General Curator

The Gulf Breeze is looking for an experienced, energetic and enthusiastic person to lead the animal care team. This ZAA-Accredited facility is home to a diverse collection of animals, with the collection consisting of Nile and Pygmy hippos, white rhinos, giraffe, hoofed stock species, as well as gorillas, orangutans, myriad species of smaller primates, large cats and bears, petting area, and a wide assortment of birds and reptiles.

We are looking for an experienced curator. As the Curator, you will have direct oversight of the entire animal collection, with direct oversight of two section curators and a full-time staff of 15+ animal keepers. Record-keeping, collection management and reproduction, and staff training will be of paramount importance. In this position you will be expected to understand nutrition, conformation, breeding habits, proper display techniques, have an eye for animal health and well‑being, and motivate the staff to learn about their animals.

You will be expected to hire for your department.

Although some duties are administrative, as record-keeping and collection management will be of paramount importance, this is a hands‑on working position and requires work in the field.

• Reflects current trends and practices in the zoological field, including exhibition and care.
• Reviews, creates, maintains and provides both leadership and oversight for policies, procedures and protocols related to animal care and handling.
• Develops and manages, with senior staff, behavioral conditioning and enrichment plans.
• Understands nutrition, conformation, breeding habits, proper display techniques and has an eye for animal health and well‑being.
• Conducts daily inspections of all sections, animals and staff.
• Works with the park director to develop annual departmental budgets, species procurement and capital improvements as they relate to animal care.

Applicants must have significant animal experience, including proven management experience. Must be professional, in both demeanor and appearance. This is a non‑smoking workplace.

• 5+ years of paid experience in a zoological park or breeding centre with at least 3 years of ever‑increasing responsibilities in a Curator or Senior Lead position.
• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or a related field (or equivalent experience) is preferred, but extensive experience will be considered.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with a broad range of animal species.
• Record‑keeping and collection management experience.
• Familiarity with basic medications and vaccination programmes.
• Strong understanding of animal behavior, welfare and enrichment techniques.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong organisational and record‑keeping skills.
• Must be physically fit and active, able to lift 50 pounds comfortably and be able to work in all types of weather.
• Must possess a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.
• Must maintain a non‑smoking/vaping work environment.
• Must be able to work an 8‑hour shift.
• Weekend and holidays are required.

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is a drug‑free and smoke‑free work environment. Competitive salary, insurance including vision and dental coverage, paid sick/vacation time and 401k options available.

Salary: Salary range in the 70’s and commensurate with experience.

Work Location: Gulf Breeze, Florida. Relocate before starting work (required).

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for two references to the Gulf Breeze Zoo assistant park director. The subject line must include “General Curator.” Only those applications will receive a response.