Since opening in 1982, THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM has brought together wildlife, culture, art and natural resources to promote an understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of North America’s High Desert country. We do so through indoor and outdoor exhibits, wildlife in natural habitats, living history demonstrations and dynamic programs on a beautiful, 135-acre campus in the pine forest. The Museum is a nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, was a 2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Sciences finalist and is a Smithsonian Affiliate. During the 2018-19 fiscal year, 195,000 visitors enjoyed the Museum.
The Museum is located in Bend, Oregon, a fast-growing, charismatic city nestled against the Cascade Range at the edge of the High Desert. We strive to be inclusive, culturally humble, relevant, curious and mindful. As a team, we work together to wildly excite and responsibly teach, creating connection to and dialogue about the High Desert.
Job Summary – Assistant Curator of Wildlife
We are seeking a dynamic individual to provide programs and exhibit support as part of the Wildlife Team at the High Desert Museum. The Assistant Curator is responsible for the safety, well-being and exhibition of assigned animals. Experience with wildlife husbandry, training and handling is essential. The Associate Curator of Wildlife conducts public programs with and without live animals, and must have excellent interpersonal, presentation and written skills.
A positive demeanor, high level of professionalism and the ability to learn new skills quickly are necessary traits. We look at each candidate in terms of combined skills; different combinations of skills can serve to qualify for the position.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science or related discipline.
• Two years of experience in the animal field or an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.
• Scholarship and interest in maintaining a detailed and current knowledge of the ecology, conservation and management of wildlife species in the High Desert region.
• Ability to interpret wildlife biology and natural history for the public with a dynamic and engaging presence.
• Knowledge of husbandry, care and associated standards for managing mammals.
• Understanding of basic animal training theory, with emphasis on operant learning and positive reinforcement techniques.
• Preferred experience working with mammals, birds of prey, reptiles, amphibians and/or fish. Familiarity with mustelids, canids, felids and rodents is desirable (wild and/or captive populations).
• Willingness to participate in AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums), USFWS (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife) standards in a Museum setting.
• Desire to work with a variety of taxa including but not limited to reptiles, fish, invertebrates, birds and mammals.
• Familiarity with basic tools for groundskeeping, construction of exhibit elements and use of equipment associated with the safe handling of trained wildlife.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both autonomously and in a positive team environment.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including but not limited to, lifting 50 pounds, carrying, stooping, bending, extensive walking, crawling, climbing and working outside in the extreme weather conditions typical of Central Oregon.
• Ability to work flexible hours and days, including weekends and holidays, as necessary.
Responsibilities and Tasks
1. Conducts daily care for mammals and other wildlife, including but not limited to, cleaning, feeding, watering, observing, training, records-keeping, enclosure/exhibit maintenance and facility opening and closing duties.
2. Develops and implements training plans for assigned animals to accomplish goals related to welfare, husbandry and responsible presentation of wildlife under supervision of the Curator of Wildlife.
3. Participates in the development of wildlife and education programs under the guidance of the Curator of Wildlife, Curator of Education and the Director of Programs.
4. Presents educational programs with and without live animals utilizing a balanced perspective in alignment with the Museum’s mission.
5. Collaborates with curators on researching, planning, renovating and/or constructing of permanent and changing exhibits related to wildlife.
6. Maintains wildlife exhibits with an emphasis on the health, welfare and safety of the animals that live there.
7. Conducts basic maintenance inside and outside of exhibits including but not limited to clearing brush, trimming trees, watering, raking, shoveling, and snow and leaf removal.
8. Purchases and inventories feed and supplies as necessary.
9. Works with Curator of Wildlife and contract veterinarians to provide appropriate level of veterinary care for animals.
10. Assists with training of seasonal employees, interns, and teen and adult volunteers under the guidance of the Curator of Wildlife.
11. Optimizes the use of volunteers in various areas of the department (husbandry, enrichment, programs, etc.) by identifying appropriate and engaging ways to involve, train, motivate and retain volunteers.
12. Assists with planning and coordination of animal acquisitions and dispositions under the Curator of Wildlife.
13. Leads off-site wildlife field trips for the public.
14. Embraces, supports and helps implement the Museum’s continued learning and commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion.
15. Executes other duties as assigned as needed to help abide by the Museum’s values, drive our vision and fulfill our mission.
The Museum provides an equal employment opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/transgender status, age, disability, veteran or marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please send resume and cover letter to the High Desert Museum