Facility

Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo

Closing Date

Description

SUMMARY:
The position requires a dedicated individual who will take direction from the Deputy Director in managing in the coordination, training and implementation of professional husbandry, training and show presentation protocols for the zoo’s collection of birds and mammals as well as other related projects and programs. The Mammal Manager will participate in planning and be responsible for assisting the Deputy Director in implementing all assigned animal care, exhibit maintenance, animal training and show presentation procedures, staff training for the bird and mammal collection. This position requires an individual with a proactive attention to detail as well as a proven leader, trainer, and team member.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversee the daily operations of the mammal/bird collection, exhibits and off display holing areas.
Assists the Deputy Director with the training of husbandry staff in developing behaviors that will lead to the improvement of entertaining and educational shows.
Prepares and delivers employee performance evaluations, appropriate disciplinary actions and documentation of excellent work performance to assure a mutual understanding of goals and progress towards improving professional achievement.
Participates in area work schedule, maintains exhibit quality standards through regular maintenance and cleaning activities, and facilitates training through a hands-on work approach.
Coordinates the input of data by husbandry staff into the animal records databases.
Assures that appropriate records are kept on all husbandry, training and enrichment including daily care, animal health, acquisition/disposition and mortalities.
Help train new Mammal Department employees to assure compliance with established standards and protocols.
Aid the Deputy Director in overseeing general maintenance of all related work areas and equipment. Keeps work area clean and organized and reports mechanical failures to supervisors in a timely way. Ensure off exhibit areas should be clean, neat and well organized.
Assist Deputy Director with communication and follow-up with division directors as pertains to effective and efficient management of assigned area(s)..
Assists in recruitment, evaluation and selection of new keeper staff.
Participates in long and short term departmental planning.
Assures that animal food, maintenance equipment and supplies are ordered and stocked in appropriate amounts in conjunction with current inventory and the availability of seasonal resources.
Interacts with Deputy Director and leads in carrying out medical procedures and protocols that are prescribed.
Notify the Deputy Director regarding the needs and repairs of critical life support equipment, structural depreciation, emergency repairs and joint projects.
Comply with safety and security directives, policies and procedures.
Performs other related duties as assigned and defined.

Education and Pre-requisites

REQUIRED SKILLS:
Ability to operate with minimal daily supervision.
Applied leadership abilities to motivate, direct and coach staff.
Ability to troubleshoot and follow-through.
Must be able to manage daily staff workflow and to forecast non-routine project manpower needs.
Knowledge of mammal and bird best-practices as pertains to nutrition, psychological well-being, preventative care and exhibitry.
Experience in designing and delivering quality educational programs to the public in both formal and informal formats.
Practiced skills in working in a dynamic team environment and the capacity to step outside of your role to ensure zoo-wide projects and goals are met.
Strong communication skills through all levels of staff.
Thorough and practiced understanding and appreciation for customer experience and expectations.
Knowledge of Federal, State and ZAA accreditation standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience at a public zoo or similar institution and a demonstrated knowledge and experience in zoological operations, animal husbandry and superior customer service.
Demonstrated ability to motivate and organize the activities of the training staff. This experience should include an increasing degree of responsibility over time with a broad base of technical knowledge, skills and specialization responsibility with at least three (3) years of supervisory experience.
Must have at least three (3) years of practiced experience with the care and safe husbandry of large carnivores, primates and hooved stock.
Demonstrated ability to lead and work as a part of a team in a constantly changing environment as well as individually, with a minimum of supervision.
Must be able to lift, carry, push and/or pull objects and materials of moderate weight (50-80 lbs)
Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include evenings and/or weekends and holidays. Ability to respond to emergencies on an on-call basis.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation commensurate with experience.

Application instructions

Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo is among the most celebrated zoos in Texas with an ever growing an attendance and a non-stop growth and expansion that is second to none. We are seeking an individual to not only manage our daily operations within the zoo, but also an individual that wishes to grow with us, as we grow into the next generation of zoos.

Qualified applicants may submit a cover letter and resume to:
Doug Hotle
Deputy Director/General Curator
Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo
DougH@hczoo.com