Facility
Utica Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
The Utica Zoo is seeking a team member to lead the Animal Care Department. The Director of Animal Operations reports to the Executive Director. This position is responsible for the management of the animal care staff and all aspects of the animal collection including, but not limited to, health, enrichment, planning, training, compliance, permitting, accreditation, registrar duties, exhibit design, research and conservation. The Utica Zoo sits on approximately 80 acres, 40 of which are developed. The Zoo has over 200 animals from 80 different species and is striving towards AZA Accreditation.
Duties:
• Provide supervision, evaluation, guidance and direction for the Animal Care staff. Ensure that all animal staff adhere to institutional policies and practices and remain current in training. Responsible for personnel hiring, training and evaluation. Promote staff development, technical training and morale. Ensure sound coordination and implementation of Animal Care Intern Program.
• Participate in exhibit planning. Perform research concerning the natural history and habitat of animals for guidance in enclosure design and exhibition and management techniques. Assist in the design and development of new animal exhibits and holding facilities and the enhancement of existing facilities. Continually enhance and improve animal exhibits.
• Ongoing planning and implementation of an organized collection plan for the
disposition/acquisition, management and exhibition of a diverse animal collection. Coordinate acquisitions and dispositions, breeding and SSP activities. Correspond regularly with SSP’s, zoological facilities, animal transporters, etc. to maintain professional and productive relationships for the betterment and care of the animal collection of this zoo.
• Work closely with Veterinarian to ensure the best possible health and well-being of the animal collection. Develop and implement animal health and husbandry programs consistent with professional standards of care.
• Direct the development, submission and implementation of the Animal Department budget and coordinate purchases.
• Ensure maintenance of animal records and permits according to industry and legal standards, including electronic/digitalized updates per AZA and/or USDA requirements (ISIS, ARKS.) Coordinate International, Federal, State and Local permitting processes for specimen acquisition/disposition and oversee all related permit requirements. Assure compliance with relevant local, state, federal and international wildlife and animal welfare regulations.
• Plan and implement long and short term goals for each staff member and for each exhibit. Inspection and maintenance of exhibits and other animal facilities. Work to review, develop and enforce department policies and procedures.
• Perform keeper, lead keeper, and senior keeper duties as needed
• Other duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications:
The successful candidate must have a very strong and proven background in animal management and be capable of managing a diverse animal collection and leading a dynamic animal care staff. The ideal candidate will give constructive criticism and positive feedback, be assertive and proactive, be action oriented and resolution focused, structured, yet flexible, with good follow-through and time management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Biology, Zoology, Animal Sciences, or related fields with relevant course work.
• Seven years’ experience at a zoo or similar institution with at least five years in a supervisory role
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, strong positive attitude and organizational skills
• Strong understanding of the many aspects that it takes to run a zoo on a daily basis
• Ability to relate positively with a diverse staff and diverse groups of visitors
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of modern zoological practices
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise good judgment, fairness and tact.
• Good communication skills within department, between departments, and as a spokesperson for the Zoo, ability to work as a part of a team required. Team leadership or project management experience preferred. Demonstrated skills in staff training and mentoring.
• Strong computer background and proficiency required, preferably with Microsoft Office suite software and ZIMs.
• Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50lbs. Must be able to actively work in inclement weather.
• Must demonstrate leadership in all areas of animal management, staff development, and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Ability and willingness to work weekends, evenings and special events as the schedule demands
• Must successfully pass a background check and must have a valid, current driver’s license
Compensation and benefits
Please send salary requirements to Nikki Sheehan, Operations Manager at Nikki.Sheehan@uticazoo.org.
Application instructions
To apply, please email resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Nikki Sheehan, Operations Manager at Nikki.Sheehan@uticazoo.org Must be submitted by 03/30/2015.