Curator Of Animal Behavior Programs
Job details Job Type Internship Full Job Description
General Summary: The Director of Animal Behavior is responsible for oversight of all animal behavior programs related to the Zoo’s animal collection under the direction of the General Curator.
Essential Functions:
Primary Function:
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Represent the zoo’s interests on issues involving living collections to government agencies, education and conservation organizations;
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Develop a long term plan for implementing comprehensive enrichment programs throughout the Animal Department to enhance habitats and animal welfare both during and outside of business hours:
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Foster a success-oriented, accountable environment within the zoo;
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Actively collaborate with other divisions to insure that behavioral management practices are to the highest standards;
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Develop and maintain browse schedules for all relevant species and areas in the Animal Department and coordinate with Horticulture staff;
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Develop and maintain a schedule for regular rotation of natural habitat furniture (logs and branches) and coordinate request for needs with Horticulture staff;
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Form partnerships with outside organizations that are interested in providing support and resources for behavior, enrichment, and exhibit management projects;
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Develop and coordinate internship programs for animal behavior with the Education Department;
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Develop and maintain a departmental record keeping system, including behavioral and medical observations, in accordance with AZA standards;
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Oversee enrichment through established enrichment guidelines and protocols;
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Collaborate with Collection Managers and General Curator to identify training priorities across the department;
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Work with the Area Managers and Animal Behavior Specialist to implement new training programs;
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Assist Collection Managers with preparations for the transfer of animals between facilities, and accompany animal shipments when required;
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Participate in animal welfare assessments, and work with management to rectify deficiencies identified during assessments;
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Participate in weekly meetings with animal care managers and the animal medical team, and work with them to address all behavioral concerns;
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Participate, with other divisional staff (both internal and external), in the planning, experimental design and development of animal habitats;
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Collaborate with the Business Development team to identify donor opportunities within the department, and maintain the department wish list;
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Represent the Animal Department on the Zoo’s Research Committee, and help animal teams implement approved research studies;
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Act as a resource for animal care staff participating in, or wanting to participate in, research projects;
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Act as an approved Red Key holder in all areas with dangerous carnivores;
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Assist in establishing and enforcing Zoo/Department rules, regulations and policies;
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Assist in the formation and administration of policy and direction for the successful operation of the department, including its physical, animal, and human resources, in a manner to promote the health and well-being of the collection and the development and well-being of the staff;
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Support the guest experiences and zoo mission;
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Assist in AZA-sanctioned programs;
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Remain on call 24 hours a day, all year or designates an alternate in his/her absence;
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Maintain qualifications to operate firearms and act as a member of the Recapture Team;
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Perform other duties as assigned; and,
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Adhere to all policies and procedures of the Zoo.
Communication (Internal and External):
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Represent the zoo to guests, donors, zoo community associates, and the general public;
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Communicate effectively throughout the department and other divisions of the Zoo regarding zoo-wide information;
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Provide answers to the publics' questions concerning the animals or zoo operations;
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Communicate the daily concerns, ongoing issues and regular information to the General Curator;
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Produce periodic reports for the General Curator;
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Actively collaborate with divisions to insure that behavioral management practices are of the highest standards;
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Actively collaborate with outside organizations
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Publish articles and/or lectures on zoo-related ventures in-house and outreach.
Management of Resources (financial, human resources, facilities):
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Recruit for, and supervise, the Animal Behavior Specialist position;
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Motivate and mentor area supervisors and their staff to excel in their fields;
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With the Collection Managers, animal medical staff and Human Resources, develop, implement and monitor keeper training courses for grievances and policies & procedures;
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Assign tasks to area supervisors in coordination with the Collection Managers and General Curator;
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Provide supervisory back-up for Collection Managers and Area Managers;
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Assist the General Curator with inter-divisional interactions, budget management, and other duties so as to maintain familiarity and all aspects of division operation;
Serve and support the division as a representative of assigned areas;
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09-05-2022ShareJacksonville, FL+1 location
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09-05-2022ShareDublin, OH 43017
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09-05-2022ShareKaty, TX 77450
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09-05-2022ShareRemote in Morristown, TN 37814
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09-05-2022ShareJacksonville, FL+1 location