Hope B. McCormick Curator of Birds

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Manages diverse avian species at the zoo across several buildings and areas, a team of 13 animal care staff, associated budgets, and department breeding and conservation programs. The curator is charged with overall direction of the department while the zoological manager is charged with its day-to-day implementation. As a member of the Senior Animal Care Staff, develops and implements animal department programs, budgets, welfare monitoring, policies and procedures and participate in facilities design, education program development, donor cultivation and research.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manages avian populations, develops and implements Species Plan, recommends and implements acquisitions and dispositions, advances animal wellbeing, develops and maintains appropriate breeding programs, establishes proper nutritional programs with nutritionist, establishes and participates in animal husbandry procedures, manages animal health in conjunction with veterinary staff, manages department enrichment and operant conditioning initiatives in conjunction with the zoo's behavioral husbandry and enrichment manager; and oversees record keeping and inventories.
• Develops, participates in or facilitates science-based assessment strategies to evaluate and enhance welfare of department animals; utilizing endocrine, psychological, behavioral and physical indicators to respond to individual animals' needs.
• Leads the department in animal welfare monitoring and enhancement, working closely with the Animal Welfare Science staff.
• Advances the mission of the zoo through leading, coordinating and contributing to conservation programs. Collaborates with the Learning department on programs and interpretation; manages and/or participates in Species Survival Plan programs at institutional, regional, national and international levels.
• Enhances the scientific management of department animals through the following means: utilizing ZooMonitor data collection and reports; conducting non-invasive research such as biomaterial sample collection; collaborating with internal and external research partners; supporting or collaborating on field research and/or reintroduction initiatives; systematizing record keeping, and other activities that promote the use of the zoo and its facilities and animals as a platform for scientific research to benefit species management and conservation.
• Formulates and implements animal care department management policies and procedures consistent with the zoo's mission and goals.
• Participates in the formulation and implementation of animal, staff, and visitor safety policies.
• Oversees management of the department facilities and equipment - assists in the design and maintenance of exhibits, buildings, animal/staff spaces, and public areas.
• Oversees management of the department staff -- assists in development of staff, team building, conduct regular building meetings, ensures compliance with policies and procedures including necessary participation in counseling sessions and disciplinary proceedings.
• Works with the behavioral husbandry and enrichment manager to establish goals for operant conditioning and environmental enrichment initiatives to enhance the care and welfare of department animals.
• Develop and manages the department operating plan and budgets, prioritizes needs, monitors expenditures and balances, and prepares necessary reports. Makes decisions for the most effective use of budgeted funds.
• Oversees all department animal acquisitions and transfers, ensuring transactions are compliant with zoo policy. Work with Animal Records and Permit Manager to comply with all local, state, federal, foreign and international laws regarding acquisition, maintenance, health, shipment and welfare of the animals.
• Participates in senior animal care staff duties, serves as liaison to other zoo departments, engages in donor cultivation as requested by the Development Department, promotes good public relations, serves as manager on duty, ensures that institutional policies and procedures are maintained, participates in avian and related professional organizations, and performs other duties as assigned.
• Will be part of the zoo's emergency response team with duties that could include leading the response to an emergency, acting as the information officer during an emergency, supporting emergency response efforts, participating in immobilization teams including use of capture equipment and possible inclusion on the emergency weapons team.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• May be called on to represent the zoo to external donor, community, professional, scientific and governmental groups.
• May be called on to substitute for supervisor during temporary absences by performing specified duties and responsibilities to maintain continuity of operations. Similarly, may be called on to perform duties of subordinates or co-workers, if required
• Performs related duties as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of the zoo's mission and philosophy.
• Comprehensive knowledge of AZA accreditation and USDA regulatory standards.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of zoo animal care.
• Thorough knowledge of the requirements of the animals in their charge.
• Understanding of animal welfare science concepts and practices.
• A working knowledge and awareness of zoonotic diseases and their prevention.
• Knowledgeable of the concepts, practices and compliance issues of personnel management.
• Sound administrative skills. Well-developed management skills - principles and people.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills. Ability to get along with diverse groups. Tactful, mature.
• Ability to represent Lincoln Park Zoo in a professional manner at all times.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action.
• Ability to compose technical detailed records of various aspects of animal management, care, and welfare.
• Ability to compose technical and popular reports on various aspects of zoo animal management, care and welfare,
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• A Master's degree in zoology or a related field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• At least ten years' animal care experience five of which have been in a supervisory capacity.
• Husbandry and management experience with a variety of avian taxa is preferred.
• Expertise in operant conditioning techniques, environmental enrichment programs and welfare enhancement.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple teams in a positive and productive work environment.

Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify individuals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work at computer for long periods.
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds to conduct tours, respond to emergencies.
• Ability to drive electric cart and cargo van.
• Ability to publicly address audiences of varying sizes.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.
• Risk exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly scheduled rotational weekend manager on duty assignment that usually includes a 5-day workweek followed by a 4-day workweek.
• Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as assigned.
• Available to be on call/text outside of regular work schedule as needed for advisement in department-related special circumstances.
• Current TB test
• Proof of COVID-19 vaccine

Salary range: $80-85,000
Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply. For Wildlife. For All.