Job Summary
- This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week typically 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday through Thursday, with infrequent call back to duty after hours.
- This position is under the direct supervision of the Zoo Director and the general supervision of the Parks & Recreation Director.
- The Zoo Curator is responsible for the health and welfare of all Zoo animals, coordinating Zoo vector control needs with Park Maintenance, maintaining an on-going animal education program with all area schools and the general public.
- This is a working supervisor position and works directly with Zoo collection and performing zookeeping duties as required.
- **This position has been classified as a safety sensitive position and is subject to our drug testing policy to include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident for the following prohibited substances: marijuana, amphetamines, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), and cocaine, as well as any drug not approved for medical use by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. **
Typical Duties
- Checks all of the Zoo animals and reports any changes to the Zoo Director immediately.
- Treats and/or medicates any animals needing treatment.
- Maintains written medical records on animals needing specialized care and entering information into ZIMS.
- Works closely with area veterinarians and maintains medical records on all Zoo animals (i.e., births, deaths, height, age, ID number, medical history, genetics, etc.,) into ZIMS.
- Feeds and waters all animals under medical supervision.
- Maintains all State and Federal permits for the Zoo.
- Prepares new educational programs for area schools and provides educational talks to the area schools and civic groups, including Zoo tours.
- Coordinates with the Parks & Recreation Department on decisions as to location and type of vector control methods that are needed on the grounds and helps execute them.
- Assures deceased animals are properly disposed of.
- Cleans and disinfects hospital cages, hospital, and associated holding pens.
- Purchases all medical supplies, vector control supplies, and educational supplies, maintain inventory.
- Confers with and Zoo Director on any dietary changes or special needs.
- Trains, evaluates, and coordinates Zoo volunteers.
- Performs other duties as deemed necessary by the Zoo Director.
Minimum Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
- Requires an Associate Degree or higher in a Science or Zoo related field.
- Requires a minimum of five (5) years’ work experience in a full-time zoological park or wildlife setting, as a veterinarian assistant or has demonstrated experience with animals (such as farm or zoo animals) and animal related medical equipment or equivalent.
- Requires good public speaking skills and demonstrates the ability to deal with the public effectively.
- Must be in good physical condition (job requires some heavy lifting).
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Must pass pre-employment screening.
- Position requires the use of safety toe footwear.
Licenses and Certificates:
Equivalent or higher of a New Mexico Class “D” driver’s license. (Out of State valid driver's license is acceptable as well)