Al Ain Zoo is seeking an experienced, motivated, hardworking Curator Birds and Reptiles to be part of a dedicated team of Animal Care Carnivores, and staff within the Animal Care Unit of Al Ain Zoo.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to work with over 4000 specimens of animals including carnivores, primates, ungulates, birds, and reptiles that are maintained in extensive habitat displays in the largest Zoo in the Middle East. Al Ain Zoo is a 1000 hectare wildlife experience with a focus on arid land wildlife conservation, education, animal management, veterinary care and visitor experience.

The Role:

This position is required to enhance the integrity of different functions within the assigned area. It is also required to enhance the proper planning and budgeting process for the department. The Curator’s role is also aiming to standardize work procedures and policies among different functions within the assigned area. The Curator performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that reflects Al Ain Zoo’s mission and vision of connecting people to wildlife, conservation. The Curator is responsible for and oversees all aspects of the safe care and handling of an assigned animal collection; contributes to collection strategic planning. This position will participate in the preparation of the departmental annual work plans and budget as well as policies relevant to the assigned area of work.

Duties will include but not limited to:

• Supervise staff at the level designated by senior management.
• Develop and mentor progress of UAE National staff.
• Evaluates, adjusts and coordinates husbandry standards and techniques applied to an assigned animal collection according to a zoo master plan.
• Plans, oversees, directs implementation and coordination of animal husbandry programs, reproduction, neonatal care, introductions, moves, restraints and shipments; regularly inspects and observes assigned collection for overall health and welfare.
• Ensures dietary requirements of the assigned collection are met and fulfilled.
• Discusses morbidity and mortality with veterinary and pathology staff.
• Manages and evaluates the performance of animal supervisory staff as assigned.
• Oversees and participates in the preparation and maintenance of a variety of collection records required for collection management.
• Assures the meeting of legal requirements in collection management as well as domestic and international shipping of animals; develops new techniques as required to meet animal shipment regulations; may assist in the acquisition of permits.
• Maintains a variety of contacts in order to respond to inquiries and requests and to effectively coordinate collection maintenance and management activities.
• Assures effective organizational communication and team building, provides specialized training relative to collection husbandry.
• Resolves problems and complaints referred by teams and staff including conflicts in priority and across the organization.

Executes, and under direction may implement, animal sales, loans, purchases according to Al Ain Zoo master plan.

• Assures use of appropriate animal handling, shipment, management and training methodologies for the collection, assures appropriate training of staff in techniques of animal management and transfer.
• Participates in studbook updates and committees.
• Participates in exhibit and facility planning, research and design.
• Recommends exhibit design relative to management and husbandry requirements of species to be incorporated.
• Recommends signage and graphics.
• Prepares and makes presentations.
• Conducts special tours as required.
• Assures assigned animal collection operations comply with established protocols, professional standards and government regulations.
• Adheres to the organization’s policies and practices.
• Exemplifies the highest standard of work ethics.
• Ensure proper training and capacity building for senior keepers and keepers is on-going.
• Any other relevant duties as directed by the line manager.
• Follow all ZAPIA EHS policies and procedures

The position is full-time, working 5 days per week and will include weekends and public holidays. Applicants should be physically fit and able to work outdoors in challenging conditions and be culturally sensitive.

Qualifications and experience required

Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, or another related field with 5 – 7  years of working experience

Working experience with exotic animals (mammals, birds and reptiles), as well as working experience with Birds and Reptiles as a Curator.

To Apply:

Applicants should send their full, updated CV and covering letter to:

Recruitment@alainzoo.ae