Zoo Curator – Large Mammals

Malaysianwildlife; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC seeks a dynamic Curator of Large Mammals to oversee the care of elephants, hoofstock, and other large mammals, lead veterinary, husbandry, and behavioral teams, and manage related facilities.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or related field and at least four years of AZA zoological experience, with strong leadership and weekend/holiday availability. Salary range $57,983–$74,160.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead teams to establish taxa-specific priorities and standards for all aspects of animal care.
• Ensure facilities, projects and resources support efficient operations and staff safety.
• Engage in mission-driven work to support NCZoo’s five pillars.
• Foster a positive team atmosphere through professional communication.
• Coach and mentor Curatorial and Animal Management teams to maintain high standards.

Skills

Taxonomy knowledge

Leadership

Animal welfare

Elephant management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or related

Job description

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 during 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 within90 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

Supplemental and Contact Information.

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) 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, or 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.