New 6/98

City of San José

ZOO CURATOR (FT) (6357)

Class Purpose
   Under general direction, supervises the care of zoo animals and the maintenance of zoo exhibits, enclosures, grounds, and service areas. Performs related work as required.

Typical Duties and Results (This is a single position classification and the examples given may not represent all the duties which may be performed.)

• Directs and coordinates veterinary health program, including records maintenance, preventive medicine, animal handling, capture, restraint, testing, and medication administration.
• Trains, assigns, and schedules zoo staff in the care of zoo animals.
• Assists Zoo Manager in supervising daily animal care operations.
• Oversees maintenance of animal records, animal transport, construction, repair, and maintenance of animal displays and habitats, including horticultural collection maintenance.
• Coordinates maintenance, improvements, and repairs using zoo staff, vendors, City staff, volunteers, and grounds workers/park maintenance staff.
• Provides staff training on animal handling, capture, restraint, testing, and medication administration to maintain animal health and well being.
• Supervises the ordering and maintenance of animal food, equipment, and other supply inventories.
• Makes recommendations on animal acquisition, disposition, habitat construction/reconstruction, and general zoo operations.
• Provides regularly scheduled reports on health, behavior, and changes in the zoo collection.
• Assesses, reports, and corrects animal maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff, visitors, and animal/plant collection.
• Complies with and enforces zoo safety standards.
• May provide support for the South Bay Zoological Society, zoo education program, and volunteer program.
• Provides information and responds to public inquiries regarding the animal collection.
• Interacts with the public and zoo volunteers answering questions and providing support, information, and direction as needed to maintain positive public relations.
• Responsible for daily operations in the absence of the Zoo Manager.
• Works weekends, evenings, and holidays during all climatic conditions as assigned.

Typical End Results Include
   Ensures that proper food, water, and other animal requirements are provided to maintain the health of the animal and plant collections; ensures proper maintenance of zoo facilities and exhibits; ensures the safe handling and care of zoo animals; ensures the health and safety of zoo animals.

Distinguishing Characteristics
   An employee in this class is responsible for the coordination of daily operations for the Happy Hollow Zoo. It differs from the next lower class of Senior Zoo Keeper in that incumbents of the latter class are supervised by this class, provide daily care for zoo animals, and lead others in animal care activities. It differs from the next higher class of Zoo Manager in that incumbents of the latter class manage all zoo activities including operations budget, fund-raising, coordinating with non-profit partner organization, and coordinating and planning exhibit design/repair.

Qualifications
   Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the care, nutrition, breeding, behavior, and safety precautions required for a wide variety of zoo and domestic animals.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision.
• Knowledge of the maintenance of zoo exhibits and facilities.
• Knowledge of zoo safety rules and regulations.
• Skill in detecting illness, injury, and other disorders in exotic species.
• Skill in the handling and restraint of a wide variety of zoo and domestic animals.
• Ability to train and supervise others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to enter animal areas and perform physical work (including lifting objects up to 50 lbs).
• Ability to work weekends, evenings and holidays during all climatic conditions.

Competency Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of animal training theory and applications.
• Knowledge of pertinent government and other regulations for maintenance of animals in captivity.
• Ability to prepare and present reports, using computerized applications.
• Ability to repair and maintain zoo equipment, animal habitats, and facilities.
• Ability to coordinate animal transportation using airlines, trucks, trailers, and other vehicles.
• Ability to set-up and maintain inventory control systems.

Education
   Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Zoology or a related field.

Experience
   Two (2) years experience in the care of zoo animals and working with public exhibits of diverse exotic animals, including one year of experience in a supervisory or lead capacity.

Acceptable Substitutions
   Experience in the care of zoo animals can substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. There is no substitution for the required year of supervision or lead experience.

Licenses/Certificates
   Possession of a valid State of California driver’s license may be required.

(New 6/98)
6357s000.doc