What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Zoo Curator position at San Bernardino County?
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is seeking a highly organized, efficient and professional leader to join the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Parks Districts team as the Assistant Zoo Curator. This key role supports the Zoo Curator in directing animal care and daily operations, while modeling excellence in staff leadership, animal welfare, and guest service. The Assistant Curator provides daily leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of zoo management. Working closely with the Zoo Curator, this position supervises, trains, and mentors a staff of approximately 14 employees and numerous volunteers to ensure consistent, high-quality animal care, guest experiences, and facility operations. The Assistant Curator manages the welfare of a diverse animal collection with a strong focus on behavioral enrichment and animal training programs, while ensuring the highest standards of animal wellness. This role also ensures full compliance with AZA accreditation standards and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. In addition, the Assistant Curator organizes and maintains accurate records, schedules, and reports using Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word; collaborates on exhibit design and conservation/education programming; and supports marketing initiatives to enhance the zoo’s mission and community presence
Key Responsibilities Include:
Leading, coaching, mentoring, and motivating staff to support professional growth and high performance.
Organizing and prioritizing tasks to ensure deadlines are met in a dynamic environment.
Utilizing Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word for scheduling, communication, and record keeping.
Designing and implementing training and enrichment programs that support animal welfare and behavioral health.
Supporting adherence to AZA accreditation requirements and best practices in zoological management.
Fostering collaboration and maintaining positive relationships with staff, volunteers, and guests through effective communication.
Performing the physical duties of a zoological environment safely, including lifting, working in varied weather conditions, and handling animals.
About the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo is one of only two alpine zoos in the United States and serves as San Bernardino County’s only zoo. In addition to welcoming visitors, the Zoo plays a vital role in wildlife rehabilitation by providing a safe haven for sick, injured, or orphaned wild animals—temporarily while they recover or permanently if they cannot survive on their own. Many animals brought in for rehabilitation are successfully released back into their native environment. Those that remain on exhibit are either too injured or have been imprinted by humans and are unable to return to the wild.
The Zoo is home to more than 150 mammals, birds, and reptiles representing over 85 species, with an annual budget of more than $2 million. Open 364 days a year, the Zoo attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.
Located at 6,900 feet in the San Bernardino National Forest, the Big Bear Alpine Zoo is operated by the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, a Special District of the County of San Bernardino.
To learn more, visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo website.
To review job-specific benefits, refer to:
Summary of Benefits
Memoranda of Understanding (MOU)
Health and Physical Condition: Persons seeking appointment to this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper for performance of the duties established by the San Bernardino County Special Districts Department.
Driver License: Must possess and maintain CA driver license throughout employment.
Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is unable to consider candidates who require Visa Sponsorship at this time or in the future. Candidates must be able to present their legal right to work in the United States at the time of employment.
| Education: | A Bachelor's degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Medicine, Psychology or related field. |
| Experience: | Five (5) years of progressive zoological experience, including two (2) years in a supervisory or lead capacity. |
- Experience working with rehabilitation animals, including rescue, triage, care, and release protocols.
- Prior experience in an AZA accredited facility.
- Demonstrated strength in planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Experience with Tracks, WRMD, Zims or other animal record management systems.
- Commitment to animal wellness, conservation, and exceptional guest service.
ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.
Veterans’ Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points, please refer to the Veterans' Preference Policy.
Salary : $63,773 - $92,373