Facility
Roger Williams Park Zoo/ Rhode Island Zoological Society
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Roger Williams Park Zoo (RWPZ) of Providence, Rhode Island, is one of the nation’s oldest zoos, exhibiting over 100 animal species. Our culture is built on our core values -community, fun, innovation, diversity, integrity, sustainability, and excellence. We value our role in the community as a treasured place for families and a trusted resource for learning; we create a sense of community for our staff and contribute to the global conservation community. We provide a fun experience for our guests and believe that a fun environment is essential to create a great workplace. We are willing to take risks, to propose novel ideas and to think “out of the box”. Bold dreams are welcome here. We act with respect toward all. We value diversity and are intolerant of bias. Integrity and honesty drive our business practices and our relationships with each other and our constituents. We are driven by our vision of greater sustainability in our environmental practices and in our business model. We believe that by establishing a sustainable financial base we can best achieve our goals. We are always striving for excellence. We work to exceed expectations in all areas.
RWPZ is currently recruiting for a full-time, year-round, exempt, Records Manager. The Records Manager serves as a member of the animal management team, monitoring all transactions for adherence to zoo’s policies, managing accurate animal records (for use in the development of husbandry, conservation programs, and breeding programs, preparation of scientific publications, and provision of data for cooperative ventures at both the regional and international levels), serving as liaison to external agencies and organizations as required, and monitoring legislation for compliance with all wildlife laws. This position is also responsible for permit maintenance and renewal as well as providing training and feedback to all levels of animal care staff in record keeping. This position collaborates closely with The Director of Animal Programs, The Director of Conservation Programs, the Animal Care Manager, and the Veterinary Team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Maintain:
o files of all documents related to animal transaction (including loan agreements, contracts, permits, etc.).
o familiarity with all aspects of record-keeping, transactions and permitting.
o records for non-AZA recipients and vendors and renew applicable ones every 5 years.
o a current inventory (via ZIMS) of the zoo’s collection and conservation program animals, ensuring all relevant transactions (including shipments, births, deaths), and notes (behavioral, reproductive, and medical) are accurately recorded and reported to key appropriate staff.
o database of approved departmental policies/protocols.
o inventory of zoo crates and ensure IATA compliance with air shipments.
o spreadsheet of approved research requests.
• Serve as principal advisor to animal managers on records management, adherence to zoo policies, and legal and logistical aspects of and collection activities and conservation programs.
• Monitor status of legislation pertaining to wildlife and transport procedures, procuring, and maintaining required Federal, State, and local permits as necessary for the maintenance and transport of wildlife in accordance with regulations.
• File annual reports.
• Set procedures for domestic and international shipments of live animals, parts and products: check legal regulations and zoo policies for compliance, direct document preparation, plan some aspects of shipment logistics, and schedule animal shipments.
• Lead by example and serve as the liaison between the institution and outside organizations/institutions (Species 360), as well as other departments within the zoo on matters of animal records and related issues.
• Work with Managers and Keepers through training programs and regular contact to improve record systems and solve problems as they arise.
• Direct composition and administration of loan and donation agreements with Director of Animal Programs, monitoring the status of all specimens out on loan.
• Provide institutional data for studbook reports, SAFE programs, questionnaires, surveys and Species Survival Plan updates, as requested.
• Assist the Conservation Director in providing annual reports for local, regional, and international conservation initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Pre-requisites
Experience, Training and/or Education:
• Two years’ experience in animal collections data management.
• Must have completed the AZA Institution Record Keeping Course or the ZRA training certificate. Or, have the ability to do so within one year.
• Must possess strong multi-tasking and time management skills and be able to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.
• Experience with computers (including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point) necessary, and experience with animal records software (e.g., ZIMS) preferred.
• Incumbent should have broad interests in research and conservation.
Preferred Experience, Training and/or Education
• A degree in biology or related science field is preferred.
Competencies
• Knowledge of:
o animal record-keeping, with at least 6 months experience in a similar position, preferably at an AZA-accredited facility.
o inventory accession and record-keeping practices, as well as zoological nomenclature.
o laws regulating animal acquisition, disposition, exhibition, husbandry standards.
• Ability to:
o always represent the Zoo in a professional manner.
o work with minimal supervision, must be self-directed.
o manage confidential and sensitive information.
o be proactive and independent.
o take initiative.
o maintain the highest level of professionalism when representing the Zoo in the delivery of services and when building relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
o be flexible with assignments and work schedule.
o travel locally.
• Excellent:
o facilitation, as well as communication skills, both oral and written.
o customer service skills.
o verbal, written, interpersonal communication and presentation skills.
o time management skills with a proven ability to meet critical deadlines.
o critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
o computer skills, including Microsoft Office and working with databases.
Additional Requirements
• Proof fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or obtains a qualified approved exemption prior to employment start date. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Current driver’s license.
• Picks up and deliveries animal from and to airport.
• Serves as IR for selected species.
• Ability to:
o work occasional weekends, holidays, and evenings.
o work outdoors under various weather conditions.
• Required to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull, bend, climb stairs and carry up to 50 lbs.
Compensation and benefits
Health Insurance, Long- Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Retirement Plan, Flexible Spending Account, PTO and more! Please check out our website at www.rwpzoo.org/careers.
Application instructions
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity to be a team member at a well-renowned Zoo in the New England area, send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:
Roger Williams Park Zoo
ATTN: Records Manager
1000 Elmwood Ave
Providence, RI 02907
-or-
employment@rwpzoo.org