Posted: 7/2/2026
Salary: $58,000/yr
As a member of Team Riverbanks, it is essential to understand that all areas of the Zoo and Garden are interlocked and dependent on one another. The Curator of Mammals directs and oversees the activities of a sub-section of the mammal department to ensure and promote effective and efficient care and welfare of the department’s animal collection. A successful candidate for this position will enjoy working within a collaborative environment and be a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority. As a member of Riverbanks’ leadership team, it is necessary to promote and maintain a positive working environment while effectively interacting and communicating with staff, employees, volunteers, and various external groups. This position will report directly to the Vice President of Animal Care.
Essential Functions:
- Partner with the other Curator of Mammals to coordinate daily activities of the department through effective communication with the Vice President of Animal Care, Curator of Behavioral Husbandry, Animal Supervisors, Keepers, and Volunteers.
- Oversees and ensures the proper care and welfare of the department's animal collection to include the preparation and administration of diets, medical care, and the design, development and maintenance of animal exhibits, building equipment and mechanical systems.
- Assures team compliance on accurate record keeping, training documentation, enrichment tracking and evaluation, and medication delivery and documentation.
- Initiates and oversees viable managed breeding, husbandry and conservation programs for species in the department's collection, in collaboration with relevant Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) population management programs.
- Communicates with the Veterinarians to ensure optimal healthcare for the animal collection and assists with medical procedures and examinations, as necessary.
- In partnership with the Registrar, responsible for the acquisition and disposition of specimens and planning and implementing various habitat improvements.
- Supervises department personnel, hires and trains staff, responsible for scheduling oversight, payroll/time keeping, and performance management.
- Develops a continuous improvement plan for the department as well as each staff member, focusing on enhancing team skill set and productivity. Ensures that Supervisors and Keepers are given ample feedback and are rewarded for success and understand areas of needed improvement.
- Interacts with guests and provides informal and programmed educational information, relative to Zoo programs, husbandry, animal conservation, etc. Conducts tours and assists with public, media and interviews as requested.
- Writes both popular articles and peer-review technical articles for appropriate professional and popular publications.
- Participates in relevant Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs). Leadership role(s) in AZA conservation and science committees/activities is encouraged.
- Analyzes and prepares a variety of reports/forms, billing invoices, and general correspondence. Manages all departmental purchases and the department budget, and compiles budget data.
Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree required (in one of the Biological Sciences preferred) with a minimum of five years of experience working with exotic animal husbandry at an accredited AZA institution or related facility. Minimum of three years of management/supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The ideal candidate will have a broad range of experience managing mammal collections in a professional setting. Specific experience with small primates is preferred. Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously and possess thorough knowledge of current computer applications to include MS Office Suite and ZIMS. possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.
We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about animal conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.
