Facility
Oregon Zoo
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Position summary
Are you a person that thrives in leading a passionate and diverse team of animal care professionals? Do you like collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to create strategic goals to increase animal care, welfare, conservation, and research? If this sounds like you, come be a part of our team!
The Oregon Zoo is looking for a Deputy Director of Animal Care. This position is responsible for the administrative, operational and planning functions of the animal care division of the Oregon Zoo. The deputy director coordinates the activities of animal care, health, and welfare including record keeping, veterinary care, research and conservation. This position plans, organizes, coordinates, assigns and evaluates the work of senior veterinarian, welfare and research manager, zoological curators, and the registrar. This position exercises considerable independent judgment within established guidelines and policies, with general direction from the zoo director to support the mission and strategic plan (Download PDF reader) of the Oregon Zoo. Along with the deputy director of operations and the zoo director, represents the zoo at a public level.
About the Oregon Zoo:
Community supported since 1888, the Oregon Zoo provides exceptional experiences to guests to inspire them to create a better future for wildlife. From education programs to on-the-ground conservation efforts, the zoo is working to save species regionally and worldwide. With more than 1.5 million guests a year, the Oregon Zoo is the top paid cultural attraction in the Pacific Northwest.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Establishes, implements and monitors strategic direction, policies and procedures for the effective, efficient operation of the division;
Directs staff in their animal care and welfare, conservation, research, record keeping, and animal health activities;
Collaborates with others to develop new, innovative means for care of the animal collection that is safe for animals and humans. This will include design of new exhibits and long term care plans that meet the zoo’s education and conservation goals;
Guides care of animals over their lifetime, including nutritional and social needs, husbandry, breeding, as well as the physical and mental health needs of individual animals within the zoo’s animal population;
Develops division leadership team by setting clear expectations, providing direct constructive feedback and professional development opportunities and a culture of accountability;
Directs the administrative functions, to include monitoring and preparing the division’s budget, overseeing the maintenance of animal record keeping systems and government permits, staff recruitment and performance evaluations;
Assures operations of the division are in compliance with all applicable laws, Animal Welfare Act standards, American Zoo and Aquarium Association accreditation standards and related policies, as well as occupational health and safety procedures and practices;
Oversees and monitors conservation, welfare, and research activities to ensure efforts are aligned with the zoo’s Integrated Conservation Action Plan (ICAP) and goals. Provides oversight of effective and ethical research use, while ensuring individual animal welfare;
Supervises professional and technical positions with responsibility for recruitment, training, grievances and discipline. Build and maintain trust through a transparent and participatory decision making process. Oversees the administration of two collective bargaining agreements and resolves contract disputes in collaboration with Human Resources;
Represents the zoo to the public and media regarding significant animal events; Participates in fundraising activities in collaboration with Oregon Zoo Foundation, including donor cultivation tours to support zoo revenue goals;
Prepares and delivers formal and informal presentations to other zoo divisions, volunteer groups, zoo visitors and the public;
Oversees animal acquisition and transfer practices to assure they are in accordance with established zoo policies and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association Policy on Responsible Population Management and AZA Animal Programs recommendations by Species Survival Plans, Taxonomic Advisory Groups and others
TO QUALIFY:
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.
Metro is committed to ensuring the health and safety for our employees and our community. As a part of this commitment, Metro has implemented a vaccine requirement policy for employees, paid and unpaid interns and volunteers. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is considered a minimum qualification requirement for Metro job applicants and this proof will be requested during the hiring process. View: Metro COVID-19 Vaccination policy (Download PDF reader) If you require an accommodation under this policy for a medical condition or disability, or sincerely held religious belief, please email benefits.help@oregonmetro.gov
If terminated for cause, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent years of experience in zoology, biology, wildlife management, animal science or a related field;
Seven to ten years relevant experience in the following areas:
Supervisory experience;
Experience in animal management
Experience in coordinating field conservation projects.
Preferred Qualifications:
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.
Advance degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management, animal science or a related field
Experience with a zoo animal collection
Experience in executive leadership overseeing department organizational goals, strategic planning and overall decisions making.
Work location: This position will primarily work at the Oregon Zoo on-site. Due to the nature of the work there is no option for teleworking.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.
Complete the electronic application
Answer the supplemental question
Metro offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits program. The position is not represented by a union and is classified as a Deputy Director (click to read the full classification). Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.
Additional Information
Hello, we’re Metro: Across greater Portland in 24 cities and three counties, there’s one local government that brings us all together. Led by an elected council, Metro helps Oregonians shape the future and provides services that make life better today. Metro’s work spans parks and nature, land and transportation, garbage and recycling, and arts and events. We help make greater Portland a great place to call home.
Additional Information Related to COVID-19: The health and safety of our employees and community is a top priority for Metro. Employees will be required to follow all Metro COVID-related policies and procedures, which may meet or exceed guidelines set forth by the CDC, Oregon Health Authority, and other federal, state and local jurisdictions. Learn more at oregonmetro.gov/COVID-19.
Diversity and Inclusion: At Metro, we strive to hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.
Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): Metro pays the employee and employer portion of the PERS contribution.
Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans’ preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.
Education and Pre-requisites
A Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent years of experience in zoology, biology, wildlife management, animal science or a related field;
Seven to ten years relevant experience in the following areas:
Supervisory experience;
Experience in animal management
Experience in coordinating field conservation projects.
Preferred Qualifications:
You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.
Advance degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management, animal science or a related field
Experience with a zoo animal collection
Experience in executive leadership overseeing department organizational goals, strategic planning and overall decisions making.
Work location: This position will primarily work at the Oregon Zoo on-site. Due to the nature of the work there is no option for teleworking.
Compensation and benefits
Not specified.
Application instructions
If you’re interested in applying for this opportunity please apply online at oregonmetro.gov/jobs