Facility
EcoTarium
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Job Summary:
The Manager of Zoology provides leadership and supervision to oversee the operations of the zoology department and live animal collections. The live animal collections include outdoor wildlife on and off exhibit, ambassador animals, and indoor creatures great and small. This position works closely with other department leaders and the President/CEO on strategic planning for the animal collections, the addition or removal of new indoor and outdoor animal exhibits, contracts veterinary services, the pursuit of accreditation by the AZA, and an on-going effort to increase the Museum’s profile locally, regionally and nationally particularly in preparation for the Museum’s 200th Anniversary. The Manager of Zoology will have final approval of all animals in exhibits and on grounds. While participating in and maintaining an ever-increasing standard of animal welfare, the Manager of Zoology will serve as a working supervisor for animal care staff, providing hands-on care when needed and collaborating within and across departments to help implement and expand:
-New and refreshed outdoor multi-species animal habitats and interactives which deepen guest engagement at animal exhibits
-New and refreshed indoor animal exhibits
-Ongoing animal training and enrichment activities, increasingly showcasing the work of the team to the public
-Public educational programs focused on zoology and conservation, and an ongoing evaluation of those programs for continuous improvement
-Fund-raising initiatives in coordination with Advancement, including programs and projects that increase the Museum’s role in active conservation efforts
-Ongoing keeper training and professional development for staff
The Zoology Department is responsible for the care, maintenance and health of approximately 70 individual animals, representing about 40 species. The collection includes animals in indoor and outdoor exhibits and animals housed off-display for engagement in programs. It includes mammals, birds, reptiles, small marine animals and insects, including native species unable through injury or conditioning to live in the wild. The department also advises on the plantings and native landscape of 45 acre grounds, and supports inspections and maintenance of the perimeter fence and habitats. The grounds are an important guest experience, educational tool, and conservation opportunity for the EcoTarium.
Responsibilities:
Develop and oversee all aspects of the museum’s animal collection, including acquisition and deaccession, maintaining collection records, administration of licensing, permitting, record documentation, veterinary care, staffing, budgeting, husbandry protocols, safety, maintenance, enrichment and training programs
Ensures operations are in alignment with professional standards, regulations, applicable laws, conservation efforts and the Museum’s mission and values
Hire, train and supervise full-time and part-time staff, interns and volunteers for daily operations and public programs
Provide management of the Zoological staff, ensuring appropriate training and professional development
Mentor and train less experienced staff in all aspects on animal care
Develop policies and procedures related to animal husbandry, and oversee implementation
Implement and maintain a state-of-the-art institutional Animal Welfare Program and oversee animal welfare assessments and documentation
As a member of the Museum’s Safety Committee, develop and implement emergency protocols and procedures, including animal escapes, bite protocols and contingency plans, and other safety policies
Responsible for development of animal nutrition programs and diets
Maintain an Animal Ambassador Handling Program that is up to date with the latest research through AZA and the Animal Ambassador SAG and oversee the creation of formal and informal animal programs to the general public and groups
Advise the President/CEO on agreements with contracted veterinarians to achieve animal care standards, and coordinate scheduled and emergency exams to ensure the highest level of care for the museum’s animal collection
Develop and maintain relationships and initiatives with local, regional, and national organizations and agencies so that the museum is positioned and seen as a trusted and key animal care partner
Ensure adherence to Federal, State and local agency laws, regulations, codes and ordinances as well as meeting USDA/AZA/USFWS/MAFW/OSHA standards
Provide leadership in planning and maintaining animal habitats and exhibits, acting as a project manager when working with outside contractors on exhibit updates and new exhibit design
Develop and monitor annual budget for zoology department. Procure all departmental supplies and equipment
Participate as needed in the daily care of the animals
Ensure compliance with all permitting and federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances applicable to possession, exhibition, transport and record-keeping for native and exotic animals
Oversight and compliance with federal and state regulations, permits, museum’s collection policy, and professional standards for record keeping
Participate actively on appropriate interdisciplinary committees
Advise other departments on activities or projects which could impact non-captive, resident wildlife on the campus
In coordination with the President/CEO, represent the institution in public forums, professional conferences and the press as appropriate
Must be available to work a flexible schedule which will include some weekends and non traditional hours, including on-call for animal emergencies, and be on the rotation schedule for holidays with other managers
Serve as lead coordinator for AZA accreditation process with a lens towards future AAM accreditation
Occasionally travel on short notice and/or for extended periods as required to meet with other zoological professionals, to collect specimens, attend conferences, and/or to transfer animals
Other duties as assigned
Education and Pre-requisites
Qualifications:
B.S. (M.S. preferred) in Biology, Animal Science, or related field preferred
Excellent management and supervisory skills including the ability to develop, coach and mentor as well as foster and maintain high morale and engagement; critical thinking skills with the ability to problem solve and make sound decisions
Ability and experience in team building and fostering a positive, collaborative working environment
Demonstrated experience working with veterinarians and working knowledge of common medical procedures
Six years of professional animal care experience with progressive leadership roles; experience in an AZA accredited institution is preferred
Understanding of industry standards and practices of husbandry, exhibition, and collection planning for animals under human care
Ability to assume responsibility for accreditation process and maintain compliance with all required permitting
Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances applicable to possession, exhibition, and transport of native and exotic animals
Experience with animal management plans, policies and tools, such as ZIMS, animal escape and recapture, enrichment and training, and ICP
Technical and practical knowledge of the care and maintenance of animal habitats and bioactive botanical exhibits/habitats in nature centers
Strong oral and written communication, public education and relevant computer skills
Experience participating in the design of exhibit/habitats and animal care facilities
Experience with inquiry-based, informal educational programs using live animal collections
Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects, climb a 5-foot ladder and work outdoors in all conditions
Must pass a CORI background check in accordance with EcoTarium guidelines
Must be fully vaccinated for rabies no later than three (3) months after hire date
Compensation and benefits
$60,000 – $70,000
Application instructions
Applicants with disabilities may contact Human Resources via telephone, e-mail, and other means to request and arrange for accommodations. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time. Please contact Deana Prest (Director of Human Resources) at dprest@ecotarium.org.
Apply at: https://ecotarium.org/manager-of-zoology/