Curator of Hoofstock

Gulf Breeze Zoo; Gulf Breeze (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vision and dental coverage

Paid sick/vacation time

401k options

Job summary

Gulf Breeze Zoo is seeking an energetic Curator of Hoofstock to lead the hoofstock team in a free-range preserve and exhibit setting. You will oversee farm, preserve, and service operations, supervise department leads, and ensure top-tier animal husbandry and welfare.

This working management role combines administrative oversight with active field participation, requiring hands-on leadership in nutrition, breeding, and preventive medicine for hoofstock species.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum five years of progressive zoological experience.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• Extensive hands-on experience with hoofstock species, including large ungulates.
• Strong understanding of nutrition, hoof care, breeding management, and preventative medicine.
• Strong understanding of animal behavior, welfare and enrichment techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct oversight of hoofstock, farm, preserve, and support operations.
• Supervise the Farm/Commissary/Service Road Lead and Preserve Lead.
• Maintain highest standards of husbandry, collection management, staff leadership, and operational efficiency.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate department staff; develop schedules and staffing.
• Participate in enclosure development and facility improvement projects; assist with budget and purchasing.
• Coordinate maintenance with Facilities; promote safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Participate in emergency response procedures and animal escapes; contribute to zoo leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Staff supervision

Organization

Multitasking

Professionalism

Physical fitness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or related field

Five years of progressive zoological experience

At least three years of supervisory experience

Hands-on hoofstock experience

Nutrition, hoof care, breeding management

Job description

The Gulf Breeze is looking for an energetic and enthusiastic Curator of Hoofstock. The Hoofstock team cares for animals in both a free-range preserve and exhibit setting; including (but not limited to): giraffes, southern white rhino, Indian rhino, dromedary camels, Thomson’s gazelles, blackbucks, Nile and pygmy hippos, kangaroos, and ratites.

Description

The Curator of Hoofstock is responsible for the management, welfare, and strategic development of the zoo’s hoofstock collection, farm area, preserve operations, commissary, and service road operations. This position provides direct supervision to the Farm/Commissary/Service Road Lead and Preserve Lead while maintaining the highest standards of husbandry, collection management, staff leadership, and operational efficiency.

This is a working management position requiring both administrative oversight and active field participation.

• Provide direct oversight of all hoofstock, farm, preserve, and support operations
• Supervise the Farm/Commissary/Service Road Lead and Preserve Lead
• Ensure exceptional standards of animal husbandry, nutrition, exhibit maintenance, and welfare
• Manage breeding recommendations, acquisitions, transfers, and collection planning
• Coordinate hoof care, preventative medicine, veterinary procedures, and reproductive management
• Oversee commissary operations including diet preparation, inventory, and food quality
• Monitor forage quality, nutrition, body condition, and feeding protocols
• Maintain accurate records including medical records, inventories, and breeding documentation
• Develop and maintain departmental SOPs and operational procedures
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate department staff
• Develop schedules and ensure appropriate staffing
• Participate in enclosure development and facility improvement projects
• Assist with budget development and purchasing
• Coordinate maintenance needs with Facilities
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Participate in emergency response procedures and animal escapes
• Serve as a member of the zoo’s leadership team

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum five years of progressive zoological experience.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with hoofstock species, including large ungulates.
• Strong understanding of nutrition, hoof care, breeding management, and preventative medicine.
• Strong understanding of animal behavior, welfare and enrichment techniques.

Requirements

• Excellent organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Must be professional, in both demeanor and appearance
• Must be physically fit and active, able to lift 50 pounds comfortably and be able to work in all types of weather
• Must possess a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn
• Must maintain a non-smoking/vaping work environment
• Must be able to work an 8‑hour shift
• Weekend and holidays are required

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary, insurance including vision and dental coverage, paid sick/vacation time and 401k options available.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Work Location: Gulf Breeze, Florida. Relocate before starting work (Required)