General Curator

Rosamond Gifford Zoo General Curator DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for all aspects of managing the care and exhibition of the animal collection at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in the Onondaga County Parks and Recreation Department. An employee in this class has responsibility for the animal and plant collection housed in the zoo complex, for planning the exhibition and special programs involving the collection, and for all care and safety concerns of the animals and public who view them.

The General Curator exercises general supervision over all staff and volunteers who are involved in the daily care, feeding, and housing of the plant and exhibition and outreach animal collections. Under the direction of the Director, the General Curator coordinates and supervises the veterinary staff and all details of animal acquisitions, dispositions, record keeping, and animal health. General supervision is received from the zoo Director with leeway allowed for the use of independent judgment in managing the day to day care of the animals, the exhibits, and program planning.

The General Curator continuously monitors the facility to ensure that every aspect of operation is meeting the industry standards as set by the Zoo’s accrediting body, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In the absence of the Director, the General Curator assumes responsibility for the overall operation of the zoo and ensures that the directives of the Administration are carried out in a responsible and satisfactory manner.

Does related work as required.

Plans for and manages the animal and plant collections at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo including long range planning that identifies species composition of the collection.

Develops and implements species-specific management plans that identify exhibition, breeding, and husbandry goals and strategies.

Collaborates with other zoos in North America and globally to procure and dispose of animals in accordance with collection needs and appropriate professional standards.

Maintains current knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding animal acquisition, disposition, care, health, and transport while keeping abreast of current issues and trends in zoo animal management.

Oversees the maintenance of animal holding facilities.

Develops and implements safety protocols for the care and handling of animals and to protect the public.

Develops and oversees new exhibit design and construction and the maintenance of existing exhibits.

Develops and implements facility-wide emergency, safety, and loss control programs

Schedules, implements, and evaluates facility-wide emergency drills to ensure staff preparedness.

Supervises all animal care staff and volunteers in animal areas with respect to animal husbandry, training, programs and staff management.

Develops and implements training programs for staff and volunteers.

Coordinates activities of the animal collection with those of education, public relations, development, and maintenance divisions of the department to ensure that animal collection activities support educational and recreational programs and participates in the implementation of these programs.

Consults in the overall strategic planning for zoo facilities, programs, and activities.

Good knowledge of care, handling, treatment and feeding of zoo animals.

Good knowledge of behavior, characteristics, diseases, injuries, and pests of zoo animals.

Good knowledge of husbandry, housing, medical management, and diet of zoo animals.

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of zoology.

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision.

Good knowledge of animal exhibition and training techniques.

Good knowledge of current methods of emergency preparedness and the ability to train staff to react appropriately.

Good knowledge of standards of animal husbandry and zoo operations as set for by AZA and USDA.

Ability to collaborate in the development of short and long range plans involving animal collection and…