Zoo Curator - Large Mammals

nc; North Carolina; On-site; USD 58,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo, part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, seeks a dynamic Curator of Large Mammals. The role oversees care of elephants, giraffe, rhino, wolves, and other mammals, including off-habitat propagation and Red Wolf SAFE program involvement.

Responsibilities include leading animal-care teams, ensuring safety and welfare standards, and coordinating with the Curatorial and Animal Management teams to maintain high quality care and operations at the

Qualifications

• Knowledge of taxonomy, natural history, ecology, behavior, and captive care.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams to establish taxa-specific priorities and standards for animal care.
• Maintain area facilities, projects, and resources for efficient operations and safety.
• Engage in mission-driven work to support NCZoo's five pillars and priorities.
• Foster a positive team atmosphere through professional communication.
• Coach and mentor staff within the Curatorial and Animal Management teams.

Skills

Taxonomy knowledge

Natural history

Animal care

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Staff management

Elephant management

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. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

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 on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. 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 as Essential/Mandatory and is required to work adverse weather events and may be called to 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

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