Assistant / Associate Curator (Ectotherm Team)

Akron Zoo; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Akron Zoo seeks an Assistant/Associate Curator to lead the Ectotherm and support the Carnivore teams. You will supervise zookeepers, ensure welfare, and align operations with AZA standards and USDA guidelines. You’ll coordinate with veterinary and behavior teams and drive educational programming with the Education Department.

The role requires strong leadership, animal care expertise, and the ability to manage diverse staff while maintaining safety, accuracy, and records across facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences (biology, zoology or life science) or an AZA-accredited zoo equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience at an AZA facility in an animal care position.
• Previous supervisory experience is highly desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of animal behavior, defense mechanisms, species compatibility, zoo safety practices and toxic plants to animals.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the Animal Care Department staff including hiring, training, evaluation, recognition, professional development and promotions.
• Ensure compliance with AZA standards, institutional policies and procedures.
• Oversee resources to support the animal care team and ensure CBA compliance.
• Coordinate animal transfers and moves between zoological institutions; review documentation.
• Regularly inspect habitats for cleanliness and safety; request capital improvements as needed.
• Oversee training for staff: zoo safety, OSHA, capture and restraint, welfare reporting, medication administration and zoonosis.
• Collaborate with Education to deliver on-ground programming (Rise and Shine, Keeper Talks).
• Participate in breeding programs including research, documentation, analysis and staff training.
• Develop cross-functional relationships and lead teams to meet core values and goals.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Communication

Animal welfare knowledge

Problem solving

Collaboration

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 Ectotherm 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. This position also provides leadership and oversight for the administrative and operational functions of both the Ectotherm and Carnivore teams.

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
• Ability to consistently maintain a professional image and demeanor
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• 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
• They will be expected to use knowledge of species natural behaviors and natural habitats to guide and be involved with valuating husbandry practices, water quality, exhibit structure and design, environmental parameters, and filtration systems.
• Proficient skills in plumbing and LSS are strongly preferred.