Associate Animal Curator

Work DaysMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
Wage$60,466 - $75,582 annually (Internal equity considerations and the average salary of the peer range will be reviewed/considered before making a final offer)
Job Description

The Associate Animal Curator (AAC) supervises, trains and manages the Animal Keeper staff for the daily animal care and operation of the Zoological Programs Division. The AAC also plans, coordinates, and implements animal husbandry procedures with appropriate staff members. The AAC regularly consults with the Animal Curator on the health and welfare of the assigned animal collection and is the primary liaison between the keepers and animal areas (Wilderness Trek and Ambassador Animals) and all other departments and divisions (Veterinary, Education, Facilities, Marketing, etc.)

Essential Functions:

1. Effectively supervises assigned employees, including the following:
   1. Interviews, selects and trains employees;
   2. Coaches employees in proper job performance techniques and procedures;
   3. Directs work of employees and sets/adjusts hours of work;
   4. Maintains records on employee productivity and appraises employees’ productivity and efficiency to recommend promotions or other changes in status;
   5. Handles employee complaints and disciplines employees when necessary;
   6. Apportions work among different employees;
   7. Monitors or implements legal compliance measures;
   8. Determines the type of materials, supplies, or tools to be used by employees and controls the flow and distribution of materials and supplies; and
   9. Provides for the safety of employees and the property of Cleveland Metroparks.
2. Regular and predictable attendance is expected and required. All Cleveland Metroparks employees must be prepared to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as required.
3. Recruits, selects, trains, administers, and evaluates animal keeper staff in appropriate methods of husbandry, welfare, exhibition, and behavior management of the animal collection; Communicates concerns/challenges with the curator and directs the steps to improve levels of husbandry and care through planning, organizing and prioritizing work assignments. Implements best husbandry practices based on literature review, experience, and industry standards; provides and organizes tours and assists in coordinating and participating in events (e.g., Zoo Society, Marketing etc.); plans, communicates and organizes any information regarding animal shipments in and out of the zoo, trains and oversees keepers on animal introductions, and monitors pest control application and documentation.
4. Prepares and assigns work schedules to staff and assists curators in setting priorities for various tasks: Focuses on important dates, reproductive targets, vet exams, fecal testing, animal transfers to other institutions, animals coming out of quarantine, and maintenance work in areas; responsible for animal keeper training (e.g., tow motor, pepper spray, fire extinguisher, crucial conversations, fall protection); acts as a key member of the Zoo Emergency Response Team (escaped animals, natural disasters, active shooter, etc.).
5. Cooperates with other Zoological Programs staff: Assures the health and wellbeing of the animal collection; coordinates procedures with vet staff, assists in capture/restraint/transfer of animals for veterinary procedures, and assists with animal training for medical procedures (e.g., blood draws, ultrasounds, etc.); assess animals and serves as a liaison between keepers and vet staff, attends weekly vet meetings, updates diet database, and reviews and adjusts animal diets with keepers, vets, and curators.
6. Supervises and coordinates employee activities regarding modifications, maintenance, and animal enrichment/training to ensure exhibits are attractive and functional for housing each species: Evaluates enrichment usage and effectiveness, updates enrichment database with new items, and acts as the primary liaison between facilities on submitting, approving and reviewing work orders. In addition, guides keepers in filling out training forms (e.g., behavior status sheets, training criteria, shaping plans, etc.).
7. Inspects animal areas and exhibits and confers with designated Animal Curator, veterinarians, registrar and animal keepers regarding the condition of animals, areas/exhibits, and alterations needed to improve levels of husbandry and welfare through planning, organizing, and prioritizing work assignments. Organizes with maintenance, keepers and horticulture to rework/update exhibits, and prepares lists for long-term and/or capital projects needed for area. Approves, ranks, and organizes work orders for our areas, walks the perimeter fence monthly, marks and reports any gaps and ensures keepers are inspecting exhibits, animal areas, fire extinguishers, etc.
8. Develops, coordinates, and implements safety-related protocols for staff, including staff training and policy/procedure enforcement. Makes on-the-spot decisions or corrections to safeguard public, employees, or animals during animal emergency and oversees actions taken. Participates and guides keeper staff through animal escape, weather, and public safety drills, and serves as Division Contact and/or Situation Coordinator for emergencies and directs staff during crises. Other duties include maintaining our weapons training, coordinating pepper spray training for staff, distributing, tracking, sending radios out for repair, distributing, and tracking keys, and assessing exhibits for animal safety.
9. Provides information for the development and management of the operating and capital budget lists. Oversees purchasing of husbandry items, ensures items purchased are within budget, and makes specified purchases within the Zoological Programs division. In addition, distributes and keeps track of uniform distribution, interviews and hires new staff/talent, reviews competency levels of employees in ‘new’ jobs or levels of skill, and estimates usage for feed bids.
10. Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.
11. Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.
12. Updates and enhances own knowledge by involvement in continuing education for professional growth (i.e., attends relevant conferences, seminars, in-service trainings, and certification programs)
13. Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in animal Husbandry or a related field required, supplemented by three years of experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
• Management skills and strong business acumen, including problem solving, vision, ability to manage multiple programs and meet deadlines, collaboration, leadership, decision making and ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Proficiency in software programs including all Microsoft Office programs.
• Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.

Work Days:  Sunday - Thursday

Filing Deadline:  Open until filled