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
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