Zoo Curator

(Regular, Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $61,932.00 - $77,421.00/annualized, DOQ

Closing Date: [INSERT 30 DAYS UNTIL FINAL APPROVAL]

Shifts/Workdays and Hours: Variable, 40 Hours Per Week 

How to apply: Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application, upload a resume and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at (785) 587-2447 or [email protected].

Summary/Objective

Provides for the day-to-day management of the animal collection and the operation of the physical plant of a municipally run accredited zoological park. Contributes to future development and improvements to the park. Communicates with other zoos, conservation organizations, and federal, state and local government agencies.

Essential Functions

Oversees and manages all animal care and maintenance activities.

•  Authorizes all work requests related to the animal department.
•  Establishes animal welfare and husbandry standards and practices.
•  Works with veterinarians to coordinate and initiate preventative health care program.
•  Arranges for the purchase of all animal food and all tools/equipment needed by staff.
•  Assumes responsibilities in the absence of the Zoo Director.
•  Initiates all animal acquisition and disposition within the animal department.
•  Restrains animals and performs tranquilization as necessary.
•  Assists in veterinary and animal clinic duties as required.
•  Maintains communication with AZA conservation organizations such as Species Survival Plans (SSPs), Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs), studbooks and any other conservation issues.
•  Develops and conducts safety meetings; maintains all documentation.
•  Monitors the animal purchase budget.
•  Serves as Zoo Administrator responsible for zoo operations, exercising independent judgment in supervising staff on duty, in absence of the Zoo Director.
•  Possesses in depth knowledge of the standards and programs of the (AZA) and to actively participate in them.

Supervises and manages maintenance and animal welfare/care staff.

•  Hires and trains staff members, as needed.
•  Provides supervision and oversight of applicable staff.
•  Coordinates schedules of applicable staff.
•  Administers City of Manhattan Policies and Procedures in a consistent manner.
•  Ensures employees supervised demonstrate productivity, competence, and high morale, as well as utilize employees’ skills and abilities.
•  Conducts performance planning and evaluations for employees in a timely manner, to include development of goals, objectives, and deadlines.
•  Resolves routine personnel issues or problems.
•  Leads and manage staff with clear and consistent communications.

Performs additional duties as required.

•  Attends meetings and training.
•  Serves as chair of animal management committee.
•  Completes landscaping duties as required.
•  Teaches docent classes and speaks to organizations.
•  Manages stress brought about by interacting with potentially irate and/or defensive customers.
•  Uses, carries or possess firearms to discharge a high-powered firearm and weapons accurately and effectively such as tranquilization and kill equipment with both left and right hands. Must be able to maintain annual firearms proficiency as required.
•  Maintains all records and documentation.
•  Ensures compliancy with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures in all duties.

Required Education and Experience

•  Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Animal Science or related field
•  Eight (8) years of progressive experience in an accredited zoological institution.
•  Valid driver’s license. 

Preferred Education and Experience

•  Training in one or more AZA sponsored schools.

Additional Qualifications

•  Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision to direct large numbers of people. Ability to make decisions that affect all aspects in the operation of an accredited zoological park.
•  Working knowledge of modern zoo exhibit design and the ability to convey that knowledge to support organizations, architects, staff and public.
•  Skillset to solicit and establish service contracts with numerous manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and other businesses as needed.
•  Knowledge of animal behaviors, since close contact with potentially dangerous animals can occur daily.
•  Basic understanding of the transmission and prevention of zoonotic diseases.
•  Understanding of safe operating procedures in an accredited zoological institution, including training of staff and routine drills to ensure training.

Compensation & Benefits

• Boot, Clothing and Vehicle Allowances, if applicable.
• City issued Cell Phone, if applicable.
• Retirement/Pension - City employees are required by statute to contribute to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Voluntary retirement contributions are offered with Nationwide, Mission Square, and Empower KPERS 457.
• Medical, Dental, Vision - The City offers an excellent benefits package that includes wellness, medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug benefits.
• Paid Holidays – 10.5 paid holidays per year plus one additional floating holiday.
• Paid Vacation - 12 to 26 days per year based on years of service.
• Paid Sick Leave - 12 days per year.
• Paid Parental Leave - up to 6 weeks of paid leave.
• Education Reimbursement, Professional Development. Certifications/Licensure - The City will reimburse up to $8,000 per calendar year for tuition and fees. Professional Development funds are based on department budget. Certification/licensure may be reimbursed by the City.
• Other Benefits - Long-term disability, employer paid group life insurance, basic life insurance, employee assistance program and an array of voluntary benefit options.