Curator of Primates
Hiring Organization:
San Diego Zoo
Date Posted:
2008-04-25
Position Description:
(Non-union exempt position) salary is commensurate with experience.
PRIMARY PURPOSE
The Curator of Primates performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that reflects the Zoological Society’s mission and vision of connecting people to wildlife and conservation. The Curator of Primates is responsible for proper management and maintenance of the primate portion of the mammal collection regardless of location; participation in development of strategic plans for the primate collection and manages assigned professional and support staff in various related activities. This position reports to the Zoo Director.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Evaluates and coordinates strategic aspects of the primate portion of the mammal collection in accordance to the zoological collection master plan
Participates in the development of a Society zoological collection plan for primates
Provides complex interpretation of collection policies and procedure
Recommends related policies, procedure and standards
Manages professional and support staff as assigned
Assures, oversees and participates in the preparation and maintenance of collection records
Consults with curatorial, animal care, behavioral, pathology, research and veterinary staff and other zoos regarding collection
Assures effective organizational communication and teambuilding
Resolves problems and complaints referred by teams and staff including conflicts in priority and across the organization
Directs and implements primate sales, loans, trades and purchases as well as other types acquisitions according to a zoological collection master plan
Assures obtaining proper permits and comply with other legal requirements in domestic and international shipping as well as maintenance of primates in the collection
Participates in AZA, SSP’s and TAG’s, studbooks and committees as required
Participates in exhibit and facility planning, research and design
Participates with the Interpretive team in the development of signage and graphics
Maintains a variety of contacts in order to respond to inquiries and requests and to effectively coordinate activities
Maintains a functional knowledge of all mammal collection activities in order to support general collection activities as needed
Prepares and makes presentations
Assures assigned mammal/primates collection operations comply with established protocol, professional standards, and government regulations
Develop, administer and monitors assigned budgets
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Represents the Society in a wide variety of internal and external settings as determined by the Society’s strategic plan and strategic need; develops the primate portion of the Society’s collection plan in collaboration with other curators, Collection Division, Veterinary Services and CRES; coordinates primate collection activities at both the Zoo and Wild Animal Park; communicates needs of the primate collection; oversees and guides assigned staff in the management of primate collection needs; participates in the preparation and maintenance of primate/mammal collection records; reviews and comments on related legislation; guides and directs the development and training of professional animal care staff for primates; guides the development of and recommends budget needs for the primate collection; maintains Federal registration and necessary facilities, in collaboration with Veterinary Services, to allow importation of non-human primates; participates in Director Team activities as may be required; Develops articles for publication; implements, oversees and conducts special and conservation projects for primates or as assigned.
ANCILLARY FUNCTIONS
Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.
Qualifications/Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree in biological or natural sciences or a related field or equivalent specialized training; at least five years experience in zoo/exotic animal management with emphasis on non-human primates; at least five years experience in the supervision and management of personnel working with non-human primates; experience in domestic and international travel is desirable; acquire valid California driver license.
Knowledge of:
Hands-on animal care management experience with non-human primates
Personnel supervision
Non-human primate taxonomy and relationships
Non-human primate field study work is desirable.
Ability to:
Manage staff; and work effectively with others
Communicate effectively
Develop, administer, and monitor budgets
Use computers, the internet and database systems
Prepare and make presentations
Travel domestically and internationally
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Exposure to outdoors in varying weather conditions; harsh field conditions; office environments; Extensive use of computers and electronic communication tools.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Lift moderate weight typical of an office environment; field-work lift or manipulate heavier items; frequent walking, standing, and bending; domestic and international travel required.
EOE
SOME EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON PASSING PRE-PLACEMENT PHYSICAL.
ALL EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON PASSING A DRUG SCREEN.
Salary/funding:
$59,654.40
Support
provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
call with questions.
Term of Appointment:
Long term.
Application Deadline:
DEADLINE: May 22, 2008
Comments:
All applicants must apply online:
to the link.
Telephone Number:
619-231-1515 X4405
Website:
http://www.sandiegozoo.org
E-mail Address:
rmendoza@sandiegozoo.org
Questions and Comments
Questions about a specific job listing should be directed to the
contact person listed for that job. Questions and comments about using
the Primate-Jobs web site can be directed to Ray Hamel, Special
Collections/Reference Librarian, at
hamel@primate.wisc.edu or (608) 263-3512.
