Curator of Collections Management

Position Title: Curator of Collections Management

Department: Husbandry

Reports To: General Curator

Location: Zoo

General Summary

This position oversees the Animal Records Department. This Department provides oversight for insuring that Audubon and AZA standards regarding animal acquisitions/dispositions are maintained, provides input on aspects of the management and husbandry of the animal collections, generates and maintains the Zoo’s Animal Department permits, policies and procedures, provides training for Staff in regard to records, maintains the Zoo’s animal records systems, provides data on the animal collection to internal and external inquiries, is the primary ZIMS/Species 360 liaison. This Department holds itself to a high standard of excellence and this position is the leader for upholding/advancing this directive.

Candidate must have excellent computer, written/oral skills, attention to detail, talent for good organization and project management, willingness and ability to work both independently and in a team situation, able to complete tasks without supervision, ability to multitask or move comfortably between tasks and a dedication to excellence in their work.

To deliver on the Audubon mission, the Curator of Collections Management will:

Provide a guest experience of outstanding quality.

• Will always reply to inquiries in a pleasant and helpful manner
• Will answer inquires in a timely manner and represent Audubon well in interactions with other facilities, legal agencies, etc.
  
  

Enhance the care and survival of wildlife through research and conservation.

• Responsible for the Animal Department acquisition/disposition process-generates needed documents, ensures compliance with needed permits, regulations, etc. Works with Hospital staff, Curators and Vendor facility staff to insure incoming/outgoing animal transactions are completed in a professional manner
• Applies for, maintains and provides annual reports for required permits for the animal collection
• Trains staff on data collection, acquisitions and dispositions, regulations and collection management
• Transcribes Section daily reports into ZIMS/Species 360 records, overseeing accuracy of data on reports, etc.
• Submits Audubon data to ZIMS/Species 360 in a consistent, timely manner
• Maintains internal filing systems – to ensure that documents and files on the collection are complete, current, accessible and secure for both the current and historical animal collection
• Provides data on the collection to questions from internal and external sources, oversees that dissemination of Audubon internal documentation adheres to Audubon policies
• Provides input to Staff regarding genetic makeup of collection by maintaining pedigrees of individuals
• Actively seeks new/better ways to update our animal collection data collection/maintenance/dissemination practices
  
  

Operate a financially self-sufficient collection of museums and parks.

• Oversees the Registrars’ Department budget needs, submitting needs to General Curator
  
  

The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

To deliver on the Audubon service promise, the Curator of Collections Management will:

Welcome

• Make eye contact with every customer encounter, smile at every person, offer friendly phrases and greetings.
• Wear identification badge.
• Walk individual to destination instead of pointing; offer assistance to people who look confused.
• Assume ownership of potential safety hazards (wipe-up spill, pick up trash). Always have the camera-ready look.
  
  

Share

• Maintain positive attitude, pleasant tone of voice (remember it is not what you say, but how you say it).
• Co-workers are to be coached on service expectations.
• Utilize the power of teamwork to give excellent service.
• Know when to involve management.
  
  

Inspire

• Know the answers to questions or seek out the answers.
• Utilize proper phone etiquette (answer phone within three rings, smile before answering call, ask for permission and wait for response before placing caller on hold).
• Ensure work area is free of food, drink, socialization, and personal business.
• Follow Dress Code Policy on clothing and grooming.
• Keep unpleasant concerns behind closed doors (vent backstage).
  
  

Supervision: The positions of (1) Full-time Associate Registrar and (1) Part-time Associate Registrar

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years zoological registrar experience with duties approximating those listed in this job description, preferably in a supervisory position
  
  

Education

• 4-year college degree in biology or related field
• *Experience or attendance at AZA Institutional Records Keeping courses may be substituted for degree if considered of equal value in depth of knowledge of the position duties
  
  

Licensure/Certification

• Must maintain a valid LA driver’s license – (may go to ACRES, Aquarium, etc.)
  
  

Software Requirements

• Sound knowledge of computers and experience/knowledge of, ARKS4, ZIMS, current common office programs such as Excel, etc.
  
  

Machinery/Tools/Equipment Requirements

• Must have the ability to use mobile devices, computer, fax, scanner, phone and copy machine.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Work mostly sedentary, but may walk between offices in different buildings
  
  

Environmental/Working Conditions

• Will work both with co-workers or alone; may go between buildings with varying office temperatures.