Assistant Curator

SUMMARY

The Assistant Curator has the primary responsibility for the assigned collection, exhibits and programs. Additionally this position assists in the planning, coordinating, and directing of all personnel within the Animal department and the operation of the zoo to insure that the collection and facilities are maintained in a safe and healthy manner. This position will directly oversee the managers of Birds, Ambassadors, and Reptiles.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Supervises Zoo Managers and assigned Animal Care Professionals in assigned areas.
2. Responsible for animal husbandry, welfare and exhibitry of animals in assigned area.
3. Ensures the successful implementation of husbandry, enrichment, training and welfare programs.
4. Ensures that the Zoo meets or exceeds AZA and relevant USDA standards.
5. Coordinates and communicates with the veterinary staff to ensure the health of all animals in the collection.
6. Responsible for coordination of shipment of animals in and out of the zoo.
7. Participates in design, renovation and construction of new habitats.
8. Assists Zoo Manager with submission, prioritization and facilitation of work orders.
9. Participates in updating and implementing the Institutional Collection Plan.
10. Partners with other departments to meet the Zoo’s animal care, guest experience, operational, media, and revenue goals.
11. Assists and guides Zoo Manager with hiring and performance management.
12. Responsible for continuing education in zoology, enrichment, welfare and animal husbandry for self and assigned staff members. Develops skills in direct reports through various formal and informal staff training programs.
13. Ensures compliance with all Zoo policies and procedures. Assists with development, review and implementation of department policies and procedures.

1. Acts as Manager on Duty or Animal Department Coordinator as assigned.  
2. Prepares for, and initiates, human and animal-related emergency and safety procedures, including dangerous animal escape procedures.
3. Prepares annual budget for assigned area.
4. Encouraged to participate in conservation efforts and AZA programs.
5. Expected to participate in Zoo committees, task forces, and other initiatives.
6. May represent the Zoo by writing articles for Zoo or scientific publications, giving presentations, as well as represent the Zoo at professional conferences and in the media.
7. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Zoological Managers and/or Animal Care Professionals assigned to their areas.

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The Assistant Curator position is impacted by a wide variety of hazardous exposures.  Some of the following exposures will occur during daily rounds and management of staff and collection.    

1. Depending on assignment, the Assistant Curator may have to deal with the unpredictability of wild animals, including venomous animals.
2. Involvement with the care and husbandry of animals, some of which are dangerous or may carry zoonotic diseases.
3. The proper use and understanding of cleaning and disinfecting agents
4. The training and preparedness to use on site weaponry if warranted in the event of a dangerous animal escape.
5. The operation of equipment and vehicles
6. Weather conditions including extreme heat, cold and storm conditions.

Specific training and procedures will be provided, designed to maintain safety of people as the highest priority of the zoo followed by the safety of the animal collection. 

The Assistant Curator is responsible to keep safety policies and procedures for their areas updated.  The use and understanding of a variety of personal safety equipment is mandatory.  The Assistant Curator bears overall responsibility for making sure that all employees under their direction are trained on the proper use of safety equipment.

Assistant Curators, as with any staff member of the zoo, are required to be familiar with the Zoo’s overall safety policies as outlined in the staff handbook as well as being responsible for reporting any injury immediately to First Aid Coordinator, Safety Manager, or Manager on Duty (MOD). 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the staff member should expect:

• Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls. 
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch and talk or hear. 
• Routinely lift and/or move up more than 50 pounds. 
• Exposure to wet and slippery surfaces.
• Required to wear a face mask and or other personal protective equipment for long periods of time in some areas.
• Depending on assignment, exposure to the elements can be expected.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.

Education and work experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology or related field of study is preferred.
2. Three (3) years’ experience as senior keeper or zoological manager of an accredited zoological institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.
3. The Birmingham Zoo recognizes that skills and knowledge come from both formal and informal experiences including education, paid work, volunteer service, and life experience. Those who meet the majority of the requirements for a position are encouraged to apply.

Skills and Knowledge

1. Ability to coordinate with others to provide deliverables on an agreed upon deadline.
2. Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management skills.
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey scientific information clearly and concisely.
4. Must have good presentation and public speaking skills.
5. Knowledge of the Microsoft suite; experience with online databases a plus
6. Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

Desirable qualities

1. Strong interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums.
2. High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic.
3. Professional, positive, and enthusiastic demeanor.

Other Requirements

1. Must have current negative TB test and rabies titer and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test and rabies titer. Must provide other documentation of vaccines or be willing to follow protocols including, but not limited to, wearing N95 masks and gloves.
2. Must be willing to travel locally.  Must have a current valid driver’s license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years).

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK

1. Full time
2. Weekdays and weekends required with occasional evening work and holidays.
3. Work schedule may be changed to support operational needs and coverage
4. Will be included in the Animal Department Coordinator (ADC) rotation

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Birmingham Zoo is dedicated to creating a global community where all people value wildlife and wild places. As a workplace, the Zoo is guided by its core values: Passion, Excellence, Teamwork, Sustainability, and Diversity & Inclusion. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodiverse individuals, and those with diverse lived experiences are encouraged to apply for this role.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of this position. 

Birmingham Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law. 

If selected, a background check and drug test will be conducted prior to beginning employment.