Assistant Curator Kings Kingdom en Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Position Title:               Assistant Curator, Kids Kingdom and Reptiles         

Department:                 Living Collections       

Position Status:          Full-time, Exempt

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is looking for its next Assistant Curator of the Kids Kingdom and Reptiles section. Candidates must be dynamic and detail-oriented leaders who excel in building relationships, customer service, strategic thinking and bringing people together. This position will assist the Curator with supervision of animal care and welfare in the Kids Kingdom and reptile sections of the Zoo.

The current animal composition of this area includes birds, mammals, reptiles and fishes. The animal collection includes not only domestic, Children’s-Zoo type hoofstock, but also macropods, red panda, and meerkats; exotic birds (including penguins); reptiles (including Komodo dragons, crocodilians, and venomous snakes); amphibians, and fishes. Strong experience with and knowledge of birds and reptiles is desired.

With a strong leadership team, an impactful strategic plan and a dynamic ambitious 20-year masterplan, the zoo is pursuing a vision that centers around best practices for animal care, employee engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, customer service, community engagement and partnerships and overall excellence.

The Pittsburgh Zoo is currently accredited by the AZA, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks, ZAA, is certified by American Humane and a member of WAZA.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Supervises animal care and training programs in Kids Kingdom and reptiles.
2. Assists in the restraint and handling of small animals; instructs and mentors Animal Keepers in appropriate restraint and handling techniques.
3. Assists veterinary staff during examinations, treatments, emergencies and surgeries                                                       

4. Assists with the development and implementation of animal transportation methods and appropriate equipment
5. Ensures that all-holding areas for animals are properly maintained
6. Assists in the hiring and training of staff and monitoring job performance, providing evaluations and feedback
7. Attends weekly animal management meetings and department head meetings as required
8. Assists in developing and coordinating safety efforts within the department
9. Assists in the installation, modification and/or construction of holding areas and exhibits
10. Assists in educational programs, special events and tours as needed
11. Assists with scientific research programs.
12. Assists Curator with preparation of the departmental budget
13. Actively participate in spring and fall staff retreats
14. Assists Curator in completing annual employee evaluations in a timely manner
15. Assists in managing employee issues under supervision of Curator
16. Seeks opportunities for professional self-development
17. Must be an active member of professional zoo organizations.
18. Actively participates in the zoo’s institutional collection planning process
19. Is an active member of the zoos Emergency Weapons Team

Other Functions:

1. Performs other duties as assigned.

Performance Factors:

1. Attendance and Dependability: The employee can be depended on to report to work at the scheduled time and is seldom absent from work.  Employee can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.                                                     

2. Communication and Contact: The employee communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society.
3. Holds staff accountable for accomplishing assigned tasks and objectives.
4. Relationships with Others: The employee works effectively and relates well with others including superiors, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside the Zoological Society.  Exhibits a professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships.
5. Provides excellent customer service in the areas of guest relations and park beautification:

• Answers visitor inquiries or finds someone who can. 
• Is knowledgeable of location of exhibits, restrooms, concessions, rentals, etc.
• Disposes of litter and waste throughout the park and zoo facilities.

Education/Experience/Knowledge/Skills:

Experience with and knowledge of handling and husbandry of venomous snakes

Experience with and knowledge of restraint and husbandry of large crocodilians

Experience with and knowledge of amphibian breeding and husbandry  

Experience with birds and exotic small mammals in a zoologic collection

Bachelor’s degree in zoology, animal science, biology or related field or equivalent experience.   A minimum work experience of 6 years of which 1 year of managerial experience in a facility accredited by the AZA or ZAA is required.

Physical Requirements:

This position is located in an office setting but works outdoors as well.  Must be available on occasional evenings, weekends and holidays.   Occasional local and out-of-town travel is required.  This position can be physical at times; requires the ability to lift, push, pull, carry, walk, stand, stoop, bend, etc.