Zoo Curator

Description

(Regular, Exempt)

Starting Salary Range: $63,418.79 - $79,279.03/annualized, DOQ

Closing Date:
April 3, 2026, COB @ 5:00PM

Shift/Workdays and

Hours:

Variable (40 Hours Per Week)

How to Apply:

Using the “apply” button on this page, please complete the required online application, upload a resume and a list of three professional references with full contact information. For general questions about the position, contact Unique Hiram at  or

Provides for the day-to-day management of the animal collection and the operation of the physical plant of a municipally run accredited zoological park. Contributes to future development and improvements to the park. Communicates with other zoos, conservation organizations, and federal, state and local government agencies.

• Authorizes all work requests related to the animal department.
• Establishes animal welfare and husbandry standards and practices.
• Works with veterinarians to coordinate and initiate preventative health care program.
• Arranges for the purchase of all animal food and all tools/equipment needed by staff.
• Assumes responsibilities in the absence of the Zoo Director.
• Initiates all animal acquisition and disposition within the animal department.
• Restrains animals and performs tranquilization as necessary.
• Assists in veterinary and animal clinic duties as required.
• Maintains communication with AZA conservation organizations such as Species Survival Plans (SSPs), Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs), studbooks and any other conservation issues.
• Develops and conducts safety meetings; maintains all documentation.
• Monitors the animal purchase budget.
• Serves as Zoo Administrator responsible for zoo operations, exercising independent judgment in supervising staff on duty, in absence of the Zoo Director.
• Possesses in depth knowledge of the standards and programs of the (AZA) and to actively participate in them.

• Hires and trains staff members, as needed.
• Provides supervision and oversight of applicable staff.
• Coordinates schedules of applicable staff.
• Administers City of Manhattan Policies and Procedures in a consistent manner.
• Ensures employees supervised demonstrate productivity, competence, and high morale, as well as utilize employees’ skills and abilities.
• Conducts performance planning and evaluations for employees in a timely manner, to include development of goals, objectives, and deadlines.
• Resolves routine personnel issues or problems.
• Leads and manage staff with clear and consistent communications.

• Attends meetings and training.
• Serves as chair of animal management committee.
• Completes landscaping duties as required.
• Teaches docent classes and speaks to organizations.
• Manages stress brought about by interacting with potentially irate and/or defensive customers.
• Uses, carries or possess firearms to discharge a high‑powered firearm and weapons accurately and effectively such as tranquilization and kill equipment with both left and right hands. Must be able to maintain annual firearms proficiency as required.
• Maintains all records and documentation.
• Ensures compliancy with all applicable regulations, policies, and procedures in all duties.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Animal Science or related field.
• Eight (8) years of progressive experience in an accredited zoological institution.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Training in one or more AZA sponsored schools.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision to direct large numbers of people. Ability to make decisions that affect all aspects in the operation of an accredited zoological park.
• Working knowledge of modern zoo exhibit design and the ability to convey that knowledge to support organizations, architects, staff and public.
• Skillset to solicit and establish service contracts with numerous manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and other businesses as needed.
• Knowledge of animal behaviors, since close contact with potentially dangerous animals can occur daily.
• Basic…