pursuing a vision that centers around best practices for animal care, employee engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, customer service, community engagement and partnerships and overall excellence. The Pittsburgh Zoo is currently accredited by the AZA, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks, ZAA, is certified by American Humane and a member of WAZA.

Requirements

Experience with and knowledge of handling and husbandry of venomous snakes
Experience with and knowledge of restraint and husbandry of large crocodilians
Experience with and knowledge of amphibian breeding and husbandry
Experience with birds and exotic small mammals in a zoologic collection
Bachelor's degree in zoology, animal science, biology or related field or equivalent experience. A minimum work experience of 6 years of which 1 year of managerial experience in a facility accredited by the AZA or ZAA is required.
Must be available on occasional evenings, weekends and holidays.
Occasional local and out-of-town travel is required.
This position can be physical at times; requires the ability to lift, push, pull, carry, walk, stand, stoop, bend, etc.

Responsibilities

Supervises animal care and training programs in Kids Kingdom and reptiles.
Assists in the restraint and handling of small animals; instructs and mentors Animal Keepers in appropriate restraint and handling techniques.
Assists veterinary staff during examinations, treatments, emergencies and surgeries
Assists with the development and implementation of animal transportation methods and appropriate equipment
Ensures that all-holding areas for animals are properly maintained
Assists in the hiring and training of staff and monitoring job performance, providing evaluations and feedback
Attends weekly animal management meetings and department head meetings as required
Assists in developing and coordinating safety efforts within the department
Assists in the installation, modification and/or construction of holding areas and exhibits
Assists in educational programs, special events and tours as needed
Assists with scientific research programs.
Assists Curator with preparation of the departmental budget
Actively participates in spring and fall staff retreats
Assists Curator in completing annual employee evaluations in a timely manner
Assists in managing employee issues under supervision of Curator
Seeks opportunities for professional self-development
Must be an active member of professional zoo organizations.
Actively participates in the zoo's institutional collection planning process
Is an active member of the zoos Emergency Weapons Team
Performs other duties as assigned.