Assistant Animal Care Curator

Description

The Living Desert is seeking qualified candidates to join our Animal Care Leadership Team as Assistant Animal Care Curator. This key, visible leadership position requires motivated, dedicated team players who are willing to make a significant commitment to the organization. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with strong organizational, decision making and task management skills who can demonstrate ability to work effectively with all levels of staff in a consistently changing environment. The Assistant Animal Care Curator is part of the management team and is a salaried, exempt position. This position is specifically responsible for the Americas, Australia, cheetah, and patas monkey areas of the zoo. This role will also contribute to the planning and preparation of Lion Ridge, a new dynamic lion complex set to break ground in late 2026 with completion and grand opening planned for 2028.

The Animal Care team is expected to support the Zoo in its mission “to support desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation.” The Assistant Animal Care Curator will help the Zoo achieve a forward-thinking vision of a modern zoo and inclusive culture. This leader must have the ability to make good decisions regarding the well-being of the animals and the staff and guests while working for the greater good of the zoo. This individual must be a cooperative and collaborative team member with a great guest service attitude.

Successful candidates will be organized, detail oriented and able to work in a constantly changing atmosphere. The Assistant Animal Care Curator must demonstrate significant knowledge of husbandry practices, be able to lead and mentor staff in the performances of these practices, demonstrate strong leadership skills which include being a role model and an example to others while working towards an improved future and shared vision within TLD and the Animal Care team.

Position Summary:

Desert Wilds

This position oversees a diverse range of animals which includes small and large carnivores (From regions of Africa and the Americas), patas monkey, a variety of avian species including birds of prey, the small carnivore breeding facility, Australian species, and a variety of reptiles (including venomous).

Lion Ridge

A dynamic complex of 3 lion habitats. Planning is currently ongoing and this position will contribute to the planning and preparation stages of launching this exciting new experience.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

•  Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner, and act as a role model at all times 
•  As part of the Animal Care management, leadership team will provide ongoing, daily support of the animal care keepers including providing counseling, discipline and recognition of accomplishments
•  Provides and encourages a feedback rich environment with information regarding accomplishments, updates, and challenges.
•  Provide mentorship to animal care keeper team
•  Responsible for maintaining AZA/USDA standards of each animal area 
•  General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry and observational skills.
•  Excellent guests service and communication skills for effective & engaging public speaking; Ability to provide knowledgeable  and engaging tour/talks for guests, staff and donors.
•  Assist with the daily behavioral husbandry, operant conditioning and enriching experiences of animal residents 
•  Contribute and maintain a safe, positive and productive workplace environment for animals, guests and staff.
•  Able to establish and maintain effective and professional working relations with co-workers and other department personnel, and to do so in accordance with The Living Desert Employee Handbook.
•  Assist Animal Care Curator as needed in support of area tasks/projects including but not limited to: ordering of supplies, animal   procedures, animal programs, scheduling, counseling, accountability and communication to other TLD staff 
•  Implement breeding protocols, diet revisions, habitat designs and habitat maintenance
• Motivated, self-starter who can work with minimal supervision. Should also be able to work with others in a team setting. 
•  Ability to use critical thinking skills to trouble shoot issues and reveal solutions to move the animal team forward
•  Ability to remain calm under pressure and remain levelheaded in emergency situations 
•  Attend and participate in staff meetings to discuss the needs of the animal residents and animal team, resolve issues, and help create new procedures and policies 
•  Embraces the LEAN process program and moves the department in a more efficient direction

Requirements

  Minimum Qualifications:

•  AA, AS or higher degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science or other related degree and at least two years of exotic animal experience. Bachelor degree preferred.
•  Experience with supervisory and/or management a plus. 
•  Will substitute training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skill, and abilities. Generally, one year of full time exotic animal experience will translate to one year of college. 
•  Valid California driver license or eligible to attain. Must be insurable on The Living Desert's automobile policy. 

To apply for this position: Qualified applicants must send resume, three (3) references and cover letter to Animal Care Curators at animalcaremanagers@livingdesert.org Cover letter should include how you will be key in moving the Animal Department forward and how you will move The Living Desert mission forward.

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