Facility

The Hattiesburg Zoo

Closing Date

Description

The role of the Director of Animal Care is to ensure the well-being of the collection of animals at the Hattiesburg Zoo, while creating a path for future expansion. This individual will ensure that appropriate standards are being met or exceeded throughout the Wildlife sector. This includes modeling Wildlife operations after best practices of the AZA, WAZA, AAZK, USDA, USFWS and other relevant organizations.

• Plan, organize, direct and oversee all operations of zoological areas including wildlife care and management, exhibit presentation, improvements and development.
• Provides for and supervises the husbandry of all animals in the collection according to the best available methods in animal care, nutrition and medical treatment.
• Monitors the care of animals; establishes the composition of the collection; establishes husbandry standards, which meet or exceed accrediting institution standards; oversees or maintains animal record systems; may perform some direct, hands-on animal care work; may participate in animal physicals and research projects.
•Knowledge of AZA accreditation, principals, ethics and practices.
•Works with the Veterinarian to oversee and participate in the animal medical care program.
•Monitors animal transactions to assure compliance with established policies and procedures.
•Knowledge of annual budget process and ability to manage departmental budget.
•Assures compliance with federal, state and local regulations regarding the acquisition, disposition, health and shipment of animal specimens.
•Provides for the acquisition and disposition of animals in accordance to the approved collection plan.
•Coordination of all ZIMS activities of the Zoo.
•Insures that all work areas are clean, safe and always in compliance with USDA exhibitor’s licenses as defined under the Animal Welfare Act.
•Prepares written and oral reports as needed.
•Supervises 10+ Wildlife Management staff and departmentally associated volunteers, interns and students.
•Ability to interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve problems.
•Attends and organizes meetings according to assigned duties.
•Maintains contact with and participates in professional organizations, conservation programs, governmental and nongovernmental agencies, the public and other related/interested parties.
•Provides for and supervises the development and operation of the animal training program and animal enrichment programs, which emphasize husbandry and natural behaviors.
•Continually strives to build a collaborative and empowered team, by providing supervision, training and mentoring.
•Responsible for assigning job related tasks and schedules for the department.
•Plans for and implements exhibits that will provide the highest possible level of visitor education and enjoyment.
•Assist with other tasks as assigned.

Education and Pre-requisites

Bachelor of Science degree in biology, zoology or related field. A minimum of five years’ experience in wildlife management at a zoo (preferably an AZA accredited facility) including a minimum of 3 years in a management or staff leadership capacity. Such work must be related to animal care, husbandry, collection management and research. Demonstrated knowledge of animal transport, quarantine, animal health, clinical treatment, exhibit design, and operant conditioning. Knowledge and ability to implement permitting procedures.

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Company Paid Medical, Dental and Vision Plan
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Leave
• Paid Holidays

Application instructions

To apply please visit: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=f2539413-573d-4af3-b530-aac5325ef868&ccId=19000101_000001&type=JS&lang=en_US&selectedMenuKey=CareerCenter