Zoo Curator pay range
State of North Carolina · class code 32000742
- Class code
- 32000742
- Pay group
- NC16
- Pay unit
- Year
- State
- North Carolina
- The State of North Carolina published pay range for Zoo Curator is $57,983 to $101,470 per year.
- North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) keys this classification as class code 32000742.
- This is the range the plan authorises, not the salary of any individual employee.
Class specification
The OSHR class specification for this class is published by North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR). The passages below are quoted from it as published, not paraphrased, and cut to their opening sentences; the full specification is the authority on duties and qualifications. It was last revised 06/2018.
What the state says the job is
This is supervisory and managerial work responsible for the overall management of animal collections in specific areas at the North Carolina Zoo. Collections may include animal collection areas that are not limited to mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. The Zoo Curator acquires animal specimens, develops and implements animal care protocols, develops propagation programs, develops and manages research programs, initiates and participates in multi-institutional population management programs. Positions have a major role in the planning and design of animal exhibits and off-exhibit animal facilities and other capital expansion and renovation programs. Positions participate in the development and implementation of interpretive programs for their respective animal collections.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Thorough knowledge of animal husbandry including feeding and nutrition, recordkeeping, animal capture and restraint, and safety procedures in the handling of animals in the collection. Thorough knowledge of biology including animal anatomy and physiology, behavior and ecology. Skilled in oral and written communications and good interpersonal skills. Ability to detect animal sickness and disease, take preventive and treatment measures and handle or restrain animals under a variety of conditions. Ability to design and develop exhibits and educational programs. Ability to supervise zookeeper staff and manage others effectively.
Minimum qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Zoology, Animal Husbandry, or related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and four years progressive experience in zoological work in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. <h2
Quoted from the OSHR class specification, read 2026-10-21.
Where this comes from
North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) publishes this figure in OSHR salary schedules, joined to Class Specifications. Every number on this page is read from that document; nothing is estimated, modelled or averaged.
Job titles and their salary grades come from the Class Specifications, joined to the salary schedule.