Assistant Zoo Curator

San Bernardino County (CA) • San Bernadino, CA

79d

About The Position

The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is seeking a highly organized, efficient and professional leader to join the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Parks Districts team as the Assistant Zoo Curator. This key role supports the Zoo Curator in directing animal care and daily operations, while modeling excellence in staff leadership, animal welfare, and guest service. The Assistant Curator provides daily leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of zoo management. Working closely with the Zoo Curator, this position supervises, trains, and mentors a staff of approximately 14 employees and numerous volunteers to ensure consistent, high-quality animal care, guest experiences, and facility operations. The Assistant Curator manages the welfare of a diverse animal collection with a strong focus on behavioral enrichment and animal training programs, while ensuring the highest standards of animal wellness. This role also ensures full compliance with AZA accreditation standards and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. In addition, the Assistant Curator organizes and maintains accurate records, schedules, and reports using Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word; collaborates on exhibit design and conservation/education programming; and supports marketing initiatives to enhance the zoo's mission and community presence.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Medicine, Psychology or related field.
• Five (5) years of progressive zoological experience, including two (2) years in a supervisory or lead capacity.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with rehabilitation animals, including rescue, triage, care, and release protocols.
• Prior experience in an AZA accredited facility.
• Demonstrated strength in planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Experience with Tracks, WRMD, Zims or other animal record management systems.
• Commitment to animal wellness, conservation, and exceptional guest service.

Responsibilities

• Leading, coaching, mentoring, and motivating staff to support professional growth and high performance.
• Organizing and prioritizing tasks to ensure deadlines are met in a dynamic environment.
• Utilizing Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word for scheduling, communication, and record keeping.
• Designing and implementing training and enrichment programs that support animal welfare and behavioral health.
• Supporting adherence to AZA accreditation requirements and best practices in zoological management.
• Fostering collaboration and maintaining positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and guests through effective communication.
• Performing the physical duties of a zoological environment safely, including lifting, working in varied weather conditions, and handling animals.

Benefits

• Medical and Dental: family coverage
• Vision: employee coverage
• Premium subsidies to offset health costs
• Flexible spending account (FSA) pre-tax account for qualified healthcare expenses
• Up to 4 weeks accruable vacation with cash-out option
• 11 days accruable sick leave
• 15 paid holidays
• Perfect attendance leave
• Flexible work schedules (in some departments)
• Generous Pension
• Retirement reciprocity may be available
• 457(b) deferred compensation plan
• Retirement Medical Trust Fund

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree