Curator jobs in United Kingdom

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.

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.

• Single Accommodation
• Manager Meal