Hoofstock Curator & Farm Operations Lead

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

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.