Facility
Oakland Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Assistant Zoological Manager (AZM) plays a vital role on our Animal Care, Conservation and Research (ACCR) Team. They are responsible for a designated work area (section) comprising multiple species (strings) in the Department. Section C includes animals in the Children’s Zoo area including otters and lemurs, contact yard, reptiles and invertebrates and the Zoo’s animal commissary. The AZM will supervise staff, including Senior and Lead Keepers, Animal Keepers, Apprentice Keepers, as well as interns, volunteers, and behavioral observers. The AZM will spend the majority of their time on supervisory and administrative tasks.
Essential Job Duties
• Conduct staff training, development, performance management and evaluation within their Section
• Mentor staff on animal care and behavior management
• Take charge of their section or additional Sections in the absence of a ZM, or the entire department as needed
• Manage small and large facility maintenance and improvement projects
• Oversee management of the animals in their Section supporting daily care, projects, and medical needs
• Able to help keepers in routine animal care and cover animal care as necessary
• Implement Department/Zoo priorities and demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements management, population management, transfers, acquisitions, introductions, and maintain USDA/AZA readiness
• Appropriately represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes, Behind the Scenes Tours and informal communications with Zoo guests
• Take the lead to address all potential problems and emergencies
• Support on-site and off-site animal welfare and conservation programs
• Conduct various administrative and future planning tasks as assigned by the Section ZM
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale)
Education and Pre-requisites
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in wild animal care in an accredited facility
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with species in the section
• Minimum of 1 years of experience as a supervisor- responsible for training, supervision, providing performance feedback and conflict resolution
• Valid driver’s license
• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field or equivalent experience
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays
• Experience with public presentation
• Extensive knowledge of the natural history and captive management of wild animals
• Extensive knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
• Leadership and/or management training and experience
• Extensive knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions
• Moderate to high computer proficiency in MS Office, MS Teams, Google Drive, TRACKS/ZIMS
• The Oakland Zoo requires COVID vaccination*
Bonus if you have…
• Working knowledge of a broad range of species
• Experience coordinating emergency response procedures, including live firearms, or darting equipment
• Involvement in the wild animal profession outside of the Zoo (professional organizations, field work, activism, etc.)
Compensation and benefits
$66,000 – $82,679 (Depending on Experience)
Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, life insurance, PTO (Paid Time Off) and 403B retirement benefits.
Application instructions
Submit Resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references (a minimum of one should be a past supervisor) via email only to: Adam Fink adam@oaklandzoo.org
CLOSING DATE: 2 March 23
Candidates who do not meet minimum requirements will not receive a response.
Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.