Animal Curator

Emirates Park Zoo; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading wildlife conservation organization in Abu Dhabi seeks an experienced Animal Curator to coordinate animal management and oversee the zoo staff. The role includes ensuring animal welfare, managing nutrition, and supervising a team. Candidates should have a zoology degree and at least 7 years of animal care experience. This position offers single accommodation and meal benefits, with a flexible work schedule that may include weekends and holidays.

Benefits

Single Accommodation

Manager Meal

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of prior animal care experience at a controlled environment facility.
• Good communication skills, enthusiasm for interacting with the public, and willingness to give talks.
• Must be dependable and flexible regarding work schedules.
• Must be able to perform strenuous work and lift at least 50 KG repetitively.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee animals’ management.
• Directly contribute to all aspects of animal care.
• Oversee nutrition requirements for animals.
• Advise and supervise animal collection supervisors and staff.
• Prepare reports as required by the line manager.

Skills

Bio-safety procedures

Health and safety

Good leadership and management skills

Excellent computer skills

Presentation skills

Reporting skills

Interpersonal communication and teamwork

Communicate effectively in English (verbal and written)

Education

Zoology degree, BVSC, or a related field

Job description

Animal Curator

Coordinate and supervise daily animal management and zoo staff.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate and oversee animals’ management of EPZ.
• Support the function of animal collection supervisor by undertaking additional duties as required.
• Directly contribute to all aspects of animal care, including husbandry routines and environmental enrichment, and supporting veterinary intervention as required.
• Oversee nutrition requirements for animals’ collections throughout overseeing food preparation, distribution, and collecting feedback from supervisors and working closely with the veterinary department.
• Support the goals of EPZ departments’ collection plan, strategic and Master Plan of EPZ.
• Maintain the highest level of health and safety in the work area through implementation of safety protocols and procedures to ensure safety of visitors, staff, and animals.
• Contribute, maintain, and update risk assessments for each section.
• Implement and monitor designated bio-security, health, and safety policy closely with the veterinary department.
• Undertake and maintain records of animal and enclosure security checks.
• Manage staff work schedules with supervisors.
• Follow up on enclosure maintenance requests.
• Participate in Zoo Keepers' appraisals.
• Advise and supervise animal collection supervisors, zoo keepers, volunteers, trainees, and interns to provide support, guidance, and skills development.
• Maintain understanding of Ethical, Population Management, and Animal Welfare policies.
• Maintain understanding of emergency procedures - practice and enact as required.
• Share relevant information and disseminate organizational news and updates to the team.
• Improve knowledge of animal biology and management, including observations and record keeping, supporting and participating in zoological research if needed.
• Tasks may include heavy manual and skilled work such as moving and manipulating heavy food items, hoses, bales of hay, equipment, and crated animals.
• Support and participate in media and marketing initiatives to encourage public understanding of animals and promote EPZ's mission as per request.
• Prepare for and attend regular section or departmental meetings and undertake agreed actions approved by the zoo manager.
• Participate in pest control plan and execution.
• Assist the zoo manager as required.
• Generate work requests and coordinate completion.
• Oversee and coordinate animal introductions, moves, restraints, and shipments.
• Regularly inspect and observe assigned collections for overall welfare.
• Train and coach staff regarding media contact, conflict resolution, and appropriate guest and customer relations.
• Visitor interactions, including scheduled on-ground talks to guests, and answer visitors' questions concerning animals' habits.
• Participate in required lectures, seminars, and workshops as part of the job.
• Provide on-job training for keepers.
• Prepare reports as required by the line manager.
• Inspect animals to detect illnesses and injuries and notify the vet department of findings.
• Handle, capture, and restrain animals.
• Participate in establishing animal collection plans, studbooks, identification, surplus lists, and record keeping to ensure accurate and complete records of animal activities.
• Actively foster constructive attitudes and a team orientation among staff.
• May assist vets in the treatment of animals for illnesses and injuries.
• Any other relevant duties assigned by the zoo manager.

Requirements

Skills: Bio-safety procedures, Health and safety, Good leadership and management skills, Excellent computer skills, Presentation skills, Reporting skills, Interpersonal communication and teamwork, Communicate effectively in English (verbal and written)

Qualifications/Experience:

• Zoology degree, BVSC, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 7 years of prior animal care experience at a controlled environment facility.
• Good communication skills, enthusiasm for interacting with the public, and a willingness to give regular talks to visitors, special groups, etc.
• Must be able to function as a team member and support the zoo's mission.
• Must be dependable and demonstrate flexibility regarding work schedules.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays and some evening events.
• Must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather.
• English is a must, Arabic is preferred.
• Must be willing to work with different cultures and nationalities.
• Must be able to perform strenuous work and lift at least 50 KG repetitively, bending, lifting, etc.
• Good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Exemplifies the highest standard of work ethics.

Benefits

• Single Accommodation
• Manager Meal