Assistant / Associate Curator (Ectotherm Team)

About the Role

The Assistant / Associate Curator is the taxon expert responsible for the overall management, welfare, and wellbeing of the Ectotherm collection at the Akron Zoo. This position organizes, assigns, supervises, and evaluates the work of zookeepers caring for and exhibiting those animals, and provides leadership and oversight for the administrative and operational functions of both the Ectotherm and Carnivore teams.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to the Animal Care Department staff, including hiring, training, evaluation, recognition, professional development, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure compliance with all AZA standards and institutional policies and procedures.
• Provide resources to support the animal care team.
• Ensure compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
• Model servant leadership, demonstrate institutional/core values, and hold staff accountable.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with zoo staff, volunteers, patrons, vendors, colleagues, and the public.
• Collaborate with the Animal Behavior & Wellbeing Manager and/or veterinarians on behavioral concerns, enrichment, training plans, and medical/health issues.
• Partner with the Education Department to implement on‑grounds programming (e.g., Rise and Shine, Keeper Talks) that delivers exceptional educational experiences.
• Review documentation and ensure compliance with AZA standards of care; maintain procedures and servicing guidelines in accordance with USDA and AZA standards.
• Complete animal transfer and transition documentation for the Registrar and assist in coordinating animal moves between zoological institutions.
• Regularly inspect animal habitats for cleanliness, adequacy, containment, vegetation, etc., to evaluate zookeeper performance and maintenance needs; submit annual capital requests for habitat renovations.
• Ensure all required training for departmental staff is completed, including annual zoo safety training and drills, OSHA training, capture and restraint training, animal welfare and wellbeing training, medication administration, zoonosis training, and servicing guidelines/animal routines.
• Participate in breeding programs, including research, documentation, analysis, reporting, and staff training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences (biology, zoology, life science) or an Associate’s Degree with substantial experience in an AZA‑accredited zoo or aquarium.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience at an AZA facility in an animal care position.
• Previous supervisory experience highly desirable.
• Considerable knowledge of animal behavior, defense mechanisms, compatibility of different animals, physical capability and strength of animals, zoo safety practices, and toxic plants to animals.
• Supervisory/leadership responsibility for managing staffing, training, and performance evaluations of 5–10 direct reports.

Competencies, Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated independent, mature judgment.
• Ability to consistently maintain a professional image and demeanor.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to successfully build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse groups.
• Ability to successfully prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent ability to lead and/or serve on cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of current best practices in animal care, husbandry, and enrichment; ability to safely handle animals as appropriate.
• Use knowledge of species’ natural behaviors and habitats to guide husbandry practices, water quality, exhibit structure and design, environmental parameters, and filtration systems.
• Proficient skills in plumbing and LSS are strongly preferred.