General Curator

Gulf Breeze Zoo; Gulf Breeze (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision and dental coverage

Paid sick/vacation time

401k options

Job summary

Gulf Breeze Zoo in Florida is seeking an experienced Curator to lead the animal care team. You will oversee the entire collection, supervise two section curators and 15+ keepers, manage record-keeping and staff training, and coordinate nutrition and welfare programs in a hands-on role.

This role requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. The position includes relocation to Gulf Breeze and a competitive salary with benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a zoological park or breeding center with increasing responsibilities in a Curator or Senior Lead role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or related field (or equivalent experience) preferred.
• Hands-on experience with a broad range of animal species.
• Strong understanding of animal behavior, welfare and enrichment techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for policies, procedures and protocols related to animal care and handling.
• Develop enrichment plans and oversee nutrition and health considerations.
• Conduct daily inspections of all sections, animals and staff; manage budgets and procurement with senior staff.
• Hire for the department and supervise a 15+ staff of animal keepers; lead field work when needed.

Skills

Leadership

Animal care

Record-keeping

Staff training

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Zoology/ Biology/ Animal Science

Job description

The Gulf Breeze is looking for an experienced, energetic and enthusiastic person to lead the animal care team. This ZAA-Accredited facility is home to a diverse collection of animals, with the collection consisting of Nile and Pygmy hippos, white rhinos, giraffe, hoofed stock species, as well as gorillas, orangutans, myriad species of smaller primates, large cats and bears, petting area, and a wide assortment of birds and reptiles.

Description: We are looking for an experienced curator. As the Curator, you will have direct oversight of the entire animal collection, with direct oversight of two section curators and a full-time staff of 15+ animal keepers. Record-keeping, collection management and reproduction, and staff training will be of paramount importance. In this position you will be expected to understand nutrition, conformation, breeding habits, proper display techniques, have an eye for animal health and well-being, and motivate the staff to learn about their animals. You will be expected to hire for your department.

Although some duties are administrative, as record-keeping and collection management will be of paramount importance, this is a hands-on working position and requires work in the field.

The General Curator:

• Reflects current trends and practices in the zoological field, including exhibition and care.
• Reviews, creates, maintains and provides both leadership and oversight for policies, procedures and protocols related to animal care and handling.
• Develops and manages, with senior staff, behavioral conditioning and enrichment plans.
• Understands nutrition, conformation, breeding habits, proper display techniques and has an eye for animal health and well-being.
• Conducts daily inspections of all sections, animals and staff.
• Works with the park director to develop annual departmental budgets, species procurement and capital improvements as they relate to animal care.

Applicants must have significant animal experience, including proven management experience. Must be professional, in both demeanor and appearance. This is a non-smoking workplace.

Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of paid experience in a zoological park or breeding center with at least 3 years of ever-increasing responsibilities in a Curator or Senior Lead position.
• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or a related field (or equivalent experience) is preferred, but extensive experience will be considered.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a broad range of animal species.
• Record-keeping and collection management experience.
• Familiarity with basic medications and vaccination programs.
• Strong understanding of animal behavior, welfare and enrichment techniques.

Requirements:

• Excellent communication 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.
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
• 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

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is a Drug-Free and Smoke-Free work environment. Competitive salary, insurance including vision and dental coverage, paid sick/vacation time and 401k options available.

Salary: Salary range in the 70’s and commensurate with experience.

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