Zoo Curator

City of Hutchinson•Hutchinson, KS

1d•$22 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The Zoo Curator is responsible for ensuring the proper care and welfare of all collection and rehabilitation animals including daily husbandry, animal records, permits and reports. Assists the Zoo Director with updating and maintaining the Zoo's Master plan, strategic plan, and collection plan. Acts as a liaison between the Zoo director and contract veterinarians, and as the Institutional Representative for AZA population management species. Is responsible for supervising the zookeeper staff. This employee should possess excellent public relations, supervisor, organizational, and communication skills.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in biological science, zoological or veterinary-related field is required.
A minimum of five years of similar or related experience is required.
At least two of those years should include supervisory experience.
Prior hands-on paid experience in AZA-standard daily husbandry techniques and the assessment of the care and welfare of Zoo animals is essential.
Must have or be able to obtain CPR/First Aid Certification within 6 months of employment.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in behavioral husbandry and veterinary treatment techniques is preferred.
Wildlife rehabilitation experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversees all aspects of husbandry techniques, diets and care of all zoo animals.
Implement policies and procedures relevant to the specimen collection in an AZA-accredited zoo and licensed rehabilitation facility.
Coordinates veterinary care and acts as a liaison between the zoo director and contract veterinarians.
Oversees Zoo medication usage with collection and rehabilitation animals including treatments, vaccinations and annual exams.
Researches and collaborates/provides guidance to contract veterinarians on species-specific health/welfare cases regarding the diagnoses and treatment of collection animals in line with the Zoo's Animal Welfare Policy and procedures.
Assists with the recruitment, interviewing, hiring and firing of all animal care staff.
Oversees the animal care peer-training program and provides direct training on Zoo policies and procedures
Assigns and schedules animal care staff; approves time off requests and weekly timecards
Ensures that work performed by animal care staff is of high quality in all areas and aspects of the Zoo's animal welfare goals and USDA and AZA standards are met.
Ensures the safety of animals and staff through regular check-ins on work routines and practices
Assists with the facilitation of staff training on safety and best practices for animal husbandry and training
Provides guidance on appropriate daily notes for ZIMS with all animal areas.
Evaluates current animal care staff annually for merit increases. Assists with annual individual goal planning.
In conjunction with the Zoo director, disciplines staff if needed, up to and including termination.
Assists the Zoo Director with updating and maintaining the Zoo's Master plan and strategic plan.
Collaborates with the Zoo Director and Parks leadership on exhibit design development and renovations
Ensures the safety of the animal collection in their habitats through regular inspection and oversight of animal care staff safety practices.
Assists with the coordination of zoo grounds, maintenance staff and parks staff on animal facility repairs
Ensure through personal observation and consultation with animal care and Parks staff, effective pest control programs throughout the facility.
Acts as a liaison with USDA on permits and inspections; applies for new permits as required
Acts as a liaison with USFWS and KDWP on rehabilitation permits and reports
Collaborates with Director on AZA programs and Accreditation
Acts as an Institutional Representative for the facility
Assists with the initiation and participation of conservation programs inside and outside the AZA
Acts as Registrar and ensures animal-related record keeping is correct and well maintained
Coordinates animal acquisition, disposition and transfer/shipments of collection animals
Researches and procures inventory and orders for all zoo supplies when needed
Oversees the inventory of supplies for animal care staff
Tracks and submits billing and receipts for Animal care department expenses and animal produce
Ensures that spending stays within budget
Collaborates with the Zoo director on the City budget planning process each year
Participates in Fundraising events as needed
Assumes responsibility for the Zoo in the absence of the director.
Perform other duties as deemed necessary or assigned.