Animal Care - Carnivore Curator

Summary/Purpose of Position: This position is responsible for overseeing the care and maintenance of the carnivore collection. This position is responsible for the training and supervision of daily duties of the Animal Care Specialists--Carnivores and interns. This position will maintain and expand Fossil Rim Wildlife Center’s image and awareness through public speaking and publication. And provide enhancement of the visitor experience and learning opportunities through the collection.

Specific/Mandatory Duties: The essential responsibilities of the Animal Care- Carnivore Curator include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide a healthy, well managed carnivore collection on a daily basis

• Develop/maintain programs consistent with Recovery Programs and SSP/AMP recommendations and needs.

• Develop carnivore programs, which Fossil Rim Wildlife Center will benefit from by generating conservation awareness.

• Oversee all carnivore transfers with input from the Director of Animal Care.

• Be familiar with and potentially secure loan, licensing, permits, contracts and agreements re: Carnivore Department related activities.

• Organize and secure all necessary paperwork and records related to the above and in accordance to all regulatory agencies (AZA, USFWS, etc.)

• Provide professional training opportunities through internships.

• Provide supervision and oversight of Animal Care Staff in the carnivore department.

• Supervise staff/interns for the daily care and maintenance of the carnivore collection.

• Selection, scheduling, and supervision of Animal Care Specialists and interns.

• Interface with other zoological and related organizations regarding animal management.

• Assist SSP/AMP Coordinators in planning, securing and coordinating carnivores to be moved into and out of Fossil Rim.

• Submit purchase authorization requests and receipts as needed.

• Assist the Animal Health Department with daily treatments as needed.

• Consult with the Animal Health Department regarding diets, parasite control, and all other health and management issues.

• Ensure proper record keeping.

• Supervise and/or assist with animal management plans and actions within the carnivore collection.

• Coordinate management activities with other area supervisors and the Director of Animal Care.

• Regular and dependable attendance is required.

• Be available for after-hours and weekend call out in emergencies.

• Able to lift and carry 75 pounds.

• Be able to bend over.

• Ability to spend up to 2/3 of the workday standing/walking.

• Ability to work outside all day in weather ranging from extreme heat (+100 degrees) to extreme cold (below freezing) and in wet conditions.

• Ability to drive and/or operate small maintenance equipment e.g., chainsaw, weed trimmer, mower, hand tools, truck and lawn tractor.

• Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, Contingency Plan, and all other safety rules & procedures, the company vision, mission and goals.

The secondary responsibilities of the Carnivore Curator include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist the Animal Care Department with procedures as needed, consistent with the existing “Team” concept

• Participate and serve on species or taxon management committees (SSPs, AMPs, TAGs, Cheetah Breeding Center Coalition (BCC).

• Develop preliminary budgets and be responsible for managing carnivore programs within an approved budget. Responsible for all carnivore hand-rearing, diets, supervision of staff and record keeping of hand reared carnivores.

• Interface with both the Environmental Engagement and Public Relations Departments as needed.

• Assist Support Services with facilities design and facilities maintenance.

• Assist the Director of Animal Care regarding communication with other Fossil Rim Departments, media, and professional contacts.

• Be on emergency call.

Desired Qualities, Experience and Educational Skills:

• University Degree in Biology, Zoology, or related field, or 5 years’ experience, with two years of supervisory experience

• Expertise with carnivores and captive animal management programs

• ZIMS literate

• Public speaking experience

• Familiarity with both Macintosh and PCs and competent with Excel and Microsoft Word

Work Requirements: This position is Essential to Fossil Rim throughout the year and during times when Fossil Rim is closed due to unexpected events, any Essential employee that is scheduled to work must work as scheduled. Usually a 5-day work week, often requiring flexibility and ability to work weekends and holidays. Irregular scheduling in which days may exceed 8hours, and weeks may exceed five days