6 Zookeeper Job Description Templates and Examples

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

As a Junior Zookeeper at [$COMPANY_NAME], you will support the daily care, enrichment, and welfare of our diverse animal collection while learning foundational husbandry techniques under the mentorship of senior keepers. This entry-level position is perfect for early-career conservationists eager to build hands-on experience with exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, and aquatics in a AZA-accredited facility. Expect to rotate through hoofstock, carnivore, primate, avian, and herpetology sections, mastering species-specific diets, habitat maintenance, behavioral observations, and record-keeping using ZIMS software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and distribute FDA-approved diets, following exact gram weights and vitamin protocols for more than 120 species
• Clean and disinfect indoor dens, outdoor yards, pools, and exhibit glass using Peroxigard and chlorhexidine solutions, maintaining USDA hygiene standards
• Observe and document animal behavior, appetite, stool quality, and enrichment usage in ZIMS medical records twice daily
• Assist with positive-reinforcement training sessions (target, crate, scale, injection desensitization) under senior keeper supervision
• Construct and install species-appropriate enrichment—puzzle feeders, scent trails, browse bundles—tracking usage via Excel spreadsheets
• Report abnormal behavior or medical concerns immediately to the veterinary team via RTLS radios
• Support veterinary procedures: safely shift animals, hold restraint devices, and maintain sterile instrument trays
• Interact with guests during scheduled keeper talks, answering questions about conservation status, natural history, and [$COMPANY_NAME]’s Species Survival Plan contributions
• Maintain inventory of feed, bedding, and cleaning supplies; unload 50-lb hay bales and 40-lb grain bags using pallet jacks
• Follow strict lock-out/tag-out and perimeter double-gate protocols to ensure visitor and animal safety at all times

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required:

• High-school diploma or equivalent; pursuing or completed associate/bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, animal science, or related field
• 6+ months of paid or volunteer animal care experience (zoo, sanctuary, veterinary clinic, or farm)
• Ability to lift 50 lbs repeatedly, work in extreme weather, and stand for 8-hour shifts on uneven terrain
• Current tetanus vaccination and willingness to obtain pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to [$COMPANY_LOCATION]

Preferred:

• AZA or EAZA internship graduate
• Experience with operant-conditioning techniques and behavioral ethograms
• Knowledge of taxonomic nomenclature, natural diets, and ecosystem roles of exotic species
• Familiarity with ZIMS, Species360, or similar zoological record software

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ZIMS for daily logging
• Understanding of food safety HACCP principles when handling raw meats and produce
• Competence with power washers, shop vacs, and battery-operated scrubbers
• Ability to read digital thermometers, hygrometers, and water quality test kits (pH, ammonia, nitrite)
• Safe operation of utility vehicles (Gator, Kubota RTV) for hay and bedding transport

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Enthusiastic learner who actively seeks feedback and documents new protocols in pocket notebooks
• Collaborative attitude—willing to swap sections on short notice and share workload during emergency weather events
• Strong verbal communicator; comfortable speaking to 50+ guests using microphone systems
• Detail-oriented: spots subtle lameness, feather damage, or fecal changes before they escalate
• Respect for diversity of species, people, and ideas; aligns with [$COMPANY_NAME]’s inclusion and conservation mission

Benefits and Perks

Annual salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance starting day one
• 401(k) with 4% company match after 90 days
• 15 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 3 personal days per year
• Free zoo membership and 50% guest passes for friends and family
• Annual $500 professional-development stipend for conferences, workshops, or AZA courses
• Uniform shirts, steel-toe boots, and rain-gear provided
• Access to veterinary externship lectures and behind-the-scenes conservation projects

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Location

This position is based at our zoological park in [$COMPANY_LOCATION]. Occasional local travel to off-site breeding facilities may be required.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

Join [$COMPANY_NAME] as a Zookeeper responsible for the daily husbandry, behavioral enrichment, and medical support of exotic and native species across our 30-acre zoological facility. You will execute species-specific feeding protocols, maintain AZA-compliant enclosure hygiene, and leverage ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System) to log behavioral observations, veterinary findings, and breeding records. This hands-on role demands mastery of operant-conditioning techniques, hazardous-animal safety SOPs, and emergency immobilization equipment including Telinject dart systems and CO₂ stun devices.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and distribute nutritionally balanced diets using calibrated scales, vitamin supplements, and specialized feeders while adhering to USDA dietary guidelines
• Observe and document animal behavior via ethograms, noting stereotypies, social dynamics, and reproductive indicators in ZIMS with <2-hour latency
• Execute daily enclosure inspections, identifying and remediating structural hazards, substrate contamination, and HVAC anomalies to maintain AZA accreditation standards
• Implement positive-reinforcement training sessions for crating, scale desensitization, and voluntary blood draws, reducing anesthesia events by 25%
• Collaborate with veterinary staff during immobilizations, administering IM injections, collecting diagnostic samples, and monitoring anesthetic depth using pulse oximetry
• Maintain chain-of-custody for controlled substances (ketamine, medetomidine) per DEA schedules and institutional pharmacy protocols
• Lead keeper talks and behind-the-scenes tours, translating complex conservation science into engaging narratives for 200+ daily visitors
• Participate in SSP (Species Survival Plan) breeding programs, executing hormonal assays, artificial insemination timing, and neonate hand-rearing protocols

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in zoology, animal science, or related field; Bachelor’s preferred
• 1+ years paid experience in an AZA-accredited facility working with large mammals, psittacines, or reptiles
• Demonstrated ability to lift 50 lbs repeatedly, operate pressure washers up to 3,000 PSI, and work in extreme weather (-10 °F to 105 °F)
• Current valid driver’s license and ability to obtain DOT medical clearance for operating utility vehicles
• Tetanus, rabies pre-exposure, and negative TB test within last 12 months

Preferred Qualifications

• AZA Professional Development Certificate in Animal Training or Elephant Management
• Experience with protected-contact elephant handling, operant-conditioning using target and bridge stimuli
• Proficiency in ZIMS, Species360, and MedARKS medical record systems
• SCUBA certification for pinniped and penguin habitat maintenance
• Bilingual Spanish fluency for multicultural visitor engagement

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Expertise in enclosure design including hot-wire voltage monitoring, shift-door pneumatics, and hydraulic squeeze cages
• Familiarity with thermography cameras, digital radiography positioning, and fecal parasite flotation techniques
• Knowledge of USDA Animal Welfare Act, AZA accreditation standards, and CITES documentation
• Skilled in using positive-reinforcement markers (clickers, whistles) and variable-ratio reinforcement schedules

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Calm demeanor under pressure; able to execute emergency animal escape protocols while coordinating with 12-person response team
• Meticulous attention to detail when recording feed weights, medication dosages, and behavioral anomalies
• Collaborative mindset for cross-departmental projects including horticulture, maintenance, and education teams
• Passion for wildlife conservation with public-speaking confidence to convert visitors into donor advocates

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE] commensurate with experience

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for keeper-level staff
• Professional development fund: $1,500 annually for conferences, workshops, and AZA courses
• On-site housing option for emergency weather events and high-profile births
• Unlimited uniform allowance including steel-toe boots, waterproof gear, and custom logo apparel
• Free family zoo membership plus 50% discount on concessions and gift-shop purchases

Location

This position is based at [$COMPANY_LOCATION] and requires availability for weekends, holidays, and on-call rotations including 24-hour emergency response.

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

Lead the daily welfare, enrichment, and operant-conditioning programs for a multi-taxa collection of exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians while mentoring keeper staff, coordinating veterinary care, and driving evidence-based husbandry improvements. You will manage Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding protocols, design habitat modifications in Autodesk Revit, and analyze behavioral data in ZIMS to ensure every animal thrives under AZA and EAZA best-practice standards.

Responsibilities

• Direct a team of 4–6 keepers, scheduling shifts, approving SOP updates, and conducting quarterly performance reviews tied to measurable welfare KPIs
• Oversee operant-conditioning sessions using positive reinforcement; maintain detailed training logs in Species360 and adjust shaping plans to hit target behaviors for medical procedures and public demonstrations
• Design and implement species-appropriate enrichment schedules, rotating items weekly and documenting efficacy via behavioral time-budget analysis
• Coordinate preventative, routine, and emergency veterinary care, serving as primary liaison with the veterinary team for anesthesia, radiography, and treatment plans
• Manage SSP breeding loans, genetic pairings, neonate hand-rearing protocols, and associated permits (CITES, USFWS, ESA)
• Lead incident investigations, complete root-cause analyses, and present corrective-action reports to the Curator within 24 hours of any safety or welfare event
• Negotiate with horticulture and maintenance departments for habitat renovations, ensuring compliance with USDA, OSHA, and AZA accreditation standards
• Deliver engaging public talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and digital content to advance conservation messaging and donor engagement

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, animal science, or related field
• 5+ years paid experience caring for exotic species in an AZA/EAZA-accredited facility
• Proven leadership: minimum 2 years supervising or mentoring junior staff or volunteers
• Demonstrated expertise in operant conditioning and enrichment design with large carnivores, ungulates, or psittacines
• Proficiency with ZIMS (or equivalent animal records software), Microsoft Excel pivot tables, and basic data visualization
• Physical ability to lift 50 lbs, work in extreme weather, and maintain SCUBA or elevated-work certifications as needed
• Current valid driver’s license and eligibility for institutional motor-vehicle authorization

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or post-graduate certificate in zoo and aquarium science, conservation biology, or animal welfare
• Experience managing SSP or EEP programs, including studbook analysis using PMx or PopLink
• Knowledge of habitat CAD software (Revit, SketchUp) and construction project oversight
• Certification through the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) or International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE)
• Conversational Spanish or other second language for multicultural team collaboration

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• ZIMS, MedARKS, Tracks, or comparable ZIMS-med integration
• Operant-conditioning tools: target poles, whistles, clickers, feed shutes, shift doors
• Remote monitoring: camera traps, RFID PIT tag readers, accelerometers
• Environmental data loggers (HOBO, Onset) and basic statistical analysis in R or Python
• Hardware: hypodermic needles, blow pipes, squeeze cages, hydraulic chutes, darting equipment
• Software: Excel, Power BI, Asana, Slack, and institutional CMMS for work-order tracking

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Collaborative mindset—comfortable leading cross-departmental meetings with vets, maintenance, education, and horticulture
• High emotional intelligence when coaching diverse teams and interacting with guests of all ages
• Resilient under pressure; makes evidence-based decisions during animal emergencies or facility failures
• Commitment to continuous improvement—actively seeks peer-reviewed literature and conference workshops to refine husbandry practices
• Passionate storyteller who connects visitors to conservation action and inspires donor support

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE] commensurate with experience

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision for employee; 75% for dependents
• 401(k) with 6% match after 90 days; immediate vesting
• 20 PTO days, 10 paid holidays, and 3 paid conservation leave days for field work
• Professional-development stipend of $2,000/year for conferences, certifications, or language courses
• On-site wellness clinic, mental-health support, and complimentary family zoo membership
• Uniform allowance and pro-deal discounts with outdoor gear retailers

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location

This position is based at [$COMPANY_LOCATION] and requires on-site presence 5 days a week to ensure continuous animal care.

Don’t tick every box? Studies show that under-represented groups often hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the listed criteria. If you’re passionate about animal welfare and conservation leadership, we encourage you to apply and tell us how your unique expertise can advance our mission.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

As Lead Zookeeper at [$COMPANY_NAME], you will spearhead the daily operations and strategic animal-care programs across multiple taxonomic departments (mammals, birds, reptiles, or fish/amphibians). Reporting to the Assistant Curator, you will architect evidence-based husbandry protocols, mentor a multi-disciplinary keeper team, and leverage modern ZIMS/Species360 data analytics to optimize welfare outcomes for a living collection exceeding 500 specimens representing 120+ Species Survival Plan (SSP) species. This is a hands-on leadership role for a zoological professional passionate about operant-conditioning science, conservation messaging, and USDA/AAALAC regulatory excellence.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and audit daily husbandry SOPs including enrichment schedules, nutrition plans, and preventive veterinary workflows aligned with AZA standards
• Lead operant-conditioning training programs using positive-reinforcement techniques to support voluntary medical behaviors, reduce stress, and enhance visitor engagement
• Supervise, schedule, and performance-coach a team of 6–10 keepers; conduct quarterly skills assessments and create individualized development plans targeting R3 (replacement, reinforcement, refinement) principles
• Oversee accurate record-keeping in ZIMS, ensuring real-time updates on feeding, behavioral observations, weights, and medical treatments for compliance with USDA, AZA, and SSP requirements
• Collaborate with the veterinary team to implement preventive medicine programs including quarantine protocols, vaccination schedules, and routine diagnostics (radiographs, hematology, parasitology)
• Champion species-specific welfare research: design ethograms, collect behavioral data, and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals or AZA conference proceedings
• Coordinate with the education department to develop evidence-based interpretive content, keeper talks, and behind-the-scenes experiences that advance conservation psychology objectives
• Manage safety protocols for keeper work areas, shift doors, hydraulic restraint devices, and chemical immobilization equipment; conduct monthly emergency drills (animal escape, bite response, natural disaster)
• Negotiate with vendors and nutritionists to source high-quality feed, substrates, and enrichment items while maintaining budget accountability and sustainability KPIs
• Participate in AZA SSP meetings, compile studbook data, and execute breeding, transfer, and contraception recommendations to maintain 90%+ genetic diversity metrics

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, animal science, or related life-science field (DVM or master’s advantageous)
• 5+ years progressive zoo or aquarium husbandry experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory/lead capacity
• Hands-on expertise with taxa-specific husbandry (hoofstock, psittacines, large carnivores, herpetofauna, or aquatic elasmobranchs) including enclosure design, nutrition, and behavioral husbandry
• Demonstrated proficiency in operant-conditioning training using Bridge/Primary reinforcement schedules and ability to teach protected-contact and free-contact methodologies
• Experience with ZIMS or equivalent ARKS4 record systems, Microsoft 365, and basic data visualization (Excel pivot tables, Power BI)
• Working knowledge of USDA Animal Welfare Act, AZA Accreditation Standards, and Safety Guidelines for working with dangerous animals
• Physical capacity to lift 50 lbs, traverse uneven terrain, and work outdoors in varying [$COMPANY_LOCATION] weather conditions
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain DOT forklift certification within 90 days

Preferred Qualifications

• AZA Professional Development course completion (Managing Animal Enrichment & Training, Institutional Records Keeping, Population Management I/II)
• Experience with protected-contact elephant, great ape, or marine mammal training per IMATA or EMA best practices
• Published research on animal welfare, behavior, or conservation education in peer-reviewed journals
• Knowledge of environmental-enrichment CAD design and 3-D printing for custom enrichment devices
• Conversational Spanish for multilingual team communication and guest interactions
• First-aid/CPR certification and familiarity with emergency immobilization drugs (Telazol, Medetomidine, Ketamine) dosing calculations

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• ZIMS, Species360, SPARKS, PopLink for genetic and demographic record management
• Ethogram software (Boris, ZooMonitor) and statistical analysis in R or JMP
• Environmental data loggers (HOBO, Onset) and HVAC telemetry for climate-controlled exhibits
• Positive-reinforcement tools: clickers, target poles, scale systems, bite-proof PPE
• Basic carpentry, welding, and habitat modification skills to fabricate perches, nesting boxes, and enrichment puzzles
• Chemical immobilization equipment: darting systems (Pneu-Dart, Dan-Inject), blow pipes, and protective gear

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Transformational leadership style that balances empathy with accountability; proven ability to inspire millennial and Gen-Z staff toward institutional mission
• Evidence-based mindset—comfortable challenging anecdotal husbandry myths with peer-reviewed data and instituting change management rooted in science
• High emotional intelligence when communicating with diverse stakeholders: volunteers, donors, media, and regulatory inspectors
• Resilience under pressure; maintains composure during veterinary emergencies, visitor incidents, or accreditation inspections
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—fostering a workplace where all staff feel safe to contribute innovative ideas

Benefits and Perks

Salary Range: [$SALARY_RANGE] commensurate with experience and AZA salary benchmarking

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance effective day one
• 403(b) retirement plan with 6% employer match after 1 year
• 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 11 paid holidays; additional paid week for conference travel or field conservation work
• Professional development stipend ($2,000/year) for AZA conferences, workshops, or academic courses
• Uniform allowance and provided steel-toe boots, cold-weather gear, and bite-resistant gloves
• Complimentary family zoo membership and 50% discount at on-site café and gift shop
• Access to onsite wellness clinic and mental-health support sessions tailored to animal-care compassion fatigue

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location

This position is based at our [$COMPANY_LOCATION] facility and requires on-site presence 5 days per week to ensure continuous animal care. Occasional regional travel for SSP meetings or field conservation projects may be required (estimated 5%).

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

Lead a dedicated zoological team at [$COMPANY_NAME] as our Zookeeper Supervisor. Reporting to the Curator of Mammals, you will oversee daily husbandry, enrichment, and operant-conditioning programs for a 50-species collection while ensuring AZA, EAZA, and USDA compliance. This hands-on leadership role blends advanced animal management, staff development, and cross-departmental collaboration to advance global conservation goals and deliver world-class guest experiences at our [$COMPANY_LOCATION] facility.

Responsibilities

• Supervise 12 keepers across three taxonomic sections (carnivores, primates, ungulates), scheduling shifts, delegating SOP-driven tasks, and conducting quarterly performance evaluations
• Design, document, and audit species-specific feeding plans, veterinary treatment protocols, and behavioral enrichment schedules using ZIMS and Species360 records
• Coordinate emergency response drills (escape, severe weather, animal injury) and serve as on-call incident commander 24/7 on a rotating basis
• Lead operant-conditioning sessions for voluntary blood draws, radiographs, and ultrasounds; maintain shaping plans in Training Data Recorder (TDR) software
• Oversee habitat maintenance, mechanical systems (pools, HVAC, misting), and landscaping to exceed AZA safety standards and ensure visitor visibility
• Manage inventory of specialized diets, browse, pharmaceuticals, and enrichment items; negotiate vendor contracts to stay within $450 k annual budget
• Mentor keepers on low-stress restraint techniques, protected-contact elephant management, and positive-reinforcement bird of prey free-flight training
• Present keeper talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and media interviews to 1.2 M annual guests, translating science into engaging conservation stories
• Collaborate with research partners on non-invasive projects (fecal hormone analysis, GPS collar data) and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals
• Champion sustainable practices—composting, AZA SAFE programs, SSP breeding recommendations—to reduce environmental impact and maintain genetic diversity

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, animal science, or related life-science field
• 5+ years paid experience caring for exotic mammals in an AZA/EAZA-accredited institution, including 2 years in a lead or senior keeper capacity
• Comprehensive knowledge of taxonomic husbandry, nutrition, reproduction, and behavioral enrichment for large carnivores, primates, or ungulates
• Demonstrated leadership—scheduling staff, conducting training, and authoring SOPs that pass USDA inspection
• Current driver’s license and ability to obtain DOT medical certificate to operate 26 ft animal transport truck
• Physical capacity to lift 50 lbs feed bags, traverse uneven terrain, and work outdoors in temperatures 20 °F–100 °F

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in conservation biology or zoo & aquarium leadership
• AZA Professional Development course completion (Managing Animal Enrichment & Training, Institutional Records Keeping)
• Experience with ZIMS, Species360, and TDR database management
• Knowledge of USDA Animal Welfare Act, AZA Accreditation Standards, and CITES permitting
• SCUBA certification for piscivore diet preparation and pool maintenance

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• Proficiency in environmental monitoring systems (Hobo data loggers, Barns temperature alarms, water-quality test kits)
• Competence with power tools, welding, and habitat modification to fabricate enrichment items and repair fencing
• Ability to interpret hematology, serum chemistry, and parasitology reports to adjust husbandry protocols
• Skilled in operant-conditioning techniques using target sticks, clickers, and variable-ratio reinforcement schedules
• Familiarity with GIS for exhibit mapping and browse plot rotation planning

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Collaborative leadership style—empowers keepers, encourages innovation, and resolves conflict constructively
• Exceptional written and verbal communication for keeper briefings, vet rounds, and public presentations
• High emotional intelligence when managing stressed animals, grieving staff, or concerned visitors
• Detail-oriented record-keeping to ensure traceability from diet prep to medical dosages
• Commitment to [$COMPANY_NAME]’s conservation mission and to fostering an inclusive, safety-first culture

Benefits and Perks

Salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE] commensurate with experience

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for employee + dependents
• 401(k) with 6% match, immediate vesting
• 15 days PTO plus 10 paid holidays and 5 conservation leave days for fieldwork
• Professional development stipend—$3 k annually for conferences, AZA courses, and language immersion
• On-site wellness center, mental-health counseling, and employee assistance program (EAP)
• Complimentary family zoo membership, 50% discount on guest admissions, and exclusive animal encounters
• Tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees relevant to zoo & aquarium sciences

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Location

This position is based at our [$COMPANY_LOCATION] zoological park and requires on-site presence to ensure 24-hour animal care. Occasional regional travel for SSP meetings and field conservation projects is expected.

Company Overview

[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]

Role Overview

We are seeking a strategic, science-driven Curator of Animals to oversee the complete life-cycle management of diverse taxa across zoological exhibits, conservation breeding programs, and field research initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Animal Programs, you will architect husbandry protocols, lead Species Survival Plan (SSP) governance, and integrate cutting-edge reproductive technologies—ranging from AI-assisted breeding algorithms to GIS-based habitat restoration—to advance global biodiversity goals while delighting 1.2 million annual guests.

Responsibilities

• Direct a 25-person team of zoological managers, veterinarians, and wildlife biologists; set measurable KPIs for animal welfare indices, genetic diversity targets, and guest engagement scores
• Curate a living collection exceeding 450 vertebrate specimens (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians) and 1,200 invertebrates; optimize taxonomic representation using ZIMS studbook analytics and IUCN Red List priorities
• Negotiate international import/export permits (CITES, USFWS, EAZA) for high-risk species, ensuring 100% compliance with WAZA ethical guidelines and USDA Animal Welfare Act standards
• Design mixed-species habitats employing operant-conditioning enrichment schedules, thermal-gradient mapping, and AI-driven behavioral telemetry to exceed AZA welfare benchmarks
• Lead multi-institutional SSP committees; leverage PMx genetic software to maintain >90% gene diversity over 100 years for critically endangered species such as Panamanian golden frogs and Amur leopards
• Secure $2–5 M annually in conservation grants (AZA SAFE, NSF, EAZA AEE) by authoring data-driven proposals linking ex-situ breeding success to in-situ reintroduction outcomes
• Champion emergency-response protocols for zoonotic disease outbreaks (e.g., avian influenza, SARS-CoV-2) utilizing PCR diagnostics, quarantine SOPs, and incident-command systems
• Present peer-reviewed papers at ICZ and AZA conferences; publish ISI-ranked articles on reproductive physiology, welfare science, or conservation technology

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Zoology, Wildlife Biology, or Veterinary Science; PhD preferred
• 8+ years progressive leadership within AZA/EAZA-accredited institutions managing taxonomically diverse collections
• Demonstrated success steering at least two SSP or EEP programs with measurable genetic and demographic gains
• Expertise in international wildlife legislation: CITES, ESA, EU Wildlife Trade Regulations
• Proficiency with ZIMS, SPARKS, PMx, R, and ArcGIS for population modeling and spatial ecology
• OSHA 30-hour certification and experience authoring institutional safety data sheets (SDS) for chemical immobilization agents
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, operate heavy-duty tranquilizer equipment, and work in extreme climatic conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• DVM or board-certification in zoological medicine (ACZM/ECZM)
• Experience with CRISPR-based genetic management, faecal hormone assay validation, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as AI and IVF
• Multilingual fluency (Spanish, Portuguese, or Malay) for field conservation partnerships
• Track record of leveraging VR/AR interpretive technologies to boost visitor empathy and conservation action pledges
• Published first- or senior-author papers in journals like Conservation Biology, Zoo Biology, or Journal of Zoo & Aquarium Research

Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies

• ZIMS, SPARKS, PopLink, PMx2000, MateRx, StudBook Wizard
• R, Python (pandas, scikit-learn), SQL for genomic and demographic analytics
• ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, camera-trap data pipelines (Wild-ID, Camelot)
• Environmental monitoring sensors (HOBO, iButton), RFID/PIT tagging, GPS satellite collars
• Telemetry dashboards (DataDog, Tableau) for real-time welfare analytics

Soft Skills and Cultural Fit

• Inclusive leadership style that amplifies BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices within conservation teams
• Systems-thinking mindset to balance animal welfare, guest experience, and fiscal sustainability
• Negotiation agility—navigate boardrooms with donors and rainforests with indigenous stakeholders alike
• Storytelling acumen converting complex genetic data into compelling conservation narratives for public audiences
• Resilience under pressure: rapid decision-making during animal medical emergencies or media crises

Benefits and Perks

Annual salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE] commensurate with experience, plus performance-based conservation bonus up to 15%

• Medical, dental, vision, and mental-health coverage starting day one
• 403(b) with 7% institutional match after 1 year
• Professional-development stipend ($5 k/year) for conferences, language immersion, or advanced certifications
• Field-conservation sabbaticals: 4-week paid leave to lead in-country reintroduction projects
• On-site subsidized housing option for relocation ease; zoo-wide family membership and guest passes
• Access to cryopreserved genetic repository for collaborative research with Smithsonian’s Center for Species Survival

Equal Opportunity Statement

[$COMPANY_NAME] is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a culture of conservation inclusive of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We actively remove barriers and encourage applications from historically under-represented communities in zoological and conservation science.

Location

While this role is based at our [$COMPANY_LOCATION] campus, we support flexible hybrid scheduling—expect 3 days on-site for animal care oversight and 2 days remote for data analysis and global partner calls.

Don’t meet every bullet? Studies show under-represented groups hesitate unless they tick 100%. If you’re passionate about species survival and can drive measurable conservation impact, we encourage you to apply and tell us how you’ll evolve this role.