Association Of Zoos & Aquariums
Assistant Curator, Mammals-Africa (Full-Time)
Association Of Zoos & Aquariums, Jacksonville, Florida, United States, 32290
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Oversee the daily care and welfare of safety-sensitive and diverse species, ensuring exceptional husbandry, enrichment, behavioral health, and social management.
Partner with Veterinary team to monitor health, implement medical protocols, and optimize animal wellbeing.
Implement and enforce safety, biosecurity, and emergency response protocols for both staff and animals.
Lead behavioral management programs to reduce stress and risk, ensuring species-appropriate training and enrichment strategies.
People Leadership & Performance Management Lead, mentor, and develop animal care staff, volunteers, and interns, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive team.
Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing performance evaluation to promote professional growth.
Communication & Influence Collaborate across departments, providing clear updates and guidance to staff, veterinary teams, and operations personnel.
Represent the organization professionally during guest interactions, educational talks, tours, and community engagement activities.
Safety, Compliance & Decision-Making Ensure strict adherence to institutional and regulatory standards, including documentation, reporting, and accreditation requirements.
Exercise sound judgment in high-pressure or emergency situations, making decisions that prioritize safety, welfare, and operational continuity.
Strategic Thinking & Organizational Impact Participate in programs, TaxonAdvisory Groups (TAGS), Species Survival Plan (SSPs), studbooks, and Managed Animal Plans (MAP).
Contribute to long-term collection planning, operational improvements, and conservation priorities, aligning daily work with organizational goals and sustainability.
What you bring… Ability to work a schedule of
Tuesday–Saturday
or as operational needs require.
Professional Experience 5 years of professional animal care experience in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife setting, preferably across a multi-taxa collection, with progressive responsibility in husbandry, enrichment, social management, and participation in AZA programs or conservation initiatives.
2+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience, including mentoring, staff development, scheduling, and performance management in safety-sensitive or restricted-contact environments.
Demonstrated experience working safely with moderate-risk and/or safety-sensitive species, with the ability to assess hazards and respond calmly in high-pressure or emergency situations.
Experience collaborating with veterinary, behavior, and welfare teams on social introductions, transfers, medical procedures, or habitat access coordination.
Proven ability to adhere to institutional safety, biosecurity, and emergency protocols while working with species.
Proficient knowledge of species-specific husbandry, enrichment, and behavioral management techniques.
Experience maintaining compliance with
USDA, FWC, OSHA, AZA, and institutional standards , including safety, biosecurity, and established animal care protocols.
Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and willing to learn new systems (e.g., Paycom, Paycor, PaperSave).
Proficient using
ZIMS
or comparable animal records systems.
A combination of education and experience may be considered. Candidates without a formal degree may qualify through
extensive, progressively responsible experience
in animal care and staff leadership.
Pre‑Employment Requirements Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings prior to their start date. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory to ensure the safety of staff, animals, and visitors. These include:
Verification of professional references.
Employment history verification.
Criminal background check.
5‑panel drug test.
Non‑DOT physical examination.
Proof of a current negative tuberculosis (TB) test.
Documentation of required vaccinations, including rabies vaccination or titer.
Education & Experience Highlights Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Behavior, Conservation Science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating progressive responsibility in animal care.
8+ years of experience overseeing or supporting team operations for large, socially complex hoofstock and pachyderm species such as elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, bongo, kudu, or warthogs, including behavioral observation, social group management, and risk mitigation in protected- or restricted-contact environments.
Understanding of physical force potential of large animals; maintaining safe distances and following protected/restricted contact procedures.
Experience managing budgets, resources, schedules, or operational projects.
Demonstrated leadership and professional involvement, including mentoring and developing staff, supporting volunteers or interns, and participating in SSPs, TAGs, MAPs, or studbook programs.
Physical Requirements All duties must be performed in accordance with institutional safety, biosecurity, and operational protocols.
Work in close proximity to multiple species, including large, socially complex, moderate-risk, or safety-sensitive animals, and perform tasks such as lifting, restraining, or safely interacting with animals.
Consistently adhere to safety and biosecurity protocols, including protected/restricted contact procedures, emergency response procedures, and species-specific handling guidelines.
Ability to remain standing or sitting for extended periods during animal care, observations, training, or administrative duties.
Hand‑eye coordination and fine motor skills required for grasping, turning, manipulating, or distributing objects of varying size and weight, including feed, enrichment items, bedding, medical equipment, and tools.
Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs safely.
Ability to climb ladders, access elevated platforms, and maneuver safely in confined or elevated enclosures, aviaries, or aquatic habitats.
Ability to respond quickly to emergencies, including handling animals, equipment, or hazardous conditions while maintaining team and animal safety.
Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach to perform husbandry, cleaning, enrichment, or animal handling tasks.
Visual acuity to read, write, monitor animal behavior, and observe environmental cues.
Auditory acuity to hear and respond to verbal commands, team communications, alarms, and animal vocalizations for safe animal care and emergency response.
Ability to operate motorized carts, trucks, and power tools safely in accordance with institutional policies.
Ability to work safely in indoor and outdoor environments, including varying weather, terrain, water access, and specialized habitats.
Ability to follow species-specific handling requirements, including restraint, enrichment, and training protocols, for the safety of staff, animals, and the public.
Work Conditions Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind.
Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases, and injuries from animals.
Irregular work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Exposure to hazards such as wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.
May require being on call for emergencies and may need to handle remote darting equipment or weapons.
Equal Opportunity Employment We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations. EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens are committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. Candidates are encouraged to request accommodation if needed during the application, interview, or employment process.
Compensation Compensation depends on education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities; $55k- $57k annually.
Contact Information Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens 370 Zoo Parkway Jacksonville, FL 32218 Phone: 904‑757‑4463
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Partner with Veterinary team to monitor health, implement medical protocols, and optimize animal wellbeing.
Implement and enforce safety, biosecurity, and emergency response protocols for both staff and animals.
Lead behavioral management programs to reduce stress and risk, ensuring species-appropriate training and enrichment strategies.
People Leadership & Performance Management Lead, mentor, and develop animal care staff, volunteers, and interns, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive team.
Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and ongoing performance evaluation to promote professional growth.
Communication & Influence Collaborate across departments, providing clear updates and guidance to staff, veterinary teams, and operations personnel.
Represent the organization professionally during guest interactions, educational talks, tours, and community engagement activities.
Safety, Compliance & Decision-Making Ensure strict adherence to institutional and regulatory standards, including documentation, reporting, and accreditation requirements.
Exercise sound judgment in high-pressure or emergency situations, making decisions that prioritize safety, welfare, and operational continuity.
Strategic Thinking & Organizational Impact Participate in programs, TaxonAdvisory Groups (TAGS), Species Survival Plan (SSPs), studbooks, and Managed Animal Plans (MAP).
Contribute to long-term collection planning, operational improvements, and conservation priorities, aligning daily work with organizational goals and sustainability.
What you bring… Ability to work a schedule of
Tuesday–Saturday
or as operational needs require.
Professional Experience 5 years of professional animal care experience in a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife setting, preferably across a multi-taxa collection, with progressive responsibility in husbandry, enrichment, social management, and participation in AZA programs or conservation initiatives.
2+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience, including mentoring, staff development, scheduling, and performance management in safety-sensitive or restricted-contact environments.
Demonstrated experience working safely with moderate-risk and/or safety-sensitive species, with the ability to assess hazards and respond calmly in high-pressure or emergency situations.
Experience collaborating with veterinary, behavior, and welfare teams on social introductions, transfers, medical procedures, or habitat access coordination.
Proven ability to adhere to institutional safety, biosecurity, and emergency protocols while working with species.
Proficient knowledge of species-specific husbandry, enrichment, and behavioral management techniques.
Experience maintaining compliance with
USDA, FWC, OSHA, AZA, and institutional standards , including safety, biosecurity, and established animal care protocols.
Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and willing to learn new systems (e.g., Paycom, Paycor, PaperSave).
Proficient using
ZIMS
or comparable animal records systems.
A combination of education and experience may be considered. Candidates without a formal degree may qualify through
extensive, progressively responsible experience
in animal care and staff leadership.
Pre‑Employment Requirements Candidates selected for this position must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings prior to their start date. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory to ensure the safety of staff, animals, and visitors. These include:
Verification of professional references.
Employment history verification.
Criminal background check.
5‑panel drug test.
Non‑DOT physical examination.
Proof of a current negative tuberculosis (TB) test.
Documentation of required vaccinations, including rabies vaccination or titer.
Education & Experience Highlights Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Behavior, Conservation Science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating progressive responsibility in animal care.
8+ years of experience overseeing or supporting team operations for large, socially complex hoofstock and pachyderm species such as elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, bongo, kudu, or warthogs, including behavioral observation, social group management, and risk mitigation in protected- or restricted-contact environments.
Understanding of physical force potential of large animals; maintaining safe distances and following protected/restricted contact procedures.
Experience managing budgets, resources, schedules, or operational projects.
Demonstrated leadership and professional involvement, including mentoring and developing staff, supporting volunteers or interns, and participating in SSPs, TAGs, MAPs, or studbook programs.
Physical Requirements All duties must be performed in accordance with institutional safety, biosecurity, and operational protocols.
Work in close proximity to multiple species, including large, socially complex, moderate-risk, or safety-sensitive animals, and perform tasks such as lifting, restraining, or safely interacting with animals.
Consistently adhere to safety and biosecurity protocols, including protected/restricted contact procedures, emergency response procedures, and species-specific handling guidelines.
Ability to remain standing or sitting for extended periods during animal care, observations, training, or administrative duties.
Hand‑eye coordination and fine motor skills required for grasping, turning, manipulating, or distributing objects of varying size and weight, including feed, enrichment items, bedding, medical equipment, and tools.
Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs safely.
Ability to climb ladders, access elevated platforms, and maneuver safely in confined or elevated enclosures, aviaries, or aquatic habitats.
Ability to respond quickly to emergencies, including handling animals, equipment, or hazardous conditions while maintaining team and animal safety.
Ability to walk, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, and reach to perform husbandry, cleaning, enrichment, or animal handling tasks.
Visual acuity to read, write, monitor animal behavior, and observe environmental cues.
Auditory acuity to hear and respond to verbal commands, team communications, alarms, and animal vocalizations for safe animal care and emergency response.
Ability to operate motorized carts, trucks, and power tools safely in accordance with institutional policies.
Ability to work safely in indoor and outdoor environments, including varying weather, terrain, water access, and specialized habitats.
Ability to follow species-specific handling requirements, including restraint, enrichment, and training protocols, for the safety of staff, animals, and the public.
Work Conditions Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind.
Potential exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollen, etc.), bloodborne pathogens, zoonotic diseases, and injuries from animals.
Irregular work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Exposure to hazards such as wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.
May require being on call for emergencies and may need to handle remote darting equipment or weapons.
Equal Opportunity Employment We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations. EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE.
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens are committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. Candidates are encouraged to request accommodation if needed during the application, interview, or employment process.
Compensation Compensation depends on education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities; $55k- $57k annually.
Contact Information Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens 370 Zoo Parkway Jacksonville, FL 32218 Phone: 904‑757‑4463
#J-18808-Ljbffr