Job Description

Join Our Team at The Living Desert – Animal Care Curator – Desert Wilds

Are you a passionate leader with a love for wildlife and a commitment to animal conservation? The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is looking for an Animal Care Curator to oversee our incredible Desert Wilds habitats! If you're ready to lead a dynamic team and make a lasting impact on animal care, this role is for you.

About the Role:
As the Animal Care Curator, you will lead and manage a dedicated team of animal care professionals who oversee a diverse range of species. You’ll be responsible for ensuring animals thrive in their habitats, implementing cutting-edge behavioral training and enrichment programs, and engaging guests in meaningful, inspiring experiences.

This leadership role requires a skilled communicator, an enthusiastic mentor, and a forward-thinking individual who thrives in a collaborative environment. You’ll support The Living Desert’s mission of desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the care and management of a diverse collection of species, including large carnivores, canid and avian species, reptiles including venomous snakes and lizards, the off public view small carnivore breeding center, and the diverse Australian Adventures.
• Lead a team consisting of Assistant Animal Care Curator, Animal Care Keepers, volunteers, and interns, inspiring them to provide exceptional animal care and guest experiences.
• Facilitate animal training programs and ensure positive behaviors are reinforced through operant conditioning.
• Create enriching experiences for each species, enhancing their natural behaviors in ways that engage guests and support conservation messaging.
• Collaborate with the Director of Animal Care and Health to establish goals for animal health, wellbeing, and breeding recommendations.
• Ensure the safety and security of staff, animals, and guests through strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Contribute to The Living Desert’s educational programs, presenting animal-related connections and behind-the-scenes tours for guests.
• Monitor and evaluate daily operations, helping to manage staff schedules and ensure high standards of cleanliness, care, and safety.

Requirements

Who We're Looking For:

• A strong leader with proven experience in animal care and supervisory roles, ideally with at least three years in a supervisory capacity in exotic animal care.
• A deep understanding of animal behavior and operant conditioning, with the ability to develop and implement training programs.
• A strong communicator, comfortable engaging with diverse audiences, from staff members to guests.
• Someone who embraces innovation, collaboration, and has a passion for zoo management, animal conservation, and public education.
• Familiarity with AZA accreditation standards and a commitment to maintaining the highest quality care for our animal residents.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Animal Science, or a related field is preferred, but experience can substitute for education requirements.

Why Work with Us?

• Meaningful Work: Contribute directly to The Living Desert’s mission to inspire, educate, and conserve.
• Leadership Opportunity: As a key member of our leadership team, you’ll have the chance to mentor and shape the next generation of animal care professionals.
• Impactful Community Engagement: Help connect guests with wildlife through unique, engaging animal encounters and educational presentations.
• A Thriving Environment Work in one of the most innovative zoos in the world, where desert conservation comes to life every day.

Ready to embark on this exciting leadership journey? Apply today and help us create a future where the deserts of the world thrive! The Living Desert is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Application Deadline Please visit the Living Desert website to fill out an online application at www.livingdesert.org for this position. Qualified candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references. The cover letter should include how you will be key in moving The Living Desert mission forward. Position will remain open until filled.