ANIMAL CURATOR ALASKAWILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER www.alaskawildlife.org Job Type: Full-Time Job Location: Portage, AK. Reports to: The Director of Operations Manages: The Animal Care Department (staff, interns, and volunteers)
Please email a cover letter and current resume to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2017.
Overview
The Animal Curator oversees all animal husbandry operations of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC). The Curator is responsible for the management of the animal care staff and all aspects of the animal collection including, but not limited to, animal health, enrichment, collection planning, operant conditioning, regulatory compliance, permitting, accreditation and exhibit design and maintenance. The Curator is a key member of the senior management team and works closely with our team to deliver AWCC’s mission.
Duties
• Responsible to hire, train, supervise, lead and motivate an animal care staff of 6 to 14 employees. • Promote staff development and professionalism. • Provide guidance and oversight of research and conservation projects conducted by animal care staff. • Oversee animal care staff participation regarding public interaction, public speaking, and educational programs. • Contribute to educational and promotional materials produced by the education and development staff. • Assist to develop, manage, and adhere to operational and capital improvement budgets. • Develop, track, and manage animal enrichment and training programs. • Develop and implement animal collection and exhibit plans that meet the established goals and objectives of the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. • Develop and implement animal health and husbandry programs consistent with professional standards of care. • Assist with AWCC development and fund raising activities, including special events. • As a member of the senior management team, participate in site, facility and exhibit planning and ensure a constant focus on animal welfare and a high-quality visitor experience. • Assure compliance with relevant local, state, federal and international wildlife and animal welfare regulations. Agrees to meet and exceed the ethical and industry standards of animal care. • Serve as AWCC representative to professional agencies, institutions and committees and contributes to institutional accreditation processes. • Develop and cultivate professional relationships and communicate regularly with local, state, and federal authorities as well as with colleagues at other institutions including the University of Alaska, Bird TLC, Alaska Zoo, Alaska Sea Life Center, Reindeer Farm and Musk Ox Farm. • Assist in creating and managing an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) on behalf of AWCC. Will ensure diversification of qualified members from around the State of Alaska. The committee will review proposed research programs and conduct evaluations of AWCC’s animal care, use and facilities. Will schedule quarterly IACUC committee meetings and work together with the committee to improve all aspects of AWCC.
Position Requirements
Qualifications and Experience:
• Bachelor of Science degree in a related field (veterinary, wildlife management, zoology). • Minimum of five years of experience in animal husbandry preferably in a zoo, wildlife conservation, or research organization. • Has experience working directly with the types of species that AWCC cares for. • Minimum of five years of management experience. • Experience working with federal, state, and local wildlife regulatory agencies, including maintenance of animal records, permitting processes, public education reports, etc. • Experience developing animal exhibits from design and construction to enhancement and refurbishment. • Proficiency in MS office suite. • Strong oral and written communications skills. • Strong leadership, teamwork, and motivational skills.
Physical Requirements:
• Walking, climbing, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, and the ability to carry items weighing up to 80 pounds. • Constant adequate range of motion and mobility required. • Ability to collect and analyze numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions and ability to determine the time, place and sequence of operations or actions required. • Regular hearing and the ability to perceive the nature of sounds. • Must be able to proactively identify hazards and implement safe working procedures. • Must possess advanced knowledgeable in anatomy; recognition and treatment of minor animal health concerns; and quarantine protocols.
Environmental/Working Conditions:
• Ability to work unsupervised and with minimal direction. • Must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends, evenings and holidays. • Ability to work under pressure and handle stress in a professional manner is required. • Must be able to work in rapidly changing weather conditions, inclement weather and cold weather environments. Alaskan winter outdoor working conditions can include rain, snow, high winds, blizzards, below freezing temperatures, icy /snowy walking and driving conditions and a lack of daylight. Alaskan summer conditions include working in 20 hours of daylight, mosquitos, temperatures ranging from 40 to 75 degrees, rain, wind, dust, and sunshine. • Must be willing and able to handle raw food. • Must be able to work with materials related to the treatment and care of animals.
Benefits Eligible for a high quality health care plan to include dental and vision, paid holidays and a generous paid time off plan. AWCC is an equal opportunity employer.