Curator And Assistant Director

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS):
WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and every ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.
To provide leadership for the Prospect Park Zoo Animal Programs including collection planning, exhibit planning, animal acquisition/disposition, animal care, research, and conservation. Also provide leadership in managing and supporting Animal Department staff. Position also serves as Assistant Zoo Director and collaborates with Zoo Director on management/oversight of other PPZ departments and projects as assigned.
Principal Responsibilities:
Curator of Animals & Assistant Zoo Director, Prospect Park Zoo Prospect Park Zoo Director Animal Department Supervisor, Assistant Supervisors, and Veterinary Technician.
Manage all aspects of the Prospect Park Zoo Animal Department in accordance with WCS policies and standards.
Serve as the Assistant Zoo Director to lead, coordinate, and manage zoo-wide initiatives as assigned by the Zoo Director.
Maintain the Society's standards for excellence in animal care and management. Collaborate with the staff of the Zoological Health Program and other WCS animal departments to ensure the physical and psychological health and well-being of the animal collection.
Provide leadership in PPZ Collection Planning. Recommend acquisition/disposition of animals and coordinate with other WCS parks to integrate PPZ's animal collection plans into the WCS integrated collection plan to achieve overall Zoos & Aquarium division goals.
Provide leadership in hiring, training, and management of Animal Department staff. Aid in training staff in animal husbandry techniques and handling of dangerous animals.
Communication: Develop and implement methods to regularly disseminate information to Animal Department staff via orientation and training programs, regular department meetings, and other appropriate written or oral communication techniques. Develop and implement methods to provide regular feedback on job performance in an effort to foster and sustain open and effective communication.
Provide leadership for intern and volunteer activities within the department as part of our effort to provide training for potential future conservation/zoo & aquarium professionals.
Participate in and provide leadership to AZA cooperative management programs (e.g., SSP, TAG, SAFE, etc.) and collaborate with WCS Global Conservation and other conservation organizations as appropriate for the benefit of WCS Animal Programs and/or species conservation.
Communicate on a regular basis with internal and external colleagues from other zoological parks to gather or share information that will advance animal care at PPZ or other institutions.
Develop new exhibit ideas and suggest upgrades and improvements for existing exhibits. Participate as a member of exhibit design teams to insure that proposed animal facility designs meet animal and staff requirements. Lead and oversee acclimatization of animals to new or renovated exhibit facilities.
Communicate and actively collaborate with other departments that interact regularly with the Animal Department (e.g. Wildlife Health Center, Animal Management Services, other WCS Animal Departments, Operations and Maintenance, Security, Education, EGAD, Marketing and Public Relations, etc.).
Develop enrichment and behavioral husbandry training strategies for PPZ animals and work with the PPZ supervisors and keepers to implement approved plans. Collaborate with other WCS and outside colleagues to advance training & enrichment programs.
Provide leadership in ensuring that Prospect Park Zoo fully adheres to AZA Accreditation standards and meets or exceeds all USDA licensing and Animal Welfare Act provisions.
Lead and support zoo based research and disseminate results through professional and popular publications, presentations to professional and lay audiences, or other appropriate means.
Provide leadership in preparing and actively managing the Animal Department operating budget.
Prepare, or supervise the preparation of reports, records, data collection, and other miscellaneous paperwork in routine operation of the department or as requested by the Facility Director, Director of City Zoos, or EVP & General Director of Zoos & Aquarium.
Represent PPZ and WCS at professional conferences, meetings and with the media as directed by the PPZ Director, Director of City Zoos, and/or EVP & General Director of Zoos & Aquarium.
Work to actively promote the WCS mission.
Review staff performance to assure that established husbandry standards are met.
Enforce Prospect Park Zoo guest rules and regulations.
Aid the general public and provide information concerning the Prospect Park Zoo, visitor services, exhibits and the animal collection.
Represent WCS in a professional manner, establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with employees, colleagues, City and other government agencies, outside contractors, and the general public.
Actively support, advance, and uphold the Society's policies regarding Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Perform other related tasks and duties as required or assigned by the Zoo Director.
Qualification Requirements
Professional Requirements:
Advanced degree with a major in Biology, Zoology, Animal Science or related specialty and 3 years of relevant, supervisory experience. A candidate with a Bachelor's degree and minimum 5 years of relevant, supervisory level experience may be considered. Practical experience in managing an animal collection and animal care staff essential.
A demonstrated knowledge of the operation of a zoo, aquarium, or similar public facility is desired along with a willingness to learn new skills in zoo/aquarium management and leadership
The care and welfare of the animal collection is the highest priority. Must be the department's chief animal welfare advocate and possess strong ethical standards.
Demonstrated skill in scientific research is desirable. Should conduct and maintain a level of applicable science research and encourage the same pursuit with departmental staff. Should have published and possess the desire to continue doing so.
Individual should be dynamic, engaging, energetic, and capable of communicating effectively with large audiences or small groups. Person must be a team builder and encourage all staff to accept and participate in creating and maintaining the best quality of life for the animals in the collection through an integrated husbandry program.
Demonstrated leader who can clearly communicate expectations, make appropriate decisions, and will collaborate effectively with peers, supervisors, direct reports, and outside collaborators in order to further PPZ projects and initiatives.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite software and ZIMS Animal Record Keeping System is preferred.
Physical Requirements:
The position requires work in office environments as well as outdoor work in all weather conditions. Tasks require manual dexterity and ability to safely use tools (e.g. drill, wire cutters, computer keyboard) and operate equipment (e.g. animal crates, scales, LSS, incubators). Some tasks require climbing, kneeling, bending, navigating uneven terrain, and moderate lifting up to 50 pounds.
WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled
Salary Range
$95,000 - $110,000