Animal Care Curator

POSITION SUMMARY/Primary Objective:

The Animal Care Curator performs all job assignments with a professional and positive attitude that reflects Jungle Islands mission and vision of connecting people, wildlife and conservation and pursues green/conservation practices when feasible. The Animal Care Curator is a working position. The candidate will be expected to participate in daily tasks/performances as well as supervise the operations of the department. The Animal Care Curator will be part of the Zoological Operations Leadership Team and as such, may be asked to perform duties related to leadership of the entire department when necessary. The Curator performs a wide variety of functions in the training of staff, handling and care of show and exhibit animals, show operation, and guest experiences such as tours and animal encounters. The Curator must have the ability to multi-task between administrative duties, supervisory duties as well as perform animal care and training. The Curator must have the ability to coach, or redirect team members as necessary, assist in writing team member reviews, perform general husbandry, clean exhibits, and other areas, as well as a wide variety of moderately difficult tasks.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Administrative duties including team scheduling, ordering of supplies, ordering of animal food, animal records and writing reports.
• Transport animals as necessary
• Operate safety drills
• Communicate effectively with Veterinary team
• Work with Operations as well as the Supervisor of Animal Training on show quality and theatrics
• Oversee the husbandry and care of the collection while working with the Supervisor of Animal Care
• Can maintain a high level of team motivation in a positive work environment
• Must be able to make sound decisions in a challenging, high-paced environment
• Must be comfortable handling animals in the park near guests, on stage, on camera as well as in off-site, public appearances
• Maintain area equipment to assure all is in working order
• Confident in working directly with a wide variety of animals, including mammals, large parrots, birds of prey and reptiles. 
• Ensure public safety regarding animal shows, interactions, performances in and out of the park
• Perform and oversee any necessary cleaning and husbandry at or above accreditation standards
• Administer prescribed medication and nutritional supplements
• Maintain feeding, medical, and other records regarding animal care daily
• Conduct special tours 
• Must be willing to work nights, weekends and holidays as required
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  Qualifications

  SKILLS/APTITUDES:

  • Can multi-task in a fast-paced environment
  • Familiar with natural histories of a wide range of species
  • Has well developed public speaking and presentation skills
  • Understands animal behavior modification utilizing operant and classical conditioning techniques and can teach them to others
  • Experience in the care, feeding and handling of exotic animals from multiple taxa

  • Great communication skills with team members as well as executives
  • Keep health and behavioral records as required
  • Able to identify area shortfalls and create and execute a plan to correct issues
  • Be prompt, professional and positive in all aspects of the job and lead the team to do the same
  • Teach team members to consistently provide world-class guest experiences
  • Operate motorized equipment and vehicles

  • Be an ambassador for Jungle Island inside and outside of the park
  • Capable of lifting 50lbs standing, bending, squatting, twisting, and reaching; can work on uneven terrain and move around on slippery surfaces
  • Can handle frequent exposure to predictable and controllable hazards associated with close contact with a wide variety of animals (including large animals, birds, and reptiles); dust, and allergens; handle hazardous materials; work in cramped or confined spaces
  • Must be able to work outside, in all weather conditions