Zoo Curator - Large Mammals

State of North Carolina; Asheboro (NC); On-site; USD 58,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo seeks a dynamic Curator of Large Mammals to lead the care, husbandry, and management of elephants, giraffes, rhinos and other mammals, overseeing staff and facilities. This role oversees off-habitat programs and coordinates with the Curatorial and Animal Management teams to ensure animal welfare and mission success.

The candidate will have strong supervisory skills and experience with AZA elephant management programs, and a commitment to leadership and teamwork in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Zoology, Animal Husbandry, or related field.
• Four years of progressive zoological experience in an AZA-accredited zoo.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may apply.

Responsibilities

• Lead animal care teams to establish taxa-specific priorities and standards for husbandry, veterinary care and welfare.
• Ensure facilities and resources are maintained for efficient operations and animal safety.
• Set team priorities to support NCZoo's five pillars and mission.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal communication to foster a cohesive team.
• Coach and mentor staff to maintain high standards across the animal sections.

Skills

Zoo management

Staff supervision

Animal welfare

Elephant care

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related

AZA experience preferred

Job description

Agency

Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division

Zoological Park

Job Classification Title

Zoo Curator (NS)

Position Number

65037872

Grade

NC16

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people's lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina's natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

Description of Work

The North Carolina Zoo is seeking a dynamic, innovative team-oriented leader to serve as the Curator of Large Mammals. This position is responsible for managing the care of the collection, staff, and associated facilities for species including African elephants, African hoofstock (giraffe, red river hog, white rhino, fringe eared oryx, etc), and several North American mammal habitats (bison, elk, bears, etc). In addition, this position is also responsible for managing NCZoo's off-habitat American Red Wolf propagation center and long-standing involvement in the American Red Wolf SAFE program.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the highest standards and quality of animal care are achieved by leading teams to establish taxa specific priorities and standards for all aspects of animal care (including husbandry, veterinary, behavioral management, research, quality of life monitoring process, welfare/well-being, etc).
• Ensure area facilities, projects, and resources are maintained appropriately to ensure efficient operations for staff and animal safety.
• Establish team priorities and engage in mission driven work to ensure 5 pillars of NCZoo’s Mission are supported and achieved.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and foster a positive, cohesive team atmosphere through professional, timely, and effective communication.
• Work closely as a member of the Curatorial and Animal Management team to coach, mentor, and lead teams to ensure high standards across the Animal Section are maintained.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above.

Recruitment Range: $57,983 - $74,160

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed onthe vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are notrequired. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Knowledge of taxonomy, natural history, ecology, behavior, anatomy, physiology, captive care & management, and reproduction of animal species in collections managed or with very similar species preferred.
• Progressive work, supervisory, and collection management experience preferred
• Proven leadership, supervisory, and staff management skills preferred
• Experience working and managing elephants and completion of AZA Principles of Elephant Management I and II preferred

Position/Physical Requirements

• Work schedule: 5 day work week, with availability to work weekends and holidays as required
• Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.
• This position is designated asEssential/Mandatoryandis required to work adverse weather events andmay be calledto work special events.
• Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program.
• Must have a valid driver's license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Must serve as Curator on Duty, as Capture Coordinator/Rescue Coordinator, and be able to qualify and maintain marksmanship requirements to serve on Zoo's Weapons team.
• Must have good physical agility, strength, vision, and hearing, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments. Such as walk, stand, see animals and habitats for observation and safety as well as hear animal's sounds, radio communication and emergency situations.

This position is located at:

4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an 'equivalent combination of education and experience'. If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Zoology, Animal Husbandry, or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution

AND

four years progressive experience in zoological work in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Division Description

The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and guests. The North Carolina Zoo mission is to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join in conserving the natural world. This mission encompasses both domestic and international efforts, focusing on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and promoting environmental stewardship.

Learn more about the North Carolina Zoo: https://nczoo.org

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence.

We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more.

Veteran's and National Guard Preference

Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application.

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing.

Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Employment Eligibility

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

CONTACT INFORMATION

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

North Carolina Zoo

4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.