Associate Curator - Birds (Full Time)

ZooTampa is now hiring an Associate Curator for Birds.

ZooTampa is on the lookout for a full-time Associate Curator to lead our Avian Team. Our bird collection consists of over 175 animals across approximately 55 species, including notable ones like the African Penguin, the Great Indian Hornbill, and the Shoebill. As the Associate Curator, you will oversee the comprehensive care, feeding, and management of these species. Your role encompasses the daily oversight of animal health, habitat maintenance, behavioral studies, enrichment initiatives, and staff training. You will also be instrumental in delivering public educational presentations and in maintaining meticulous records to support ongoing conservation efforts.

Your Next Career Move: This is an extraordinary opportunity to advance your career in wildlife management and conservation at one of the most renowned zoos in the country. If you are passionate about avian species and ready to take a leadership role in a dynamic team, apply today. Join us at ZooTampa and make a profound impact on the preservation and understanding of avian wildlife. Act now and help us shape the future of animal care and conservation.

Who We Are

ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over 1.2 million visitors annually. We have grown to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic wildlife habitats in a lush, tropical garden setting with wide-ranging activities. The Zoo, accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), offers popular educational programming, fun recreational amenities, up-close animal encounters and engaging seasonal events for which it has won awards as one of the country’s most family-friendly zoos.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and care for animals; create exceptional personalized experiences that connect people with wildlife and each other in fun, immersive ways.

Our vision is that everyone we touch is motivated to join us in taking action to protect and preserve wildlife.

Join us and become a part of creating unforgettable natural connections!

Your day to day

Essential Functions (including but not limited to):

• Manages assignments related to the daily care of the collection for a variety of animals.
• Ensures adherence and compliance with accreditation standards and guidelines.
• Demonstrates awareness of Zoo’s strategic goals and objectives of the facility and living collection.
• Responsible for annual submission to the VP of Animal Care/General Curator of a report that outlines the progress of the various goals and objectives of the management functions within their area of responsibility.
• Responsible for the management, scheduling, and work performance of the work unit in assigned areas.
• Establishes and maintains efficient work routines in all areas of responsibility that meet or exceed industry standards and regulatory agency requirements.
• Inspects assigned areas of responsibility daily at beginning and end of shift and reports animal illnesses, abnormal behavior and unsafe conditions promptly to appropriate Animal Department staff (including the staff Veterinarian).
• Submits daily keeper reports and takes charge of the Animal Department operations as required in absence and upon the request of the Animal Department management.
• Keeps detailed, accurate records of all animals within assigned areas. Generates written and verbal reports as needed. Under the direction of the General Curators, writes articles for publication.
• Works with Animal Department management to support successful selective breeding of animal collection.
• Assists in exhibit planning, construction and supervision of construction relating to assigned areas of concern.
• Inspects Zoo grounds and animal housing facilities daily for cleanliness and safety and checks animal habitats and cages for security and other conditions.
• Assists in relocating animals as instructed; patrols Zoo areas to enforce Zoo rules and regulations; stops mistreatment of animals and destruction of Zoo property; and answers questions of Zoo visitors in a courteous and pleasant manner.
• Check animals showing signs of illness, peculiarities in appearance, gait or motion, and reports to VP of Animal Care and Curators for planning and action.
• Responsible to complete prophecy for role as Manager on Duty for all animal care areas; this role will be responsible for assisting in shifting as needed, address any animal care needs as they arise, communicate items for rest of Zoo, and other management responsibilities befitting of this role.
• Administers prescribed dosages of vitamins and medications when necessary; performs minor first aid and assists Vet Technicians, VP of Animal Care, Curators, and/or Veterinarian in treating Zoo animals.
• Shifts, load and unload animals as required; drives vehicles to pick-up and deliver supplies and animals.
• Conducts guided tours as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

What do you need?

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelor or Associate degree in biology, vertebrate zoology, the natural science or related field or equivalent specialized training is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working with exotic animal husbandry at an accredited AZA institution or related facility.
• Minimum 2 years of management/supervisory experience or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Three years of hands on experience and knowledge of the behaviors, diets, breeding habits, hand rearing, and husbandry for a variety of native, exotic and domestic avian species.
• Working knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions.
• Working knowledge of specific animals’ custodial and feeding requirements and regulatory and industry standards of care.
• Working knowledge of minor maintenance skills.
• Employee must be able to effectively interact with all audiences.
• Skills in team building and personnel management, emphasizing leadership.
• Associate Curators assigned to areas requiring other special skills must be trained in or otherwise demonstrate those skills (e.g., venomous reptile care).
  
  
  

Other Requirements:

• Conducts all activities in alignment with AZA standards and guidelines, all relevant laws and regulations, safety standards and standards that ensure animal welfare.
• Must be able to withstand typical Florida climate, sometimes temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.
• Must be willing to work varied and long shifts including holidays and weekends.
• Must be able to lift at least 65 pounds.
  
  
  

Our Perks at ZooTampa

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Options
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Competitive PTO plan (Vacation and sick time)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free gym membership
• Free admission to the Zoo, MOSI, and the Florida Aquarium
• Free or discounted admission to many attractions in Florida
• And so much more!
  
  
  

Equal Opportunity Employer & Drug-Free Workplace