Facility
Henson Robinson Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Position Title: General Curator
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Zoo’s Director. Manages the zoo’s animal collection and oversees the acquisition and disposition of animals in and out of the collection. Schedules visits, medical treatments, and procedures with the zoo’s consulting veterinarian. Maintains the zoo’s animal records and files on each of the individuals within the animal collection. Schedules and supervises the animal care staff.
Specific Responsibilities:
1. Provide supervision, evaluation, guidance and direction for the animal care staff. Ensure that all animal care staff adhere to institutional policies and practices and remain current in training. This person will promote staff development, technical training and morale. Ensure sound coordination and implantation of the Animal Care Intern Program.
2. Schedules and coordinates visits by the zoo’s consulting veterinarian. Makes recommendations for treatments and medical procedures regarding the animal collection. Works with the veterinarian to develop a preventative medicine program and discusses changes in animal diets.
3. Participate with Zoo Director on management of the zoos collection plan. Coordinate acquisitions/dispositions, breeding and other SSP recommendations. Correspond regularly with SSP’s, zoological facilities, and others as needed to fulfill recommendations to collection.
4. Ensure maintenance of animal collection records and permits according to industry standards. Coordinate all State, federal, international permits relating to collection. Coordinate Keeper records including; daily records, diets, behavioral, training and medical utilizing ZIMS database.
5. Supervises and schedules the zoo’s animal care staff. Is responsible for conducting interviews and hiring animal care staff. Plan and implement long and short term goals for Animal Care Staff.
Specific Responsibilities: – continued
6. Assists the Zoo’s Director in planning and developing new exhibits, will research natural history and habitats of selected species to ensure proper habitats. Will work to enhance current enclosures, making improvement recommendations as needed.
7. Assist as needed for daily zoo operations, special events and educational opportunities.
8. Other duties as assigned by the Zoo Director.
Education and Pre-requisites
Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Bachelor’s Degree in zoology, biology, or related field and a minimum of five years experience working in a zoo or aquarium. Additional work experience may be utilized in exchange for degree.
2. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
3. Ability to evaluate and supervise other staff members.
4. Strong computer background and proficiency required with Microsoft, Google and social media.
5. Experience with animal records programs including ZIMS.
6. Knowledge of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association’s (AZA) conservation programs and accreditation standards.
7. Ability and willingness to work weekends, evenings, and special events as the schedule demands.
8. Ability to lead educational programs both onsite and offsite as needed.
9. Must successfully pass a background check and must have a valid, current Illinois driver’s license.
General Requirements:
• Must be able to read and write and have good command of the English language.
• Good oral and written communication.
• Physical capabilities – lifts 50 pounds, squat, bend and move as necessary for the job.
• Must be able to perform basic mathematics.
• Must have basic proficiency of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Must possess valid Illinois Driver’s License.
• Must possess professional phone skills and work well with the public.
General Requirements: – continued
• Must present a neat and professional appearance.
• Responsible to follow policies and procedures outlined in Springfield Park District employee manual.
• Must live in Sangamon County, in the State of Illinois or must be willing to move to Sangamon County in the State of Illinois within the first 6 months of acceptance of a position with the
Springfield Park District.
Compensation and benefits
Position Title: General Curator
Section: Management- Administration
Reporting Authority: Position Reports directly to Director of the Zoo
Classification: Exempt-Supervisory/Administrative
Salary: $36,000
Application instructions
Applications & Resumes should be submitted to: (applications can be located at springfieldparks.org)
Springfield Park District
Human Resources
2500 S. 11th Street
Springfield IL 62703
Phone: 217-753-6200
Fax: 217-544-1811
The Springfield Park District is committed to the provisions of Equal Employment Opportunities and Affirmative Action to its applicants regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, age sex, marital or veterans’ status, national origin, disability or any other legally protected status.
Questions about this particular position can be answered by:
Jackie Peeler – Director of the Henson Robinson Zoo
Phone: 217-585-1821
Email: jpeeler@hensonrobinsonzoo.org