Senior Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians

Miral Experiences; Al Ain; On-site; AED 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Miral Experiences in Abu Dhabi is seeking a Senior Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians to lead the institution's herpetological collection, oversee welfare, and drive conservation programs across regional and international initiatives.

The role requires advanced degrees and extensive experience with reptiles and amphibians, collaborating with veterinary, conservation partners, and exhibit teams to maintain high standards of care and scientific excellence.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Zoology, Herpetology, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Ecology, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in managing significant reptile and amphibian collections, conservation breeding programs, species recovery initiatives, or specialized herpetological facilities
• Experience working with a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians, including threatened species, conservation breeding programs, and specialized husbandry programs
• Doctoral degree or additional advanced qualification in herpetology, conservation, evolutionary biology, or related fields
• Experience within AZA, EAZA, WAZA, SEAZA, BIAZA, ZAA, PAAZA, or similarly accredited zoological institutions

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, management, and long-term development of all herpetological programs across the institution.
• Ensure all reptiles and amphibians are managed according to the highest international standards of husbandry, welfare, conservation, veterinary care, and population sustainability.
• Develop and implement collection plans, breeding strategies, and conservation priorities.
• Identify opportunities where the zoo's collection can directly support conservation action through conservation breeding, assurance populations, and research partnerships.
• Collaborate with veterinary services, conservation teams, and external partners to align with One Plan Conservation approaches.

Education

Master's Degree in Zoology, Herpetology, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Ecology, or a closely related discipline

Doctoral degree or additional advanced qualification in herpetology, conservation, evolutionary biology, or related fields

Job description

Miral Experiences is a region’s leader in the management and operation of world‑class, award‑winning immersive attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi. Our diverse portfolio includes some of the most iconic entertainment and leisure destinations, including Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, CLYMB™ Yas Island Abu Dhabi, and TeamLab. Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, as well as cultural treasures like Qasr Al Watan.

We specialize in crafting unique experiences that cater to all tastes and ages, delivering a seamless blend of thrills, joy, and discovery. Our attractions are designed to ignite the imagination and create unforgettable memories for visitors from around the world. Whether you're seeking excitement, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, we offer something for everyone.

About the Role

The Senior Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and long‑term development of the institution's herpetological collection, including reptiles, amphibians, and associated conservation programs. The role provides direction and oversight for all aspects of collection management, including animal welfare, species‑specific husbandry, conservation breeding, population management, veterinary collaboration, staff development, operational safety, exhibit planning, and scientific research.

As the institution's lead herpetological specialist, the Senior Curator is expected to possess exceptional technical expertise in the management of both threatened species and highly specialized taxa, including species with complex environmental, nutritional, reproductive, and behavioral requirements. The position plays a critical role in advancing the institution's contribution to reptile and amphibian conservation, particularly through participation in regional and international One Plan Conservation initiatives that integrate in‑situ and ex‑situ conservation efforts.

The successful candidate will combine strong scientific knowledge with practical management expertise and leadership capability. They will foster a culture of professionalism, accountability, safety, innovation, and evidence‑based decision making, while ensuring that the welfare of the collection remains the highest priority.

Key Responsibilities

• The Senior Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians leads the planning, management, and long‑term development of all herpetological programs across the institution. The position ensures that all reptiles and amphibians are managed according to the highest international standards of husbandry, welfare, conservation, veterinary care, and population sustainability.
• Particular emphasis is placed on maintaining and advancing best practice management of rare, threatened, and biologically sensitive species. The successful candidate must demonstrate a deep understanding of environmental management, reproductive biology, nutrition, incubation, neonatal care, life‑support requirements, and species‑specific husbandry techniques required for successfully maintaining specialist reptile and amphibian collections.
• The role is responsible for developing and implementing collection plans, breeding strategies, and conservation priorities. This includes recommendations regarding animal acquisitions, transfers, breeding programs, population management, and participation in international species management initiatives. The Senior Curator works closely with regional and international breeding program coordinators, conservation organizations, governmental agencies, research institutions, and zoological partners to ensure that institutional collections contribute meaningfully to species recovery and conservation outcomes.
• A particular focus of the position is the development and implementation of One Plan Conservation approaches, especially for threatened regional taxa. The Senior Curator is expected to identify opportunities where the zoo's collection can directly support conservation action through conservation breeding, assurance populations, research programs, field conservation partnerships, capacity building, and species recovery initiatives.
• The position works closely with Veterinary Services, Animal Welfare, Nutrition, Animal Registry, Conservation, Facilities, Education, and Guest Experience teams to ensure integrated management of all programs and to support broader institutional objectives. The Senior Curator also provides specialist technical input into exhibit design, environmental systems, quarantine facilities, breeding centres, and capital development projects.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's Degree in Zoology, Herpetology, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Animal Science, Veterinary Science, Ecology, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in managing significant reptile and amphibian collections, conservation breeding programs, species recovery initiatives, or specialized herpetological facilities
• Experience working with a diverse range of reptiles and amphibians, including threatened species, conservation breeding programs, and specialized husbandry programs
• Doctoral degree or additional advanced qualification in herpetology, conservation, evolutionary biology, or related fields
• Experience within AZA, EAZA, WAZA, SEAZA, BIAZA, ZAA, PAAZA, or similarly accredited zoological institutions

Shape the Future with Us

At Miral Experiences, we don’t just create world‑class destinations - we create unforgettable memories for our guests and remarkable careers for our people.

From theme parks and attractions to guest services and behind‑the‑scenes roles, every member of our team plays a part in delivering exceptional experiences. We’re driven by passion, powered by innovation, and committed to excellence in everything we do.

We’re looking for passionate, driven, and talented individuals who are ready to grow, lead, and make a difference. No matter your background or expertise, there's a place for you at Miral Experiences.