Animal Care Curator - Desert Wilds
The Living DesertPalm Desert, California, United States
Posted March 13, 2026
Full Time
About the Company
The Living Desert is a nonprofit zoo and botanical garden dedicated to desert conservation, education, and visitor experience. It offers admissions, memberships, and attractions while engaging in fundraising and animal care programs to support conservation initiatives.
Job Description
Join Our Team at The Living Desert – Animal Care Curator – Desert Wilds. Lead a dynamic team and make a lasting impact on animal care, with a focus on ensuring animals thrive in their habitats, implementing behavioral training and enrichment programs, and engaging guests in meaningful experiences.
Requirements
- A strong leader with proven experience in animal care and supervisory roles, ideally with at least three years in a supervisory capacity in exotic animal care.
- A deep understanding of animal behavior and operant conditioning, with the ability to develop and implement training programs.
- A strong communicator, comfortable engaging with diverse audiences, from staff members to guests.
- Someone who embraces innovation, collaboration, and has a passion for zoo management, animal conservation, and public education.
- Familiarity with AZA accreditation standards and a commitment to maintaining the highest quality care for our animal residents.
- A Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Animal Science, or a related field is preferred, but experience can substitute for education requirements.
Benefits
- Meaningful Work
- Leadership Opportunity
- Impactful Community Engagement
- A Thriving Environment
