Job Description

The Virginia Safari Park is looking for an experienced, energetic and enthusiastic person to lead the animal care team. This is a full-time salaried position. The Virginia Safari Park, a ZAA-Accredited facility, is home to a diverse collection of more than 1,000 specimens of a wide variety of hoofed stock, including breeding groups of white rhinoceros and reticulated giraffe. We also breed cheetahs, Ruppell’s Griffon vultures, radiated tortoises, African penguins, giant anteaters and a variety of other endangered and rare species. This position reports directly to the Park Director and is based in Natural Bridge, Virginia.

Description

We are hiring for a dynamic, physically fit, experienced animal person who is either in a curatorial role or who is ready to take the next step in their career. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced keeper or assistant curator to advance into senior leadership while overseeing one of the largest safari collections in the U.S.

The Safari Curator role is active and physically demanding, requiring significant hands‑on animal experience as well as proven management skills. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism in both demeanor and appearance, and be prepared to work in a smoke‑free environment.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct leadership and oversight of the Safari Department, including its animal collection and a team of 10–15 animal keepers.
• Ensures and uphold the highest standards of animal care, welfare, and husbandry.
• Recruits, trains, mentors and manages staff; plans, assigns and evaluates work; provides recognition and corrective guidance as needed; and resolves employee concerns effectively.
• Incorporate and promote current trends and best practices in zoological management, animal care and exhibition.
• Develops, implements and oversees policies, procedures and protocols related to animal care, handling and safety.
• Maintains precise and thorough records, ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Applies knowledge of nutrition, conformation, breeding behavior, display techniques and health assessment to support animal well‑being.
• Collaborates with senior staff to design and manage behavioral conditioning and enrichment programs.
• Conducts daily inspections of animals, facilities and staff to ensure proper care and operations.
• Evaluates dietary requirements, recommends modifications and oversees feeding programs.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of paid experience in a zoological park or breeding center, including at least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in a Curator or Senior Lead role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Biology, or related field preferred.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with hoofed stock, including direct work with giraffes and rhinoceroses.
• Experience operating, or willingness to learn to operate, trucks, tractors, weed eaters and other machinery.
• Proven experience in precise record‑keeping and collection management.
• Knowledge of animal conformation, body condition scoring, gestation periods, nutrition, and forage management considered an asset.

Requirements

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Highly self‑motivated and organized, with the ability to manage projects through completion in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong organizational and record‑keeping skills.
• Must be physically fit and active, able to lift 50 pounds comfortably and be able to work in all types of weather.
• Must possess a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.
• Must maintain a non‑smoking/vaping work environment.
• Must be able to work an 8‑hour shift.
• Must be able to work weekends and holidays.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Compensation and Benefits

The Virginia Safari Park is a drug‑free and smoke‑free work environment. Competitive salary, insurance including vision and dental coverage, paid sick/vacation time and 401k options available.

Salary: Starting salary range of $52,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience.

Work Location: Natural Bridge, Virgnia. Relocate before starting work (Required).

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