Assistant Curator of Animals (Full-Time)
JOB DESCRIPTION
Lucky Ladd Farms is an award-winning agritourism destination with a growing animal program that includes domesticated and exotic hoofstock, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates. We combine a busy guest-facing farm park with a professional animal care operation and are actively working toward ZAA accreditation.
We're looking for an experienced Assistant Curator of Animals / Animal Care Manager to help lead our animal program to the next level.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced professional who wants to...
- Take primary responsibility for day to day animal operations at a growing facility
- Build and mentor a team of keepers, educators, and seasonal animal encounter staff
- Lead USDA / TWRA compliance and be the point person for ZAA accreditation
- Shape and implement high standards of welfare, husbandry, training, and guest interaction
You will report directly to the Owner & Operations Manager and serve as the top operational leader for all animal care on site.
The role is roughly 60% leadership/administration and 40% hands-on work in the field.
YOUR ROLE ON OUR TEAM:
- Lead the Animal Care Team
- Supervise up to 10 keepers, 2-3 educators, and ~20 seasonal animal encounter staff
- Handle hiring, scheduling, on-boarding, performance reviews, and coaching
- Build a positive, accountable, welfare focused team culture
- Own Daily Animal Operations
- Oversee husbandry for a mixed collection of domestics and exotics
- Ensure consistent standards for feeding, cleaning, sanitation, and environmental control
- Conduct regular rounds to check welfare, safety, and enclosure conditions
- Drive Compliance & Accreditation
- Serve as primary point of contact for USDA and TWRA
- Lead preparation and documentation for inspections
- Coordinate animal related components of ZAA accreditation with the Owner
- Elevate Welfare, Training, & Enrichment
- Design and oversee positive reinforcement training programs for priority species
- Lead preparation and documentation for inspections
- Train staff to implement and document enrichment and training effectively
- Manage Records & Systems
- Use AnimalCare software to maintain accurate animal records
- Implement and oversee logs, checklists, and schedules for feeding, cleaning, and enrichment
- Oversee inventory and proper storage of feed, bedding, supplements, and medications
- Enhance Guest Experience & Education
- Oversee all guest facing animal encounters (petting barns, aviary, pony rides, wildlife trail, etc.)
- Train staff to deliver safe, engaging animal interactions and keeper talks
- Ensure guest programs align with welfare, safety, and educational goals
- Lead in Emergencies
- Serve as the primary on call contact for animal emergencies after hours (rotation)
- Help design and run emergency response drills for staff
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
- Bachelor's degree in zoology, animal science, biology, wildlife management, or related field
- 8+ years of progressive experience in zoological/animal care settings
- At least 6 years at an AZA or ZAA accredited facility (or equivalent standards)
- 2+ years supervisory/leadership experience (Lead Keeper, Supervisor, Assistant Curator, etc.)
- Strong working knowledge of:
- USDA licensing requirements
- State wildlife regulations (ex., TWRA or similar) requirements
- Demonstrated experience working with:
- Domesticated and exotic hoofstock
- Small mammals
- Reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates
- Proven skills in:
- Operant conditioning / behavioral training
- Designing and running enrichment programs
- Coaching and holding staff to clear standards
- High degree of organization, attention to detail, and follow through
- Comfortable interacting with guests and speaking to groups
- Proficient with basic office software; familiarity with AnimalCare or similar software preferred
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs, standing on your feet for extended periods of time, bending, stooping, and extending oneself
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Valid driver's license
- Proof of current rabies vaccination, or willingness to be vaccinated, at LLF expense.
BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM:
- Competitive annual salary based on experience starting at $50,000
- 401(k) with match
- Medical Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Life Insurance
- Paid Professional Development
- Free meal when you work a 6+ hour shift
- Unlimited admission for you and 5 guests
- Discounts on dining and merchandise
- Annual team member appreciation event
- Employee referral bonus program
- Work shirt, work boots, and name badge provided
SCHEDULE:
- Full time, salaried leadership position
- Regular weekend and holiday work required
- On call rotation for after hours animal emergencies
Employment offers for all positions may be contingent on the satisfactory results of a criminal background check and preemployment drug screen. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Lucky Ladd Farms does not discriminate in hiring or terms and conditions of employment because of an individual's race creed, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or national origin. Lucky Ladd Farms only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States.