Curator of Carnivores

OKC Zoo • Oklahoma City, OK

9d • $61,354 - $70,557 • Onsite

About The Position

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is seeking an experienced animal care leader to guide its carnivore team and advance the care, wellbeing, and management of assigned species. Reporting to the Chief Animal Program Officer, the Curator of Carnivores oversees the people, practices, facilities, and resources supporting the Zoo’s carnivore program, with responsibilities that may include other taxa. The role combines evidence-based animal management with staff leadership, operational planning, and collaboration across departments. It helps shape the program’s direction while supporting safe operations, meaningful guest experiences, and the Zoo’s conservation mission.

The position works indoors and outdoors in a Zoo setting. Scheduling flexibility is required, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations as operational needs dictate. Work may involve extreme weather, potentially dangerous animals, zoonotic diseases, and other animal care-related exposures. Physical duties include extended walking, standing, and sitting; bending, stooping, and kneeling; and independently pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying up to 10 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

This is a safety-sensitive position subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing. Annual tuberculosis testing is required. A valid Oklahoma driver’s license must be obtained within 30 days of hire, and required Zoo learning management system training must be completed within the first six months.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; an animal science-related field is preferred.
• Five years of paid experience working with relevant taxa at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facility, including at least two years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties.
• Knowledge of evidence-based animal welfare, husbandry, behavioral training, enrichment, animal handling, and animal population management.
• Ability to coach employees, communicate expectations clearly, address performance concerns, and guide a team through changing priorities.
• Knowledge of applicable animal care regulations, transport requirements, safety practices, and emergency response procedures.
• Strong organizational, communication, and budgeting skills, with the ability to use records and data to support decisions.
• Valid Oklahoma driver’s license within 30 days of hire and ability to pass a driver’s history check.
• Complete required Zoo learning management system training within the first six months.
• Scheduling flexibility, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations as operational needs dictate.
• Ability to meet the physical duties described, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing; annual tuberculosis testing is required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise 13 direct reports and guide hiring, training, coaching, goal setting, performance evaluations, and corrective action; establish clear expectations and support a respectful, accountable workplace.
• Oversee husbandry, behavioral training, enrichment, and welfare monitoring, using scientific evidence, species natural history, and animal care records to inform decisions.
• Coordinate staffing, resources, documentation, and standard operating procedures to support consistent animal care and effective daily operations.
• Develop and review safety protocols and risk assessments, participate in emergency planning and drills, and provide leadership during animal and safety incidents.
• Contribute to animal population planning, habitat design, master planning, capital improvements, and maintenance priorities.
• Develop and oversee assigned budgets, prioritize operational needs, and acquire supplies and materials.
• Collaborate with veterinary staff, fellow curators, facilities teams, and other departments; coordinate animal transfers and communicate with external animal program partners.
• Contribute to institutional conservation and research initiatives and participate in relevant AZA programs, committees, and professional organizations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager