Assistant Curator, Herpetology

Mandai Wildlife Group is the steward of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a unique wildlife and nature destination in Singapore that is home to world-renown wildlife parks which connect visitors to the fascinating world of wildlife. The Group is driving an exciting rejuvenation plan at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, adjacent to Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve, that will integrate five wildlife parks with distinctive nature-based experiences, green public spaces and an eco-friendly resort.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Animal Care and Welfare

• Assist the Curator in the overall management of the assigned animal collection to the highest possible standards of animal care and welfare.
• Responsible for the overall management, care, and sustainability of the assigned living collection.
• Assist the curator with animal acquisitions based in the MWG Institutional Collection Plan and preparation and submission of reports.
• Assist the Curator in the initiation, administration, and review of protocols for animal care and keeper safety, including conducting and reviewing all emergency and safety drills.
• Communicate with the Veterinary Department to ensure optimal health care for the living collection.

2. Zoological Operations

• Oversee the overall zoological operation of the assigned Animal Care section(s) including the immediate supervision of the activities of the animal care staff interns and volunteers and the areas they occupy.
• Assist the Curator in coordinating and delivering staff training and development.
• Assist the Curator in the budgeting and allocation of financial resources within the Financial Year.
• Manage the various needs of the assigned Animal Care sections: purchase orders, work orders, evaluate equipment needs, order equipment and other operational supplies under the supervision of the Curator.
• Oversee all Animal Programs under assigned section ensuring high quality guest experience and animal welfare.
• Oversee all Behavioural Management programs in assigned sections are consistently implemented and results are within desired.
• Oversee the maintenance and construction of new exhibits, upgrading of existing exhibits and/or support services.

3. Animal Care Research

• Conduct / assist / supervise current or future research and/or breeding programs for the Animal Care Department and other collaborative programs within MWG.
• Represent this work through presentations at meetings and annual conferences

4. Other

• Perform related tasks and duties as required, including husbandry duties when needed across the department.
• Interviewing and recruitment of animal care staff when needed

Job Requirements

• Minimal 6 years of experience working in a zoological setting.
• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Care, animal sciences or a related and relevant field is highly desirable.
• Demostrated interest and expertise in Herpetology / Animal Care and ex-situ management of a diverse selection of species as well as sound knowledge and understanding of zoo animal welfare and behavioural husbandry specifically relating to Herpetology.
• Embrace a scientific approach to managing ex-situ populations in zoos and promote research-oriented, evidence-based animal care practices.
• Sound knowledge of current issues relating to the conservation of wildlife and the role of zoos in the one plan approach to saving species from extinction and the one health concept.
• Possess strong organizational skills, able to conduct document control write protocols and related documents.
• Have a proven ability to manage, motivate and train staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with structured visitor experiences highly desirable.