Facility
Oakland Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
This is a salaried position. The Assistant Zoological Manager (AZM) will be responsible for a designated work area (Section) which is comprised of multiple species (strings) in the Department. This Section of responsibility includes chimpanzees, lesser apes, baboons and other primates, sun bears, Amazon parrots, pudu, wallaroos, emus, and the Zoo’s education animals divided amongst several work areas (Strings), and supervises staff which include Senior and Lead Keepers, Animal Keepers, Apprentice Keepers, plus interns, volunteers, and behavioral observers. The AZM will spend the majority of his/her time in supervisory and administrative tasks. The AZM is trained as a floating keeper to be able to help or cover all the strings within their Section as necessary. The AZM has extensive knowledge and experience in wildlife natural history and captive management. The AZM also has experience leading and supervising staff. S/he must demonstrate excellent leadership skills including team facilitation, time management, prioritization, working cooperatively, effective and timely communication, and serving as a role model. The AZM is responsible for staff training, development, performance management and evaluation within his/her Section. The AZM will oversee small and large facility maintenance and improvement projects. The AZM will oversee management of the animals in their Section including daily care, medical management, population management, transfers, acquisitions and introductions. AZM is also responsible for various administrative and future planning tasks as assigned by the Section ZM. S/he is expected to implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements. S/he must also be able to appropriately represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes, Behind the Scene Tours and informal communications with Zoo guests. The AZM will be capable of taking charge of additional Sections in the absence of another ZM or the entire the Department as needed. They should be capable of taking the lead to address all potential problems and emergencies. The AZMs reports directly to the Section Zoological Manager.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in wild animal care in an accredited facility.
• Minimum of 2 years’ of experience working with Great apes, preferably chimpanzees
• Minimum of 1 years’ experience as a supervisor- responsible for training, supervision, providing performance feedback and conflict resolution
• Good written and verbal communications skills including experience with public presentation
• Good organizational skills; able to successfully manage multiple tasks/projects
• Extensive knowledge in 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
EXPERIENCE AND QUALITIES PREFERRED
• Working knowledge of a broad range of species
• Experience coordinating emergency response procedures, including live firearms or darting equipment
• Computer proficiency
• Involvement in the wild animal profession outside of the Zoo (professional organizations, field work, activism, etc.)
Education and Pre-requisites
Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field or equivalent experience
Willingness to work outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays
Good physical condition; able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e. feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e. hay bale)
Valid driver’s license
Compensation and benefits
Annual salary $56,406 – $82,679 commensurate with experience. Full-time, regular, exempt position. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, and 403B retirement benefits. Minimum of two weeks’ vacation and eleven paid holidays.
Application instructions
Submit Resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references (a minimum of one should be a past supervisor) to:
Colleen Kinzley Vice President of Animal Care, Conservation and Research colleen@oaklandzoo.org
CLOSING DATE: 6/14/2022
Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.