Friday, March 15, 2019

General curator


General Curator



Rabat, Morocco

Period: 1 – 2 years, 2 years with possible extension
Proposed start date: As available
Application deadline: open until fulfilled

1-        BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Rabat Zoo opened in 2012 after 5 years of renovation. It is now a major destination providing a diversity of entertainments and leisure activities for the whole family.
In accordance with international standards, Rabat zoo was made on 35 ha to fit the new exhibition concepts of an open space. It is designed as 5 African biozones composed by replicas of African habitats, similar to the original environment of each species. There are some 2000 animals of exclusivity African fauna representing some 180 species.
A new vivarium is in the its final phases of construction and will be a shelter for more than 150 aphiles representing 40 species of reptiles and amphibians.
Besides entertainment and leisure, Rabat zoo has also the mission of education, research and conservation of endangered species. It hosts, as such, 22 threatened species in Morocco, 8 species subject to a reintroduction program among which 5 extinct species.

2- OVERALL JOB PURPOSE:
Reporting to Chief Operating Officer, the General Curator has responsibility for the husbandry and exhibition of the animal collection and leadership of keepers staff (about 40), and will serve as a prominent member of the senior leadership team at the Zoo. The objective is to drive innovation and excellence in animals care, develop an animal collection that supports the Zoo’s strategic goals.

3- POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
•        With zoo staff contributes to the safety of animals, agents and visitors.
•        Enriches exhibits as envisioned in the Zoo’s master plan.
•        Prepares and follows up the membership of the zoo to PAZAA, EAZA, WAZA and other zoological institutions.
•        Provides leadership to the Keeper staff in the daily management of the mammal/bird/amphibian and reptile collections.
•        Develops or reviews animal care SOP’s as necessary, including safety protocols.
•        Works collaboratively with Animal Health staff on treatment plans and preventive health programs.
•        Leads development and implementation of animal care program evaluation and of collection wellbeing assessment.
•        Working on emergency preparedness.
•        Oversees provision of content for interpretation of new and existing animal exhibits and short-term needs.
•        Prepares and has responsibility for the annual budget for the department to be submitted and approved by the administration.
•        May develop, conduct or supervise research in animal husbandry and management.
•        Works closely with VP of Conservation and Education to ensure effective integration of the conservation and education programs with the animal collection and alignment of collection practices.
•        Represents the department on the Zoo’s senior leadership team. Participates in the Duty Officer rotation, including weekend assignments.
•        Participates in, supports and ensures support of key initiatives based in other departments, including public relations and marketing efforts, donor cultivation and guest experience enhancement.
•        Develops improved animal management and husbandry protocols using a participatory approach, and building on the work that has already been achieved by previous captive wild animal management experts; including the development and implementation of enrichment calendars, feeding calendars to ensure varied and appropriate/adequate diets, and enclosure modifications.
•        Provides staff training on animal management and husbandry to improve captive animal welfare.
•        Ensures agreed changes are understood by the staff and can be implemented beyond the scope or the programme.
•        Advises on how modifications to existing buildings/enclosures can be made inexpensively/how existing buildings can be best used to improve welfare.
•        Supports zoo senior management and stakeholders in the development of a suitable master plan for the facility.

4- EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL SET:
•        Degree in biology, veterinary or a related field.
•        Minimum three years of experience in an EAZA-accredited zoological park or equivalent.
•        Experience overseeing curatorial or other animal supervisory staff strongly preferred.
•        Advanced working knowledge of welfare, husbandry, handling, exhibit design and population management for captive mammals/birds/amphibians and reptiles.
•        Ability to design and conduct Zoo-related research and/or conservation work.
•        Experience supervising the process of membership of WAZA, PAZAA or EAZA.

5- COSTS:
•        Travel costs to and from Rabat / Morocco must be met by you.
•        Accommodation provided at the zoo. If not willing so, accommodation costs must be met by you.
•        Languages: French / English (writing and verbal skills).
•        Net salary :   2000 € (paid in Dhs).

6- Contact

•        Email address: slimani@rabatzoo.ma



photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

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