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:

The Assistant Curator of Animal Care is responsible for all aspects of day-to-day animal care and welfare of an assigned animal collection, which can comprise one or more Animal Care sections. In doing this the incumbent assists the Curator of Animal Care in the overall management of the collection to the highest possible standards of animal care and welfare, as well as ensuring all animal programs based on the section(s) are operated to the best possible outcome regarding animal care and guest experience.

The Assist Curator is expected to perform husbandry duties or carry-on Animal Programs when necessary.

The incumbent is expected to adhere to all MWG policies and practices and be a model of professional ethics.

A. 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

B. 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

C. 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

D. Others

• 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 experience working in a zoological setting (minimal 6 years experience);

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Care, animal sciences or a related and relevant field is highly desirable

• Must have a demonstrated interest and expertise in Aquatics’ planning and research / 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 Aquatics.

• Must 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

• Work in the aquatic environment as needed, following the existing Standard Operating Procedures and Safety Work Procedures