What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Zoo Curator position at San Bernardino County?
The Job
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.
Excellent Benefits Package!
Health Benefits
- Medical and Dental: family coverage
- Vision: employee coverage
- Premium subsidies to offset health costs
- Flexible spending account (FSA) pre-tax account for qualified healthcare expenses
- Up to 4 weeks accruable vacation with cash-out option
- 11 days accruable sick leave
- 15 paid holidays
- Perfect attendance leave
- Flexible work schedules (in some departments)
- Generous Pension
- Retirement reciprocity may be available
- 457(b) deferred compensation plan
- Retirement Medical Trust Fund
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
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.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the education and the experience requirements listed below:
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.
Desired Qualifications
- 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.
Selection Process
There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application and the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application before the posted filing deadline. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.
All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applicants are encouraged to check their e-mails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment. Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment.
EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.
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, 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 Information.
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