Curator of Ambassador Animals and Reptiles

Curator of Ambassador Animals and Reptiles

Salary

$48,423.00 - $74,571.00 Annually

Location

Zoo, #1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock, AR

Job Type

Full Time- Regular Position

Job Number

ZO-2026-08

Department

City of Little Rock Zoo

Division

Zoo Animal Management

Opening Date

08/24/2026

Closing Date

9/21/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

N/A

Supervisory Responsibility?

Yes

On-Line Applications Only?

Yes

Department:

City of Little Rock Zoo

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The City of Little Rock provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. City of Little Rock complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every work location. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Job Objective & Safety/Security Sensitive Designation

JOB OBJECTIVE: To develop programs and conduct training for Zoo staff, docents and volunteers in the proper handling, presentation and transportation of animals to be utilized in education and programming activities at the Little Rock Zoo; to supervise the daily activities and operations of a designated section of the Little Rock Zoo's animal collection to ensure the proper husbandry, enrichment and welfare activities are provided to animals in compliance with all Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) guidelines, standards and applicable Departmental policies and safety procedures.

This position is designated as a safety/security sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol screening.

Essential Functions

For a complete list of essential job functions, please click HERE.

Minimum Qualifications, Additional Requirements and Supervisory Responsibilities

These knowledge, skills, and abilities are usually, although not always, acquired through completion of a Bachelors degree in biology, zoo animal science or zoology or related field; five (5) years of experience in the care of birds, mammals, and reptiles or other exotic animals in a controlled environment, to include the development and presentation of training programs or a related area, and two (2) years of supervisory experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:

• Must possess a valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial Vehicle) Drivers License before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position.
• Must possess a valid Rescue Dive Certification through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) within one (1) year of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this position.
• Must possess a valid Certification for Professional Bird Trainers through the International Avian Trainers Certification Board (IATCB) within one (1) year of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this position.
• Must possess Standard First Aid and Community CPR certifications, or other certifications which incorporate Standard First Aid and Infant, Child and Adult CPR, within one (1) year of employment, and maintain certifications for the duration of employment in this position.
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays.

DISCLAIMER:

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise.

Application Requirements

• Online applications only
• Applicant's answers to supplemental questions will be used to screen for minimum qualifications electronically.
• Please include a complete work history when completing application. Work history may impact initial salary offer amount for the successful candidate.
• List of qualified applicants will be considered active for up to six (6) months and may be used to fill future openings with same or similar minimum qualifications.
• All communication regarding application status will be sent to candidates via text message/ email address listed on account.
• You may check your NeoGov inboxto review all notices sent to the email address associated with your applications.
• Applicants may check application status for any position by logging into their account at or contacting Human Resources at (501) 371-4590 if they are having computer difficulties.

CITY OF LITTLE ROCK BENEFITS

INSURANCE

CIGNA HEALTH PLAN(S)

Base Plan: Emp only:$0.00; Emp + Spouse: $216.10, Emp + Child(ren): $195.49; Family: $308.84. ?

Buy-up 1 Plan:Emp only: 38.10; Emp + Spouse: $296.11, Emp + Child(ren): $267.88; Family: $423.14. ?

Buy-up 2Plan: Emp only:51.83; Emp + Spouse: $324.93, Emp + Child(ren): $293.95; Family: $464.32. ?

High-DeductibleHealth Plan: Emp only:0.00; Emp + Spouse: $203.33, Emp + Child(ren): $183.91; Family: $290.61.

Four (4) plans to choose from: Base Plan; Buy-up 1 Plan, Buy-up 2 Plan or High Deductible

Base Plan: $3,000 deductible (in network), $40 co-pay for PCP - $70 co-pay for specialist; Prescription co-pays: $0, $20, $40, $80co-pay, $200 Rx deductible for Tier 2, 3, 4.

Buy-up 1 Plan: $2,000 deductible (in network), $30 co-pay for PCP - $60 co-pay for specialist; Prescription co-pays: $15, $45, $70, $70 copay; no additional Rx deductible.

Buy-up 2 Plan: $1,000 deductible (in network), $25 co-pay for PCP - $50 co-pay for specialist; Prescription co-payments: $15, $45, $70, $70co-pay; no additional Rx deductible.

High-Deductible Plan: $2,500 deductible (in network), Prescriptions: Tier 1 10% after deductible; Tier 2 20% after deductible; Tier 3 30% after deductible; Tier 4 $80 co-pay after deductible

DELTA DENTAL INSURANCE

Base Plan Emp: $0; Family: $17.46. per pay period.

High Plan: Employee Only: $8.77; Family $44.38

VISION (VSP)

Emp: $0.00; and Family $1.00 per pay period

$0 deductible - co-pays and allowances; $10 co-pay for well vision exam (once every 12 months) plus $50 co-pay for materials, lens & frames or contact lens, fitting & evaluation up to $60.

$150 allowance for frames (once every24-monthframes/12-monthlenses) Or - Elective Contact Lens - $105allowance, Necessary Contact Lens $210 allowance once every 12 months.

OTHER PROVIDED INSURANCE

Life Insurance -The Basic Life Benefit is 2x times your salary. Mid Managers and above is 3x your salary. The premium is 100% paid by the employer and is effective your hire date.

Accidental Death & Dismemberment -The AD&D benefit is 1x your annual salary rounded to the next thousands of coverages.

Long Term Disability-60% of salary continuance after6- month waiting period and6-monthelimination period.

RETIREMENT

PENSION- All full time, non-uniform employees

Non-uniform employees shall be required to participate immediately upon employment in the 2014 Defined Benefit Plan. Contributions are mandatory for both the employee and the city. Contribution rates are Employee: 4.5% of salary Employer 9% of salary.

OTHER COMPENSATION

LONGEVITY PAY (provided to all employees)

Longevity pay will be paid at the rate of $4 per month for each year of service up to and including the fifth (5th) year and $6 per month foreach year of service beginning at six (6) years and each year thereafter.

LEAVE(S)

PTO (Paid Time Off) LEAVE

Years of Service

PTO Hours Annual Accrual

Up to 3 years of service

184

3 to 10 years of service

224

10 to 20 years of service

248

20 years of service and over

280

SHORT TERM DISABILITY (STD) LEAVE

On an annual basis?

48?HOURS?

FUNERAL LEAVE

Days?of?Funeral Leave

Funeral Leave Conditions

3 days???

For an immediate family member?

4 days??

For an immediate family member if the funeral is out-of-state?

View the City of Little Rock 2026 Holiday Schedule

01

Are you available to work weekends and holidays as required?

• Yes
• No

02

Are you willing to possess a valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial Vehicle) Drivers License before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess or are you willing to obtain a Standard First Aid and Community CPR/AED certifications, or other certifications which incorporate Standard First Aid and Infant, Child and Adult CPR within one (1) year of employment, and maintain certifications for the duration of employment in this position?

• Yes
• No

04

Are you willing and able to obtain and possess a valid Rescue Dive Certification through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) within one (1) year of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this position?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you willing to obtain and possess a valid Certification for Professional Bird Trainers through the International Avian Trainers Certification Board (IATCB) within one (1) year of employment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this position?

• Yes
• No

06

Have you completed a Bachelors degree in biology, zoo animal science or zoology or related field?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have at least two (2) years of supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have at least five (5) years of experience in the care of birds, mammals, and reptiles or other exotic animals in a controlled environment, to include the development and presentation of training programs or a related area?

• Yes
• No

09

If yes, please EXPLAIN this experience including tenure, job duties, and employers. [Please ensure this information is included in your work history-applications without this information cannot be considered.] If NOT applicable, please enter N/A. See resume or see work history are NOT acceptable answers

10

How did you find out about this particular position?

• LRJobs.LittleRock.gov
• Facebook/Social Media
• Arkansas Business
• KARK4/FOX16 Social Media Live
• Newspaper (Arkansas Democrat Gazette or El Latino)
• City Employee
• Friend or relative who does not work for the City
• Internet Search Engine (Google, Yahoo, Bing)
• Career Builder/Indeed
• Government Jobs
• Indeed
• College/University Career Page
• Career Fair
• Virtual Job Fair
• Career Counselor (Military or Goodwill, Workforce)
• Re-entry Program (Community Programs)
• Department of Workforce Services
• Professional Association
• Other

Required Question

Employer City of Little Rock

Department City of Little Rock Zoo Address #1 Zoo Drive

Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205

Phone 501-661-7220