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)

Zoo jobs