Assistant Curator of Animals

JOB DESCRIPTION

Lucky Ladd Farms is an award winning agritourism destination with a growing animal program that includes domesticated and exotic hoofstock, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates. We combine a busy guest facing farm park with a professional animal care operation and are actively working toward ZAA accreditation.

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Curator of Animals / Animal Care Manager to help lead our animal program to the next level.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced professional who wants to...

• Take primary responsibility for day to day animal operations at a growing facility
• Build and mentor a team of keepers, educators, and seasonal animal encounter staff
• Lead USDA / TWRA compliance and be the point person for ZAA accreditation
• Shape and implement high standards of welfare, husbandry, training, and guest interaction

You will report directly to the Owner & Operations Manager and serve as the top operational leader for all animal care on site.

The role is roughly 60% leadership/administration and 40% hands-on work in the field.

YOUR ROLE ON OUR TEAM:

Lead the Animal Care Team

• Supervise up to 10 keepers and ~20 seasonal animal encounter staff
• Handle hiring, scheduling, onboarding, performance reviews, and coaching
• Build a positive, accountable, welfare focused team culture

Own Daily Animal Operations

• Oversee husbandry for a mixed collection of domestics and exotics
• Ensure consistent standards for feeding, cleaning, sanitation, and environmental control
• Conduct regular rounds to check welfare, safety, and enclosure conditions

Drive Compliance & Accreditation

• Serve as primary point of contact for USDA and TWRA
• Lead preparation and documentation for inspections
• Coordinate animal related components of ZAA accreditation with the Owner

Elevate Welfare, Training, & Enrichment

• Design and oversee positive reinforcement training programs for priority species
• Lead preparation and documentation for inspections
• Train staff to implement and document enrichment and training effectively

Manage Records & Systems

• Use AnimalCare software to maintain accurate animal records
• Implement and oversee logs, checklists, and schedules for feeding, cleaning, and enrichment
• Oversee inventory and proper storage of feed, bedding, supplements, and medications

Enhance Guest Experience & Education

• Oversee all guest facing animal encounters (petting barns, aviary, pony rides, wildlife trail, etc.)
• Train staff to deliver safe, engaging animal interactions and keeper talks
• Ensure guest programs align with welfare, safety, and educational goals

Lead in Emergencies

• Serve as the primary on call contact for animal emergencies after hours (rotation)
• Help design and run emergency response drills for staff

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in zoology, animal science, biology, wildlife management, or related field; or 8+ years experience in zoological setting
• 6+ years of progressive experience in zoological/animal care settings
• 4+ years at an AZA, ZAA, or equivalent type accredited zoological facility
• 2+ years supervisory/leadership experience (Lead Keeper, Supervisor, Assistant Curator, etc.)

Strong working knowledge of:

• USDA licensing requirements
• State wildlife regulations (ex., TWRA or similar) requirements

Demonstrated experience working with:

• Domesticated and exotic hoofstock
• Small mammals
• Reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates

Proven skills in:

• Operant conditioning / behavioral training
• Designing and running enrichment programs
• Coaching and holding staff to clear standards
• High degree of organization, attention to detail, and follow through
• Comfortable interacting with guests and speaking to groups
• Proficient with basic office software; familiarity with AnimalCare or similar software preferred
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 lbs, standing on your feet for extended periods of time, bending, stooping, and extending oneself
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Valid driver's license
• Willing and able to work a variable swing schedule, including weekends and holidays
• Proof of current rabies vaccination, or willingness to be vaccinated, at LLF expense.

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR TEAM:

• Competitive annual salary based on experience starting at $50,000
• 401(k) with match
• Medical Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Paid Professional Development
• Free meal when you work a 6+ hour shift
• Unlimited admission for you and 5 guests
• Discounts on dining and merchandise
• Annual team member appreciation event
• Employee referral bonus program
• Work shirt, work boots, and name badge provided

SCHEDULE:

• Full time, salaried leadership position
• Regular weekend and holiday work required
• On call rotation for after hours animal emergencies

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Experience:

• supervisory: 2 years (Required)
• progressive animal care in an AZA, ZAA, or accredited zoo: 6 years (Required)

Work Location: In person