Curator of Carnivores

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 61,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden in Oklahoma City, OK seeks an experienced Curator of Carnivores to guide its carnivore team and advance care, welfare, and management of its assigned species. Reporting to the Chief Animal Program Officer, this role combines evidence-based animal care with staff leadership, budgeting, and cross-department collaboration.

The incumbent will lead a team of 13, oversee welfare and enrichment, coordinate operations, and contribute to long-term planning and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in animal science or related field.
• Five years of paid experience with relevant taxa at a AZA-accredited facility, including at least two years in supervisory roles.
• Knowledge of evidence-based animal welfare, husbandry, enrichment, and population management.
• Ability to coach staff, communicate expectations, and guide a team through changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the carnivore team; supervise 13 direct reports and guide hiring, training, coaching, and performance evaluations.
• Oversee husbandry, behavioral training, enrichment, and welfare monitoring informed by evidence and records.
• Direct daily operations: staffing, resources, documentation, and SOPs to support care and operations.
• Develop and review safety protocols, participate in emergency planning and drills, lead during incidents.
• Contribute to future planning: population management, habitat design, capital improvements, and maintenance priorities.
• Manage budgets for the carnivore program and allocate resources.

Skills

Team leadership

Budgeting

Animal welfare

Husbandry

Communication

Education

Bachelors in animal science

Job description

Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden | Oklahoma City, OK
Full-time | Exempt | Starting salary: $61,354-$70,557 Annually

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is seeking an experienced animal care leader to guide its carnivore team and advance the care, wellbeing, and management of its assigned species.

Reporting to the Chief Animal Program Officer, the Curator of Carnivores oversees the people, practices, facilities, and resources that support the Zoo's carnivore program, with responsibilities that may include other taxa. This role combines evidence-based animal management with staff leadership, operational planning, and collaboration across departments. You'll help shape the program's direction while supporting safe operations, meaningful experiences for Guests, and the Zoo's conservation mission.

What you'll do

• Lead and develop the team. Supervise 13 direct reports and guide hiring, training, coaching, goal setting, performance evaluations, and corrective action. Establish clear expectations and support a respectful, accountable workplace.
• Advance animal welfare. Oversee husbandry, behavioral training, enrichment, and welfare monitoring. Use scientific evidence, species natural history, and animal care records to inform decisions.
• Direct daily operations. Coordinate staffing, resources, documentation, and standard operating procedures to support consistent animal care and effective operations.
• Guide safe practices. Develop and review safety protocols and risk assessments, participate in emergency planning and drills, and provide leadership during animal and safety incidents.
• Plan for the future. Contribute to animal population planning, habitat design, master planning, capital improvements, and maintenance priorities.
• Manage program resources. Develop and oversee assigned budgets, prioritize operational needs, and acquire supplies and materials.
• Build productive partnerships. Collaborate with veterinary staff, fellow curators, facilities teams, and other departments. Coordinate animal transfers and communicate with external animal program partners.
• Support conservation and professional collaboration. Contribute to institutional conservation and research initiatives and participate in relevant AZA programs, committees, and professional organizations.

What you'll bring

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field, preferably an animal science-related field.
• Five years of paid experience working with relevant taxa at an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facility, including at least two years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience to successfully perform the essential duties.
• Knowledge of evidence-based animal welfare, husbandry, behavioral training, enrichment, animal handling, and animal population management.
• The ability to coach employees, communicate expectations clearly, address performance concerns, and guide a team through changing priorities.
• Knowledge of applicable animal care regulations, transport requirements, safety practices, and emergency response procedures.
• Strong organizational, communication, and budgeting skills, with the ability to use records and data to support decisions.
• A valid Oklahoma driver's license within 30 days of hire and the ability to pass a driver's history check. Required Zoo learning management system training must be completed within the first six months.

Schedule and work environment

This position works indoors and outdoors in a Zoo setting. Scheduling flexibility is required, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations as operational needs dictate.

Work may involve extreme weather, potentially dangerous animals, zoonotic diseases, and other animal care-related exposures. Physical duties include extended walking, standing, and sitting; bending, stooping, and kneeling; and independently pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying up to 10 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

This is a safety-sensitive position subject to pre-employment and/or periodic background checks and drug testing. Annual tuberculosis testing is also required.

Why join the Zoo?

Your leadership will help shape animal wellbeing, employee development, and the future of the Zoo's carnivore program. This is an opportunity to connect daily animal care with conservation, contribute to long-term planning, and support the people who carry that work forward.