Facility
Utica Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
General Summary: Under the direction of General Curator, the Zoological Manager provides day-to-day leadership in and management of the Animal Care department, supporting the mission and core values of the Zoo.
• Foster a goal-oriented, progressive and flexible team environment.
• Train, supervise and evaluate Animal Keeper staff, interns and volunteers.
• Direct, perform and delegate all Animal Keeper duties necessary to maintain high standards of animal care and welfare. Maintain familiarity with all husbandry duties.
• Serve as the liaison for the animal keepers and the General Curator concerning daily area operations, including staff performance.
• Observe animals to determine their physical, psychological and social well-being; report same to the General Curator.
• Monitor and report veterinary concerns; assist veterinary staff in medical treatments, procedures and surgeries as needed.
• Inspect all exhibits and related facilities regularly for cleanliness and structural integrity. Maintain areas in compliance with USDA and AZA standards; report potential non-compliance issues.
• Develop action plans and timelines for projects; oversee implementation with staff.
• Coordinate with the Maintenance Dept. to execute repairs, non-capital renovations and modifications. Identify any potential maintenance or safety issues and take necessary steps to correct or resolve them.
• Coordinate with Commissary Manager to order and maintain inventory of feeds, supplies and equipment. Interact with outside vendors and supplies in cooperation with Commissary Manager.
• Coordinate projects with other departments and outside vendors, ensuring scheduling efficiency and maximizing safety, while maintaining positive welfare for animals and staff.
• Recognize and report pest control needs in the area; coordinate and execute adequate and appropriate pest control practices; maintain records of pest control.
• Work with keeper staff to provide resources and ensure they are able to meet assigned “task coordinator” duties.
• Ensure proper records are maintained, including but not limited to: ZIMS, daily logs, Training records, Enrichment logs.
• Facilitate animal transfers with other zoological facilities.
• Collaborate in development and modification of diets, husbandry techniques and area protocols.
• Ensure annual animal welfare assessments are conducted. Aid in reviewing assessments and developing improvement and action plans to constantly improve animal welfare.
• Participate with PR team for interviews, tours, media requests and guest experiences as needed.
• Collaborate with the Communications and Events departments to design, participate in or implement programs and events directly related to or impacting the animal collection.
• Chair or sit as a member of various zoo committees as assigned.
• Aid in interviewing and hiring of department staff; work with HR to implement personnel actions.
• Provide input to the General Curator on capital improvements and exhibit design, aiding development of the Utica Zoo Master Plan.
• Prepare and communicate performance evaluations of Animal Keeper staff/leads.
• Recommend updates, clarifications and additions to Animal Department protocols, procedures and area SOPs.
• Participate in the development and performance of keeper training classes for interns and staff.
• Function as an AZA IR as directed.
• Support and/or participate in in situ and ex situ conservation programs.
• Serve as a member of the Utica Zoo Animal Emergency Response Team.
• Work with other Zoological Managers to coordinate zoo-wide keeper staff projects.
• Create staff schedules and monitor staff time cards and accruals.
• Adhere to and support all zoo policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Zoological Managers will:
o Maintain a professional attitude at all times while representing the Utica Zoo.
o Possess a task-oriented, problem-solving attitude, demonstrating a willingness to lead by example.
o Remain open to suggestions from staff on improving the Utica Zoo’s work environment, while aiding staff in working towards our mission.
o Demonstrate flexibility in thought and actions, ensuring a progressive, dynamic work environment.
o Readily communicate concerns and propose solutions to other Managers and the General Curators.
o Build and maintain network connections within AZA and other professional communities.
o Provide excellent guest experiences.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications:
Advanced knowledge of the care, nutrition, breeding, behavior, and safety precautions for the species held in the zoological collection.
Knowledge of zoo safety rules and regulations.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Functional knowledge of applicable technology and software.
Progressive experience in the training, supervision, mentoring, and evaluation of others.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to enter animal areas and perform physical work (including lifting objects up to 50 lbs.)
Working knowledge of animal training, enrichment, and welfare theories and applications.
Basic ability to repair and maintain zoo equipment, animal habitats, and facilities.
Personable leadership skills and holistic, “big picture” thinking.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree from accredited college or university in Biology, Zoology, or related field.
Or: with significant experience also accepted is an Associate’s Degree from an accredited college specializing and Zoo and Aquaria programming.
In addition to Education requirements, Zoological Managers are preferred to have 6+ years AZA paid progressive work experience, including 2+ years supervisory capacity, in husbandry, training, enrichment and welfare of zoo animals.
Compensation and benefits
Full-time Management position, hourly, non-union
Starting wage $18.50 per hour
Available Benefits:
Health Insurance-employer % paid
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Retirement Plan-Simple Plan IRA
Paid Time Off
Sick Days
Employee Assistance Program
Utica Zoo membership & reciprocal admission to area entertainment
Employee discount on zoo merchandise & concession
Application instructions
Please send resume AND cover letter with salary requirements by April 1st to:
[email protected]
Application materials without salary requirements will not be considered.