Zoo Curator - Large Mammals

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team.

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. 

Recruitment Range:   $57,983 - $74,160

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Knowledge of taxonomy, natural history, ecology, behavior, anatomy, physiology, captive care & management, and reproduction of animal species in collections managed or with very similar species preferred.

• Progressive work, supervisory, and collection management experience preferred

• Proven leadership, supervisory, and staff management skills preferred

• Experience working and managing elephants and completion of AZA Principles of Elephant Management I and II preferred

• Work schedule: 5 day work week, with availability to work weekends and holidays as required

• Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider.

• This position is designated as Essential/Mandatory and is required to work adverse weather events and may be called to work special events.

• Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program.

• Must have a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.

• Must serve as Curator on Duty, as Capture Coordinator/Rescue Coordinator, and be able to qualify and maintain marksmanship requirements to serve on Zoo’s Weapons team.

• Must have good physical agility, strength, vision, and hearing, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments. Such as walk, stand, see animals and habitats for observation and safety as well as hear animal's sounds, radio communication and emergency situations.

4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Zoology, Animal Husbandry, or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution

AND

four years progressive experience in zoological work in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience.

The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and guests.  The North Carolina Zoo mission is to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join in conserving the natural world.  This mission encompasses both domestic and international efforts, focusing on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and promoting environmental stewardship.

Learn more about the North Carolina Zoo: https://nczoo.org

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more. 

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application. 

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. 

Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. 

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System). 

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

North Carolina Zoo

4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

employment@dncr.nc.gov