Zoo Assistant Curator

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Zoology or related discipline.
• Two (2) years of managerial experience in a Zoo or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Must be on 24-hour call.
• Must participate in an employee preventive health care program.
• Must participate in an operative conditioning program.
• Must work a varied schedule.
• Must participate in public education demonstrations and educational programs.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Summary Objective

The purpose of this position is to perform curatorial work in general operational areas.
This class works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Observes the general health and behavior of the animals.
• Assists in the acquisition, disposition, and exhibition of animals.
• Assists in budget preparation and monitors expenditures.
• Participates in renovation planning and the design of new exhibits as directed.
• Assists in the safety and security operations of the zoo.
• Maintains applicable records on the animals and directly facilitates zoo participation in the International Species Inventory System.
• Participates in scientific research as available or necessary.
• Participates in daily work routines of the animal area.

Animal Commissary

• Prepares diets for different types of animals, as prescribed by the Veterinarian and Curatorial staff, and maintains electronic inventory of animal diets.
• Establishes and maintains standards of food production and service.
• Orders vitamins, hay, grains, produce, other food stock, supplies and equipment and maintains inventory of food and kitchen stock.
• Ensures commissary and hay barn is kept clean and safe for food preparation and to meet USDA standards and regulations.
• Researches and develops ways to improve diets and diet components.
• Supervises and participates in animal waste collection and removal and makes deliveries to landfill.

Animal Training and Glacier Run

• Develops behavioral enrichment programs for animals.
• Instructs and trains animal department staff on the use of behavioral training.
• Researches, recommends, and implements new training methodologies, techniques and programs and transfers that information and knowledge through meetings and keeper training programs.
• Establishes, initiates, and participates in public programs related to training activities.

Glacier Run

• Oversees the dive safety program.
• Performs related work as assigned.