Zoo General Curator

Class Concept

This is supervisory and managerial work responsible for the overall management This is a senior management position that manages all animal collections and programs designed to house, exhibit, and sustain the animals in the furtherance of the North Carolina Zoo's mission. The programs include animal husbandry, environmental enrichment, husbandry training, nutrition, exhibit design, maintenance and upkeep, and research aimed at solving husbandry and collection management problems. Responsibilities include leading collection planning and implementation, acquisition and disposition of animals, feeding, housing, hygiene, containment, daily health, recordkeeping, and coordination with veterinary services for the administration of preventative medicine and clinical care, and ensuring the safety of all specimens in the collection. The position is responsible for supervision of the zoo's research and conservation programs, and a large staff of zookeepers, supervisors, and curators. Position reports to and receives minimal supervision from the Zoo Director.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough technical knowledge in the areas of biology, zoology, ecology, biochemistry, nutrition, husbandry, animal management, and behavioral engineering and modifications.
• Thorough knowledge (nationally recognized) on collections management where past research and conservation accomplishments are well known.
• Thorough technical zoological knowledge.
• Skilled in all aspects of zoo keeping.
• Skilled in managerial and coordinative skills.
• Ability to provide technical and scientific leadership required to keep the programs at the forefront of the Zoological community and compatible with the program excellence demanded of the institution.
• Ability to challenge and develop staff performance.
• Ability to lead by example and demonstration.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.  Ability to use high-powered rifles and shotguns safely.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Husbandry or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and seven years of progressive experience in zoological work in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos, three of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.