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ASSIST CURATOR, LIVING ANIMAL COLLECTION
Job Title: ASSIST CURATOR, LIVING ANIMAL COLLECTION
Job Code: 1427
FLSA: E
Job Level: 12
Revised Date: 08/01/2022
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
The Duke Lemur Center (DLC) is part of Duke University, a Research I university. The DLC is a specialized center with a focus on non-invasive research, conservation breeding, education of students and the general public, and conservation work in Madagascar. The Assistant Curator will implement the Collection Plan developed by the Curator. Additionally, the Assistant Curator will oversee the day to day operations of the animal care program to ensure best practices in all aspects of animal care are maintained on a daily basis with every animal. The Assistant Curator will support DLC staff to ensure best practices in all aspects of animal care, research and management. The Assistant Curator will also be responsible for maintaining accountability with the animal care staff.
Work Performed
Lead by example, at all times, by demonstrating a positive attitude, assumption of positive intent with all co workers and an appreciation for team-based collaboration and success.
Maintain excellent communications and collaborations with all DLC departments.
Promote a spirit of teamwork, professionalism and enthusiasm among DLC staff.
Run morning meetings, coordinate tour, research, development departments requests for daily access needs to the colony, behind the scenes and NHEs.
Coordinate animal care departments daily activities with other departments.
Create animal care technician schedules and section coverage to ensure all operations are properly staffed.
Write annual reviews for animal care technicians (include input from Curator, CBM, and other departments as needed).
Ensure all supplies are ordered on a timely basis.
Ensure all financial transactions and required documentation are completed and submitted within the required time period.
Ensure all animal care records are current and completed with appropriate detail.
Implement tier program; work proactively with Curator and Director to modify and develop as needed.
Address performance issues with animal care technicians in a timely manner; carefully document all interactions, conversations, expectations and outcomes.
Work with Curator and Director when considering corrective action.
Assist animal care technicians with time management issues to ensure quality training sessions and enrichment on a daily basis.
Assist the Curator with the process to maintain and renew the DLCs certification as a related facility in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).
Assist Development Officer with fundraising efforts and proposals.
Contribute to scientific grant proposals at request of Director and other senior staff.
Travel relating to professional activities.
Identify opportunities to optimize animal care and welfare and minimize or eliminate stressful components of the animal care program.
Troubleshoot and manage any social issues and incompatibilities until a housing change or repairing needs to occur.
Help technicians prepare for breeding and birth season activities to maximize successful reproduction, infant survival and rearing of infants by dams while maintaining compatibility within social groups.
Implement animal moves within the DLC based on the ICP and breeding and transfer plans developed by the Curator.
Work closely with the primate technicians to oversee introductions on site, and to respond to issues in group social interactions.
Communicate regularly with other DLC departments: Operations, Husbandry, Veterinary, Research, Education & Tours, Animal Training/Student Projects, Development & Communication, particularly as colony management activities affect day-to-day/month-to-month access; identify strategies to support the goals of these departments when colony access is needed.
Management group dynamics when animals are brought to vet department. Identify abnormal behaviors that require additional resources.
Working with the Animal Welfare Committee, develop new animal husbandry and management protocols as needed.
Assist the Curator and Director with facilities development and maintenance, planning for emergencies (and conducting required emergency drills).
Work closely with Curator of Behavioral Management (CBM) to identify opportunities to utilize operant conditioning to promote voluntary cooperation with animal care, animal management, veterinary and research procedures.
Work collaboratively and proactively with the CBM to address: intros with behavioral challenges, behavioral management of infants separated or rejected from dam, the presence of behaviors of concern and/or managing protracted tension in groups.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
Experience
Minimum 3 years' experience supervising a team of animal care professionals plus 2 years' experience in animal collection management (some primate experience preferred) or equivalent experience.
Experience collaborating with AZA program (Taxon Advisory Groups, SSPs).
Skills
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
