General Curator
Listed on 2026-03-07
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Management
Program / Project Manager, Healthcare Management, Environmental Manager
Caldwell Zoo General Curator Job Summary
The General Curator provides strategic and operational leadership for Caldwell Zoo’s Animal Services department. Reporting to the President & CEO, this role partners closely with senior leadership to ensure interdepartmental alignment, efficient use of resources, and integration of animal care priorities across the organization.
The General Curator oversees animal care, commissary, and veterinary operations (excluding the Staff Veterinarian) and manages all aspects of the animal collection, including husbandry, welfare, health, compliance, enrichment, training, accreditation, exhibit design, research, nutrition, and sustainability. This leader drives innovation, fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence, and ensures the Zoo’s mission to connect people with wildlife is reflected throughout animal operations.
Job Duties / ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Oversight
Provide leadership and oversight for all animal care operations, including animal husbandry, veterinary services, welfare, behavior management, and nutrition.
Lead the implementation of progressive animal care, training, and enrichment programs that exceed AZA accreditation standards.
Actively contribute to the Zoo’s long-term planning, exhibit design, and capital improvement strategies.
Manage the development of departmental goals aligned with the Zoo’s mission, values, and strategic plan.
Effectively integrate animal training, behavior management, and welfare priorities into improvements to the guest experience and building community connections.
Promote a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
Animal Collection & Welfare
Provide oversight and direction for the management of the animal collection, including acquisition, disposition, collection planning, and husbandry.
Serve as chair of the Animal Welfare Committee.
Promote scientific evaluation of behavior and the use of data to guide training, enrichment, and welfare programs.
Staff Supervision & Development
Provide supervision, training, mentorship, and evaluations for direct reports including Curators, Commissary Manager, Vet Services Manager, Registrar, and Swing Keepers.
Build a collaborative, empowered, and accountable team.
Guest Engagement & Exhibit Planning
Ensure animal-related guest experiences are safe, inspiring, and aligned with the Zoo’s mission.
Foster a collaborative, team-oriented approach to planning and implementation of interactive animal related guest engagement opportunities and programs.
Participate in exhibit planning, construction, and modifications, emphasizing animal welfare, engagement, and sustainability.
Emergency Response & Safety
Serve as incident commander for animal-related emergencies.
Work with the CFO in the development and execution of emergency response protocols and drills.
Provide accountability in all animal areas in maintaining proper safety protocols.
Compliance, Documentation, and Accreditation
Oversee all animal care, training, and enrichment documentation, as well as local, state, and federal permits and regulatory records.
Ensure compliance with AZA and USDA standards and participate in the accreditation process.
Budget & Operational Planning
Develop and manage the Animal Services budget, including capital requests and purchasing.
Ensure fiscal responsibility, cost containment, and adherence to procurement procedures.
Analyze operational metrics and contribute to organizational planning and continuous improvement.
Professional Representation & Conservation Support
Represent the Zoo at AZA conferences, inter-zoo committees, and professional forums.
Serve as the Institutional Liaison for AZA animal programs.
Actively support and encourage staff participation in AZA programs and research.
Collaborate on the development and implementation of conservation-focused exhibits and guest education programs.
Foster relationships with external conservation partners, research institutions, and academic organizations.
How to ApplyIf you are interested in applying, please submit your cover letter and resume to Scott Maddox at smaddox.
Caldwell Zoo
PO Box 4785
Tyler, TX 75712
Phone:
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