Assistant Curator of Mammals; Supervisor

Final date to receive applications: Applications will be accepted until 9 January 2026 and/or until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. We reserve the right to close the posting early if a well‑qualified candidate pool has been established. Early submission is encouraged. Please ensure that your application highlights your experience and qualifications as they relate to the responsibilities of this role.

Lead with Purpose. Shape Animal Care Excellence. Are you a passionate animal care leader? Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is seeking a forward‑thinking, experienced Assistant Curator to lead animal care operations for a diverse, multi‑taxa collection. This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who blends hands‑on animal care expertise with team development, safety leadership, and strategic thinking. The position supports the Africa area that includes elephants, giraffes, rhinos, bongo, kudu, zebras, warthogs, and a few birds.

As an integral member of our leadership team, you will guide animal care staff, direct husbandry procedures, and support enrichment, welfare, and conservation initiatives for our primate collection. This is a unique opportunity to lead with impact, grow your career in zoological management, and inspire meaningful connections to wildlife among our guests.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for a motivated professional ready to expand their management experience within a collaborative, mission‑driven environment. You will be directly involved in the care and welfare of large, socially dynamic pachyderm and ungulate species, helping shape the future of their well‑being in professionally managed care.

We value safety, inclusion, and innovation. You will work alongside dedicated professionals who care deeply about the animals they serve and the teams they support. Together, we are building a future where collaboration fuels growth, technology enhances care, and conservation guides every decision.

Help us fulfill our mission: “Connecting our communities to wildlife and wild places.” Success in this role is defined by how effectively you demonstrate the core competencies in action.

• Animal & Wellbeing Management
  • Oversee the daily care and welfare of safety‑sensitive and diverse species, ensuring exceptional husbandry, enrichment, behavioral health, and social management.
  • Partner with Veterinary team to monitor health, implement medical protocols, and optimize animal wellbeing.
• Behavioral & Risk Management
  • Implement and enforce safety, biosecurity, and emergency response protocols for both staff and animals.
  • Lead behavioral management programs to reduce stress and risk, ensuring species‑appropriate training and enrichment strategies.
• People Leadership & Performance Management
  • Lead, mentor, and develop animal care staff, volunteers, and interns, fostering a high‑performing, collaborative, and inclusive team.
  • Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing performance evaluation to promote professional growth.
• Communication & Influence
  • Collaborate across departments, providing clear updates and guidance to staff, veterinary teams, and operations personnel.
  • Represent the organization professionally during guest interactions, educational talks, tours, and community engagement activities.
• Safety, Compliance & Decision‑Making
  • Ensure strict adherence to institutional and regulatory standards, including documentation, reporting, and accreditation requirements.
  • Exercise sound judgment in high‑pressure or emergency situations, making decisions that prioritize safety, welfare, and operational continuity.
• Strategic Thinking & Organizational Impact
  • Participate in programs, Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGS), Species Survival Plan (SSPs), studbooks, and Managed Animal Plans (MAP).
  • Contribute to long‑term collection planning, operational improvements, and conservation priorities, aligning daily work with organizational goals and sustainability.

• Ability to work a schedule of Tuesday–Saturday or as operational needs require.
• Professional
  
  Experience:
  
  
  • 5 years of professional animal care experience in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife setting, preferably…