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:

Animal Care and Welfare

a) Assist the Curator in the daily management of the assigned avian collection, ensuring the highest standards of animal care and welfare while proactively monitoring and upgrading husbandry methodologies.

b) Responsible for the overall management, care, and sustainability of the assigned living collection

c) Support the Curator in avian acquisitions aligned with the Mandai Wildlife Group (MWG) Institutional Collection Plan. Oversee administrative requirements, including report submissions, avian loan agreements, and the management of AAS for avian staff and Sesami for any avian works.

d) Assist the Curator in the development, administration, and review of animal care and keeper safety protocols. This includes coordinating biannual emergency drills (e.g., Dangerous Animal Escape and HPAI) or as directed by management to ensure full operational readiness.

e) Liaise with the Veterinary Department to ensure optimal healthcare for the avian collection. Collaborate with the Horticulture Department on habitat vegetation and with Facility Management (FM) to oversee all related infrastructure and maintenance works.

Zoological Operations

a) Oversee all avian operations within assigned animal care sections, providing direct supervision of staff, interns, and volunteers, as well as the management of their respective work areas and habitats.

b) Support the Curator in the coordination and delivery of comprehensive staff training and development initiatives, including the (ZDP), for all avian personnel.

c) Assist the Curator in the budgeting and allocation of financial resources within the Financial Year

d) 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

e) Oversee all Animal Programs under assigned section ensuring high quality guest experience and animal welfare

f) Oversee all Behavioural Management programs in assigned sections are consistently implemented and results are within desired

g) Oversee the maintenance and construction of new exhibits, upgrading of existing exhibits and/or support services

Animal Care Research

a) Conduct / assist / supervise current or future research and/or breeding programs for the Animal Care Department and other collaborative programs within MWG

b) Represent this work through presentations at meetings and annual conferences

Others

a) Perform related tasks and duties as required, including husbandry duties when needed across the department.

b) Interviewing and recruitment of animal care staff when needed

c) Perform Avian Duty Officer Responsibilities Serve as the Avian Duty Officer on weekends and public holidays, overseeing the following:

i. Operational Continuity: Ensure the seamless execution of avian field operations and daily routines.

ii. Incident Management: Act as the primary responder for emergency situations, including animal escapes and recaptures, fire incidents, and workplace accidents.

Job Requirements: 

Qualifications

a) Examples of representative qualifications include considerable experience working in a zoological setting (minimal 6 years experience); a bachelor’s degree in Animal Care, animal sciences or a related and relevant field is highly desirable

b) Demonstrate a proven track record of success in avian husbandry and management within a zoo or specialized conservation-breeding environment

c) The ideal candidate will possess documented and proven expertise in the following areas:

i. Avian Environmental & Behavioral Needs: A deep understanding of the specific environmental and behavioral requirements across diverse bird species.

ii. Animal Welfare Standards: Comprehensive knowledge and practical application of the Five Domains of Animal Welfare framework.

iii. Reproductive Management: Expertise in managing avian reproduction, including optimizing mating opportunities and performing specialized health assessments for all species within the department.

d) Must embrace a scientific approach to managing ex-situ populations in zoos and promote research-oriented, evidence-based animal care practices

e) 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

f) Possess strong organizational skills, able to conduct document control write protocols and related documents

g) Have a proven ability to manage, motivate and train staff

h) Strong written and verbal communication skills

i) Experience with structured visitor experiences highly desirable

j) Oversee and execute animal care for high-risk species, such as the Southern Cassowary and Northern Cassowary, in strict accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Safety Work Procedures (SWPs).

k) Oversee and participate in the maintenance of aquatic habitats, including duck tanks, flamingo lagoons, and ibis ponds, ensuring optimal water quality and exhibit standards.

l) Occasionally may be necessary to help move moderate to heavy objects up to 50 pounds