Facility
Reid Park Zoo, Tucson AZ
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking an Animal Care Manager. Bachelor’s degree in a biological science plus five years supervising Zoo Keepers at an AZA accredited facility required.
The Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to create inspiring memories for all by connecting people and animals to ensure the protection of wild animals and wild places. We provide educational and fun experiences for visitors of all ages. Reid Park Zoo is the largest attended cultural attraction in Southern Arizona with approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements an exciting master plan that will be investing over $60M in new exhibits over the next ten years.
No phone calls or visits please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.
Overview: The Animal Care Manager position is responsible for supervising, mentoring, and evaluating the Animal Care Supervisors. Manager will be responsible for overseeing all animal areas of the Zoo and all associated records. At times this position may be doing direct animal care and habitat enhancements. This position works collaboratively with the Veterinarian Team, Animal Welfare, Facilities, Events and Education Departments.
Reports To: Director of Animal Care
Responsibilities:
● General duties:
Supervises and trains Animal Care Supervisors in their work. All Animal Care Supervisors will directly report to this position and they collectively oversee over 20 Zoo Keepers and over 250 animals.
Works with Animal Care Staff, Animal Wellbeing, and Veterinary Teams with regards to wellness, health, training, enrichment, and daily care.
Oversees collection planning with coordination with the Director of Animal Care. Reviews animal records and manages animal transactions.
Conducts preventative maintenance and ensures safety in work areas.
Works collaboratively with the Animal Welfare Committee, training & enrichment committee, education department, events team and safety team.
Assist with plans for new and renovations of animal buildings and habitats, developing short and long-term strategies to activate and refresh exhibits and providing new opportunities for programming that connects guests with animals and conservation.
Works with the Registrar to ensure permits are up to date and related reporting is completed.
Assists with all accreditation materials for animal and Zoo safety and monitors compliance with all guidelines, procedures, protocols and regulations related to animal care.
Ensures animals and animal habitats are guest ready for when the Zoo is open to guests.
• Safety
Ensure safety policies and procedures are communicated and carried out.
Lead safety team, ensuring the team meets regularly, discusses any incidents or concerns, create a plan and follow up for addressing any items and educates all staff regularly on safety measures.
Oversees the dangerous animal safety team (rifle and dart).
Regularly schedule emergency drills, meeting or exceeding AZA standards and including follow up and evaluation of drills.
● Supervisory duties:
Delivers annual performance reviews for direct reports provides work plan goals for the coming year. Provides timely feedback on performance throughout the year.
Participates in recruitment, selection and hiring decisions. Is involved in promotion and status changes and makes recommendations.
Supervises and schedules direct reports and ensures appropriate coverage for the animal care team.
Trains Animal Care Team and ensures compliance with safety policies and practices.
Participates in employee relations concerns in partnership with Human Resources and direct supervisor.
Coaches and mentors Supervisors and provides development and leadership opportunities to increase depth and span of experience.
Completes 90-day reviews for direct reports and creates a work plan with goals.
Please note that this document is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.
● Administrative Functions
Comfortable with animal data software systems such as Animal Care Software and ZIMS
Comfortable reaching out to other AZA Zoos regarding animal care topics.
Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies.
Provide excellent customer service as a component of all job duties.
Follows Zoo safety protocols and procedures and completes all training as required.
● Other Duties as Assigned
Education and Pre-requisites
Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
● 5 years supervising Zoo Keepers required.
● 5 years in animal care at an AZA accredited facility.
● Bachelor’s degree – biological science related preferred.
● Expertise in capture and restraint.
● Expertise in managing a Safety Program.
● Experience managing an animal hospital a plus.
● Experience working with a wide range of taxon.
● Valid and unrestricted driver’s license.
● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
● Employee should be assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment.
● Ability to take direction and be quick to act or change direction as needed.
● Reliable and able to work to a schedule.
● Provide excellent customer service.
● Employee is expected to work outside and must be comfortable working in either cold or hot weather conditions.
● Employee should be able to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50+ lbs. on occasion), must be comfortable walking and standing for long periods of time.
● Must be able to work flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends.
Compensation and benefits
The hiring range is $70,000 – $82,500 annually. We have four healthcare plans, two dental plans, vision, life insurance, pet insurance and some free benefits including Short & Long Term Disability and life insurance. We offer 12 vacation days, 11 paid holidays plus 40 hours sick time annually. We offer a 401k plan with employer matching. In addition, we have staff discounts and fun employee events throughout the year and zoo membership for your family.
Application instructions
Link for job applicants: Employment | Reid Park Zoo