Assistant Curator of Primates

Summary :

Under the general supervision of the Curator of Primates, this Assistant Curator position provides direct supervision of assigned Animal Keepers.

• Duties include coordinating the activities of a section of the Zoo, facilitating the work of the Animal Keepers by ensuring that the keepers have the necessary tools, equipment and supplies;
• responsible for administrative functions such as scheduling, timekeeping, evaluations and progressive discipline. Orders, receives and distributes materials, supplies and food stuffs;
• and facilitates animal care operations within a section of the Zoo; reviews, develops and / or revises standard operating procedures or other reports;

conducts or coordinates safety training. The Assistant Curator also works with animal keepers, curators, the Director of Husbandry and Training and wellness staff to continue evaluating husbandry, enrichment and training for all species.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills : Requires extensive knowledge of the care and feeding of zoo animals, animal behavior and hazards of working with zoo animals;

zoo rules, policies and procedures; includes knowledge of animal diseases and methods of preventing the spread of contagious disease, and principles of biology and zoology.

Ability to perform heavy work including working safely and effectively with dangerous or exotic mammals, birds, reptiles and working effectively with Zoo employees as needed;

keep operational records; prepare reports; deal courteously and effectively with the public. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Experience with great apes, monkeys, and prosimians is essential.

Requirements : This position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive animal husbandry experience in an AZA institution preferably working with primates.

The ideal candidate will be familiar with breeding (including assist rearing and hand rearing), animal transport, animal introductions, AZA accreditation standards, and AZA’s code of ethics.

SECTION A : ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervises the work of Animal Keepers as assigned; coordinates and monitors sectional operations such as maintenance and repair activities, safety training, writing and updating Standard Operating Procedures and other assigned tasks.
• Responsible for administrative functions including scheduling, timekeeping, repair work orders and the ordering, receipt and distribution of materials, supplies and food stuffs.
• Implements, develops and / or revises standard operating procedures, logs of animal observations and / or daily operations, or other reports;

conducts or coordinates safety training.

• Inspects assigned section to ensure proper care, maintenance and safety of animals, their quarters and facilities; attempts to resolve problems which arise in regard to food, maintenance and safety.
• Supports and / or directs animal related projects (introductions, transfers, veterinary needs) in accordance with curators’ guidance and direction.
• Assists other Zoo personnel with exhibit upkeep or renovation in accordance with modern zoological practices, AZA standards and guidelines, and USDA requirements.
• Facilitates institutional core values throughout division through ongoing ethical engagement with staff.
• Interfaces with Veterinary, Wellness, and Nutrition staff to advance animal care.
• Coordinates and works with other departments to implement educational programs, activities in public relations, membership, development and other support services for both sections.
• Serve as Curator in Charge, may serve on Armed Response Team and may serve a role in native wildlife response.
• May be required to perform the duties of an animal keeper on an as-needed basis.

SECTION B : JOB RELATED DUTIES

• Assists marketing and development staff in promoting the Zoo's public image and attaining the Zoo's public relations and community service objectives.
• Assists the Curator in maintaining contacts with individuals and organizations involved in promoting worldwide conservation ethics and goals.
• Performs other duties as required and assigned.

SECTION C : CORE EXPECTATIONS

• Represents management and demonstrates a commitment to the Zoo’s mission statement and its’ core values as well as a commitment to institutional DEAI values.
• Performs duties in a service-oriented manner.
• Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity.
• Maintains good work habits and adheres to the employee handbook and all policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supports the Office’s commitment to equal employment opportunities.
• Demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety and works with Safety Officer as needed.
• Demonstrates good presentation skills in dealing with the public, Zoo Board and internal and external stakeholders.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES : Directly supervises employees, interns, and volunteers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, applicable laws, and relevant labor laws.

Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance;

rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; ensuring compliance with contracted obligations.

QUALIFICATIONS : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EXPERIENCE : Minimum five years paid experience in animal husbandry and captive animal management. Supervisory and curatorial experience in a major zoological institution preferred.

Significant lead experience may substitute for supervisory and curatorial experience.

EDUCATION : Degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS : This position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive animal husbandry experience in an AZA institution preferably working with primates.

The ideal candidate will be familiar with breeding (including assist rearing and hand rearing), animal transport, animal introductions, AZA accreditation standards, and AZA’s code of ethics. .

PHYSICAL DEMANDS : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and / or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 80 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions.

The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to potentially hazardous animals.

TO APPLY : Apply via our web site at

Please include a cover letter outlining your animal care experience. No calls please.