Facility
California Science Center
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Director of Husbandry provides vision and is responsible for overseeing the Living Collection, Husbandry practices, appearance, living collection and operation of all assigned exhibits and support areas. This Assignments includes working in collaboration with the Veterinarian, Curator and Senior Vice President to provide proper husbandry for the living collections animals; acquiring new specimens; and collecting/participating in the sustainable management of the collection support tools, equipment, materials for the living collection. The Director oversees and fosters a team environment for a diverse team of professionals and volunteers including terrestrial, aquatic, dive staff and boating operations.
Major Job Responsibilities:
-Responsible for the supervision of the Husbandry and Dive staff and for overseeing the care and management of all the Living Collections animals.
-Participate in the acquisition of specimens for sustainable collection management through organization of trades/loans/purchases with other institutions, or collect/purchase as necessary.
-Ensure adherence to Federal, State, and local agency laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances, as well as meeting AZA/USDA/OSHA standards.
-Working with Senior Vice President, Oversee the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to living collection husbandry.
-Direct and develop a diverse staff of employees and promote/foster a team environment.
-Participate in the development and administration of annual operating budget, practices and protocols for the Husbandry department, procurement, practices and staff development.
-Procure supplies and equipment and make recommendations for necessary contractual services.
-Lead educational programs as required (presentations, lectures, tours, media spots, etc.). Maintain close working relationship with the State Curator and expanded team to develop exhibits and programs.
-Occasionally travel on short notice and for extended periods as required to meet with other zoological professionals, to collect specimens, attend conferences and/or to transfer animals.
-Attend and participate in professional group meetings and conferences to stay up to date on new trends and innovations within the field.
Serve as active member of the California Science Center Diving Control Board.
-Contribute to the mission of the California Science Center and California Science Center Foundation by stimulating curiosity and inspiring science learning by creating fun, memorable experiences for the guests.
-Perform other duties as required or as assigned by the Senior Vice President.
Education and Pre-requisites
-MBA or Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Zoology, Marine Science, or related field required.
-5+ years minimum supervisory / managerial experience at a zoo or aquarium type facility, preferably an AZA accredited institution, required.
-10+ years in Husbandry role. Responsibility for co-chairing the AZA Accreditation and meeting all AZA, husbandry and permit requirements of the living collection.
-Highly desirable to be a Certified AAUS diver with vast diving experience including tank diving and open Ocean diving, collecting and marine scientific diving.
-Capable of running various aquatic tanks and collecting fish, as well as possessing a strong working knowledge of fish and marine invertebrate husbandry. Similar skills related to terrestrial, insect and rainforest animals strongly recommended.
-Able to dive 4 hours per day and up to 20 hours a week. Must be able to walk ½ mile in full dive gear, as well as be able to lift 80 pounds. Must be able to work effectively in adverse weather conditions.
-Demonstrated knowledge of managing a diverse staff, budget preparation and control along with strategic planning for developing goals, projects and assignments.
-Demonstrated knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances as applicable to possessing native and exotic animals, insects and aquatic species.
-Understanding of modern principles and practices of captive husbandry, exhibition, mixed species displays and collection management highly desirable.
-Understanding of modern principles and practices of captive animal exhibit design, developing exhibit educational goals, exhibit aesthetics and public educational goals.
-Knowledge of fish and other marine life of the Pacific Coast highly desirable. Knowledge of species of an Asian Rainforest, Sonoran Desert and native California species critical.
-Experience captaining boats and full knowledge of boating operations, maintenance and safety/emergency procedures, vessel trailer transport, and boat launching strongly desired.
-Strong public speaking skills with ability to provide formal lecture and educational presentations.
-Strong organization and planning skills with attention to detail.
-Excellent written and oral communication essential.
-Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include some weekends, holidays and non-traditional hours.
Compensation and benefits
Salary: Commensurate with experience plus excellent benefits.
Application instructions
Send Cover Letter, Resume and Salary History (A Must) to the HR Dept. via fax at 213-744-2673, email to HR@cscmail.org, or mail to the California Science Center Foundation, H. R. Dept, 700 Exposition Park Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90037. No phone calls please. EOE.