Curator of Mammals

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Position Description

Position Title: Mammal Curator       

Department: Mammal

Supervisor: Vice President

Position Status: Full-Time, Salary (exempt)

The Nashville Zoo is excited to announce an exceptional opportunity for a driven and experienced Curator of Mammals to join our thriving team! Set against the backdrop of our expansive 188-acre facility, the Zoo is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with plans for continued growth in the coming years. Our recent accomplishments include captivating exhibits for spider monkeys and white rhinoceros in 2017, Andean bears and pudu in 2018, and the striking Sumatran tiger exhibit alongside a cutting-edge Animal Health Care Center in 2019. This year, we are proud to launch Leopard Forest, the first phase of our ambitious African exhibit, showcasing leopards and a variety of primates. Additionally, we are in the process of designing a Bornean orangutan habitat that will not only meet their physical needs but also empower them to flourish in a nurturing environment.

At the Nashville Zoo, joining our team means becoming part of a vibrant culture that truly values employee experience and development. Our leadership is devoted to creating a workplace that inspires and supports you, fostering enduring, trust-based relationships. We actively encourage positive interactions, champion community values, and prioritize open dialogue—because we recognize that your contributions matter.

Moreover, our commitment to global conservation initiatives sets us apart. We not only support vital in-situ projects worldwide but also empower our high-performing team members to make a difference on the ground. Our employees have successfully worked in diverse settings across Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Peru, and Brazil, playing an essential role in the preservation of endangered species.

This full-time, exempt position is more than just a career move—it’s your chance to thrive in a forward-thinking organization dedicated to growth and innovation. We provide a robust total compensation package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) plan with employer match, and numerous additional benefits, all designed to support your well-being and professional aspirations.

If you are ready to make a significant impact on wildlife conservation and be part of an inspiring team, the Nashville Zoo invites you to embark on this exciting journey with us. Your remarkable future starts here!

Company Overview:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Position Description:

This position is responsible for all aspects of management of the mammal department at Nashville Zoo.  Reporting directly to the Vice President, the Curator of Mammals will assist with animal acquisition, husbandry programs, daily exhibit maintenance, development & oversight of Keeper routines, animal enrichment, exhibit design, budget management, and staff selection, training, and development, related to the Mammal Department.  This position will also assist in reviewing and coordinating conservation and research programming pertaining to the Mammal Department.  As part of the Animal Management Team, you will have the opportunity to work closely with multiple departments within the Zoo, further highlighting the importance of this role.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Department Management

• Oversee and coordinate all components of the operation of the Mammal Department, including regular meetings with supervisory staff and site visits to department buildings and exhibits.
• Develops animal management protocols and is directly responsible for managing the growing mammal collection.
• Produce the Mammal Department’s collection plan, defining the rationale for taxa selection as part of the Nashville Zoo’s Institutional Collection Plan.
• As the Zoo expands, this position will play a pivotal role in the development of new exhibits, contributing creative ideas and implementing improvements to existing facilities.
• Assists in developing husbandry and enrichment programs for animals in the department’s care.
• Ensures compliance with all Zoo, USDA, AZA, and TWRA policies.
• Assists in developing the department’s annual budget and operates within budget parameters. Takes corrective action when necessary to ensure budgets are not exceeded, demonstrating a financial acumen.
• Manages company credit card and department spending to ensure charges are coded appropriately, within company policy, and paperwork submitted timely.
• Participate actively in scientific meetings, conferences, and workshops, and contribute to AZA population management programs (e.g., SAFE, SSP, TAG programs). This involvement ensures a continuous learning process and contributes to the field’s development. Author papers and present lectures on husbandry and conservation issues. Stays current on conservation and care developments of species under care.
• Interact with other zoological institutions and conservation organizations, fostering a collaborative environment and contributing to the progressive care, husbandry, and conservation of the species under the Curator’s care.

Personnel Management

• Monitors headcount and makes recommendations to maximize resource utilization.
• Ensures that the performance of all department personnel is reviewed regularly, and that new staff are selected and appropriately trained. Works closely with Area Supervisors and Leads to ensure that the department performs at appropriate levels daily.
• Take an active role in identifying and creating opportunities for staff growth and development, and support staff in taking advantage of these opportunities.
• Contribute to, enhance, and uphold the Nashville Zoo’s policies and other Core Values of the Zoo

External Relations

• Represents the Nashville Zoo before other zoos, conservation societies, professional and educational organizations, the media, and federal and state agencies to present the Zoo’s position on animal management and conservation issues in a well-informed, positive, and responsive manner.
• As appropriate, takes a leadership role in professional organizations.
• Writes articles and makes presentations to these bodies.
• Works with Development and Marketing and other staff, to provide technical input into educational programs and communications to the public.
• Assists the Zoo as requested by serving on Zoo-wide committees, teams, and task forces, and meeting with and touring special guests and visitors.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet the goals and mission of the Nashville Zoo.

Qualifications

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills including ability to give clear oral and written guidance to employees.
• Ability to manage a large and diverse staff.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Ability to obtain a valid Tennessee Driver's License and to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and other essential office equipment- working knowledge of Microsoft Office software is required.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage change as the organization grows.
• Excellent public speaking skills
• Ability to represent the organization publicly and to maintain professionalism in various situations.
• Thorough knowledge of training and care techniques with various species
• Basic understanding of blueprint/design drawings to review/ensure meets animal handling/care requirements.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Biology, or a related field or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum ten or more years’ experience and ongoing training in the collection, care and conservation of exotic animals required.
• Have knowledge of animal behavior, animal care and welfare, basic nutrition and health needs specifically relating to mammal taxa.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in a management capacity.

Physical Responsibilities:

• Work environment is a typical office setting; must be able to sit/stand for an extended time. Must be able to walk frequently throughout the zoo.
• Must be able to view a computer screen and type for extended periods of time.
• Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 25 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in temperatures ranging from below 20°F to above 90°F with high humidity.

Work Schedule:

Full-time position, averaging 40 hours per week.

Flexibility: Position may require flexibility in working hours to accommodate special events, emergencies, or animal care needs.

Benefits:

Nashville Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Programs, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, sick leave, long-term disability coverage, park discounts, and membership benefits.

Pre-employment requirements:

Nashville Zoo is an EEO Institution and a Drug Free Workplace.

At-will employment

Candidates for this position are required to submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.

Candidates for this position are subject to yearly Tuberculosis Screenings.