Senior Avian Curator

About the role

The Senior Avian Curator provides strategic leadership for the zoo’s bird collection, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare, conservation, research, and guest engagement. Based in Al Ain, this senior specialist guides all aspects of avian management and collaborates across departments.

Key responsibilities

• Lead planning, management and long‑term development of all avian programs, including husbandry, nutrition, enrichment, breeding and veterinary collaboration.
• Develop and mentor supervisors, senior keepers, keepers, trainers, interns and volunteers, fostering professional growth and operational excellence.
• Oversee avian collection strategy – acquisitions, transfers, breeding plans, population sustainability and contribution to regional and international conservation programs.
• Coordinate with Veterinary Services, Animal Welfare, Nutrition, Facilities, Education and Guest Experience teams to ensure integrated program delivery.
• Maintain avian‑related safety and risk‑management procedures, training, emergency response protocols and compliance with accreditation standards.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Veterinary Science or a related field.
• Extensive leadership experience in zoological avian management, including welfare assessment, population management and conservation breeding.
• Proven experience working within accredited institutions such as AZA, EAZA, SEAZA, WAZA, ZAA or BIAZA.