JOB SUMMARY
This position will facilitate the behavioral evaluation of husbandry programs and the development and management of operant conditioning and environmental enrichment initiatives across the Animal Care and Welfare Division. The incumbent will be responsible for developing keeper staff to implement and evaluate effective behavioral management practices. This position oversees a progressive department of animal care professionals, managing behavioral and ambassador programs, animals, and associated facilities of the Behavior Department. This team provides outstanding care to a diverse collection of animals, including birds, small mammals, ectotherms, and any living components of seasonal/rotating exhibits. This position is responsible for the creative and strategic direction of the Animal Behavior and Welfare department and will plan and direct the management of all Animal Ambassador programs. The Senior Curator will serve as the primary contact and liaison for the Behavior Department and provide leadership and supervision to animal care staff. This position will be responsible for staff training and development and implementing effective animal management practices. This role reports directly to the Associate Vice President of Animal Care and Welfare. Direct reports include the Applied Behavior Manager and Ambassador Animal Experiences Director.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Supports Dallas Zoo’s Behavioral Husbandry Program (BHP) by adhering to established mission, goals, and philosophies for operant conditioning training, enrichment, and applied behavioral management.
• Recommends and implements approved new behavioral management, operant conditioning, and enrichment initiatives, methodologies, and techniques; disseminates information and knowledge via keeper meetings and professional development programs.
• Work closely with animal managers and staff to assess departmental needs, address questions of behavioral management and animal welfare, and provide direction and assistance with training and enrichment initiatives.
• Assists staff in the identification of animal behavioral problems and welfare concerns; develops appropriate action plans to alleviate concerns and provide training plans for the development of medical and/or husbandry (i.e., presentation, shifting, targeting, etc.) behaviors.
• Provide feedback and assessment of keeper performance in operant conditioning training and enrichment for inclusion in performance appraisals and assist with individual goals for further development.
• Instructs and mentors staff (including new staff orientation) by ensuring compliance and understanding of Dallas Zoo BHP philosophies, practices, and protocols.
• Develop, implement, and supervise safe, proper protocols for all aspects of care for the Ambassador animal collection, including sanitation, health, nutrition, reproduction, behavior, and behavioral husbandry.
• Cooperatively develop and implement comprehensive collection plans for each section of the department.
• Coordinate animal acquisitions and deaccessions in support of Dallas Zoo’s Institutional Collection Plan, liaising effectively with AZA animal programs.
• Communicate and implement DZM management policies and train staff in safety and security policies.
• Assist in developing and supervising the maintenance of a ZIMS-based records system documenting activities and events within the animal collection; prepare required reports summarizing department activities.
• Collaborate with veterinary staff in the medical care of animal collection.
• Manage buildings, exhibits, holding areas, and grounds of relevant areas; assist in prioritization and coordination of needed maintenance.
• Assist in the design and implementation of building renovations and new exhibit construction.
• Coordinate and participate in research and produce peer-reviewed presentations and popular or scientific papers concerning biology and captive management of wild animals.
• Identify and prioritize budgetary requests, including capital improvements, major maintenance, time and material projects, minor tools and equipment, professional services, animal purchase, and animal transportation; administer budgets, monitor expenses, and prepare reports.
• Represent the department and DZM at professional meetings, conferences, or in the media as required.
• Follow all safety protocols, understand the Senior Curator’s role in emergency procedures, and serve as a member of Dallas Zoo’s Emergency Response Team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
• A bachelor’s degree in biology or a related science field is preferred; a graduate degree is desirable.
• Must have extensive knowledge of animal husbandry, with at least fifteen years of exotic animal care experience at an AZA-accredited facility and at least ten years at a supervisory level experience preferred.
• Must be solution-oriented, finding creative solutions for complex challenges.
• Demonstrated interest and expertise in management, behavior, and reproduction of diverse animal species.
• Comprehensive knowledge of behavioral management, including operant conditioning philosophy, techniques, and terminology, as well as benefits and goals of environmental enrichment.
• The incumbent should have broad interests in research, behavior, and conservation.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Comfort with computer software: MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Ability to represent the Zoo professionally at all times.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergencies and to respond with appropriate action.
• The ability to work with minimal supervision must be self-directed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, other employees & zoo guests.
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work holidays and weekends, assuming and performing similar duties at regular and irregular hours as required.
• Must be able to actively work outdoors in hot or inclement weather.
• Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check, and TB test.
• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all duties to be assigned.
