General Curator

The Virginia Safari Park (www.virginiasafaripark.com) is an award-winning 180-acre drive-through safari park (within our 500-acre facility) located in Southwest Virginia. This ZAA-Accredited Facility houses 1,000+ specimens of a wide variety of hoofed stock, including breeding groups of white rhinoceros and reticulated giraffe. We also breed cheetahs, Ruppell’s vultures, radiated tortoises, African penguins, Giant anteaters, and various other endangered and rare species.

Conservation is at the core of what we do. Through our various breeding programs and in conjunction with our Corporate Conservation Coordinator, we annually fund various conservation programs both nationally and internationally.

We are hiring for a dynamic, physically fit, experienced animal person who is either in a curatorial role or ready to take the next step up to this level. The position is physically demanding and active. Although mainly administrative, this is a hands-on working position and requires work in the field. Applicants must have significant hands-on animal experience, including proven management experience. Must be professional in both demeanor and appearance—non-smoking work environment.

Job Description: General Curator

• Direct oversight of the animal collection, including two section curators and a full-time staff of 15-20 animal keepers.
• Ensure a high level of animal care and welfare.
• Reflect current trends and practices in the zoological field, including exhibition and care.
• Reviews, creates, maintains, and provides leadership and oversight for policies, procedures, and protocols related to animal care and handling.
• Record-keeping and collection management will be of paramount importance.
• An understanding of nutrition, conformation, breeding habits, proper display techniques, and an eye for animal health and well-being
• Develops and manages, with senior staff, behavioral conditioning, and enrichment plans.
• Daily inspections of all sections, animals, and staff.
• Works with the Director to develop annual departmental budgets, species procurement, and capital improvements related to Animal Care.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of paid experience in a zoological park or breeding center with at least 3 years of ever-increasing responsibilities in a Curator or Senior Lead position.
• Extensive hands-on experience with a broad range of animal species and as listed above.
• BS in the animal-related sciences or extensive experience required.
• Professional in both demeanor and appearance.
• Very physically fit.

Compensation:

Salary range of $65,000 - $75,400 commensurate with experience. Paid sick and vacation time, comp time, insurance options including vision and dental, 401k.