Assistant / Associate Curator (Avian Team)

Akron Zoo; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

Akron Zoo seeks an Assistant / Associate Curator to lead the Avian collection and act as taxon expert. You will organize, supervise, and evaluate zookeepers caring for birds and collaborate with veterinarians and educators to deliver engaging programs.

The role requires strong leadership, knowledge of avian husbandry, and a commitment to AZA standards and animal welfare. Flexible scheduling and cross-department collaboration are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences (biology, zoology, life science) or an AZA-equivalent credential.
• Minimum 5 years at an AZA facility in an animal care role.
• Experience supervising staff is highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of animal behavior, safety practices, and zoo operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the Animal Care Department staff including staffing, training, evaluation, recognition, professional development and performance actions.
• Ensure compliance with AZA standards and institutional policies; coordinate with veterinarians on health concerns.
• Collaborate with Education Department for on-grounds programs and animal experiences.
• Oversee animal transfers, habitat maintenance, and annual capital planning.
• Supervise 5-10 direct reports and manage scheduling and performance reviews.

Skills

Animal behavior

Zoo safety

Communication skills

Judgment

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Avian husbandry knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences

Associate’s Degree with AZA experience

Job description

Description

The Assistant / Associate Curator is responsible for the overall management, welfare and wellbeing of the Avian collection at the Akron Zoo as its taxon expert. This position is responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising and evaluating the work activities of zookeepers engaged in the care and exhibition of those animals.

Description

The Assistant / Associate Curator is responsible for the overall management, welfare and wellbeing of the Avian collection at the Akron Zoo as its taxon expert. This position is responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising and evaluating the work activities of zookeepers engaged in the care and exhibition of those animals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the Animal Care Department staff including:


• Management of a large staff including hiring, training, evaluation, recognition, professional development, promotions and/or disciplinary actions


• Ensure compliance with all AZA standards and institutional policies and procedures


• Provide resources to support the animal care team


• Ensure compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)


• Model servant leadership in the demonstration of institutional / departmental core values and hold staff accountable to same


• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all zoo staff, volunteers, patrons, vendors, colleagues and the general public


• Collaborate with Animal Behavior & Wellbeing Manager and/or Veterinarians on animal care behavioral concerns, enrichment, new training plans, medical / health related concerns, etc. as an advocate on the animal’s care team.


• Partner with the Education Department to implement various on-grounds programming with the collection animals (Rise and Shine, Keeper Talks, etc.) that deliver exceptional educational, informative and entertaining experiences.


• Documentation review and compliance


• Ensure all AZA standards of care are followed and that appropriate procedures and servicing guidelines are written, reviewed and maintained in accordance with USDA and AZA standards.


• Complete animal transfer and transition documentation for the Registrar; assist in the coordination of animal moves between zoological institutions.


• Regularly inspect animal habitats for cleanliness, adequacy, containment, vegetation, etc. to evaluate zookeeper performance and/or maintenance repairs. Submit annual capital requests to address habitat renovations.


• Ensure all required training for departmental staff is completed including, but not limited to:


• Annual zoo safety training and required drills


• Annual OSHA required training


• Capture and restraint training


• Animal welfare and wellbeing training / reporting welfare concerns


• Medication administration


• Zoonosis training


• Servicing guidelines/animal routines for safe and efficient methods of husbandry, enrichment and training


• Participate in breeding programs including research, documentation, analysis, reports and staff training

The Akron Zoo has experienced remarkable success over the last two decades with tremendous attendance growth, strong financial sustainability, and an enviable record of repeated AZA accreditation certifications. This, coupled with overwhelming community support demonstrated by the repeated passing of tax levy campaigns, provides a strong foundation for the Akron Zoo’s continued growth and success.

The Akron Zoo is poised for an exciting period of continued growth and development, with significant investments that will expand our habitats, animal collections, conservation efforts, and overall impact in the community. Our next phase of growth includes the expansion of our “Pride of Africa” area to include a mixed species habitat including giraffes as well as a new animal experience to replace our "Curious Creatures" gallery. These investments represent not only growth in the physical Akron Zoo, but growth in the opportunities available to our employees.

As the Akron Zoo continues to grow, so do opportunities for our people. New habitats, expanded programs, evolving operations, and increased organizational needs create opportunities for employees to develop new skills, take on expanded responsibilities, pursue career advancement, and grow as leaders. Investing in professional growth and development will be an important part of ensuring our employees are prepared to grow alongside the organization and play an increasingly important role in the Akron Zoo’s future success.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences (biology, zoology, life science) or an Associate’s Degree with substantial experience in an AZA accredited zoo or aquarium


• Minimum of 5 years’ experience at an AZA facility in an animal care position


• Previous supervisory experience highly desirable


• Considerable knowledge of animal behavior, defense mechanisms, compatibility of different animals, physical capability and strength of animals, zoo safety practices, toxic plants to animals

Supervisory/Leadership Responsibilities

• Manage staffing, training, and performance evaluations of 5-10 direct reports

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills


• Demonstrated independent, mature judgment


• Significant experience with artificial incubation and hand rearing of various avian species


• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and some holidays


• Ability to successfully build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse groups


• Ability to successfully prioritize managing multiple projects and deadlines


• Excellent ability to lead and/or serve on cross-functional teams


• Demonstrated knowledge and application of current best practices in animal care, husbandry and enrichment; ability to safety handle animals as appropriate


• Knowledge of appropriate external regulations, laws, compliance, etc. related to job duties


• Commitment to global animal and environmental conservation action

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements of this position are primarily related to a standard office environment. Must be able to utilize a phone, computer and screen, two-way radio and other office equipment. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to hear, talk and primarily sit; occasionally stand, walk, reach, stoop, or kneel. Must be able to occasionally work outdoors in all weather conditions (hot/cold, rain, snow, high humidity), dusty and odorous conditions. This position has exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases.