Zoological Manager-Birds Department

Facility

Lincoln Park Zoo

Closing Date

[jobclosingdate]

Description

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo, is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

GENERAL SUMMARY
Under general supervision, coordinates daily operations of a specific animal area including supervising keeper staff

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Supervises a keeper staff that is responsible for all aspects of animal care including but not limited to all cleaning, feeding, watering, grooming (i.e., domestic animals), observing, record keeping and maintaining exhibits.
Oversees and maintains animal exhibits including use of chemical agents and special tools which are used to assure the health and safety of the animals as well as the proper presentation of the public.
Able to perform animal keeping duties extending to all animal husbandry and exhibit maintenance functions if necessary. Includes observing and reporting abnormal behavior, dispensation of drugs and treatments prescribed by authorized veterinarian.
Manages area personnel including but not limited to work assignments, schedules and coordination of staffing levels. Prepares and tracks timekeeping and other related reports. Works with appropriate staff in preparation of performance evaluations of area personnel. Implements and oversees training of area personnel. Participates in selection and interview process of candidates for temporary, animal keeper, assistant lead, and lead keeper.
Promotes a positive work environment through words and actions. Works closely with staff to encourage participation in discussions and meetings, ensuring staff understand the rationale for decisions.
Assists curator in development of annual operating plan and implements plan. Responsible for conforming to all zoo, local, state, federal, foreign, and international laws/guidelines regarding acquisition, maintenance, health, shipment and welfare of the collection. Ensures compliance with AZA accreditation standards and USDA AWA.
Advances mission of the zoo through participation in and coordinating conservation and education programs — serving as departmental liaison with on-grounds education programs, acting as a liaison to any ongoing in situ conservation initiatives, facilitating research involving the zoo collection, coordinating tours, preparing and presenting training programs for assigned staff and volunteers.
Makes recommendations regarding animal husbandry and management changes/modifications including diet changes, habitat redesign, and operational efficiencies.
Oversees the general maintenance and ongoing furnishing, modifying and upgrading of existing or planned exhibits as appropriate. Assists in exhibit design and renovations
Oversees capture, restraint and transport of animals.
Maintains detailed records on animal behavior, physical condition, reproduction, genealogy, facility condition and prepares comprehensive reports for departmental collection management staff, etc. Maintains animal inventory and initiates TRACKS record entries.
May assume leadership role in executing the zoo’s established animal escape procedure. Responds to emergencies, takes control of the situation and sees it through the closure.
May be trained in the use of all the zoo’s capture equipment including but not limited to firearms, dart gun, and anesthetic agents.
Oversees adherence to departmental and institutional policies and procedures — enforces and assists with updates of established animal handling and related safety guidelines.
Works with curator to update all departmental documents including, but not limited to, species plan, breeding and rearing protocols, and budget for the department. With minimal oversight, manages department budget.
Participates in AZA programs (such as population management) and other related professional organizations
Collaboratively, along with the Behavioral Husbandry and Enrichment Manager, oversee the department’s enrichment and operant conditioning programs

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
May substitute for curator in their absence
May serve on the Safety Committee or other zoo committees
May attend regional, national or international conferences
May be called on to represent the zoo to external donor, community, scientific, and government groups
Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Ability to remain motivated with a high degree of autonomy, while providing clear leadership direction to the department staff.
Strong interpersonal skills which foster a team approach to management, with the ability to mentor, motivate and coach direct reports
Demonstrated ability to handle variety of avian species and comprehensive knowledge of capture and restraint techniques, with the ability to train staff on these techniques.
Comprehensive knowledge avian artificial incubation and hand-rearing
Comprehensive knowledge of animal behavior and natural history; common environmental enrichment and animal training practices; biology and related subjects, specifically as it relates to avian taxa.
Comprehensive knowledge of animal behavior as an indication of general health, reproductive potential and well being
Knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals
Comprehensive knowledge of materials, methods, tools and equipment used in cleaning operations
Highly developed skill in making thorough observations and documenting observations
Ability to keep comprehensive and accurate records according to established procedures
Ability to both give and follow oral and written directions effectively
Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects
Strong oral and written communication skills
Demonstrated good judgment
Ability to work in any of the assigned animal areas fulfilling all requirements of the title
Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing animal behavior problems or emergency situations, and to respond with appropriate action
Ability to work with and be comfortable around potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species
Ability to work with potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs
Ability to interact courteously, respectfully and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public
Knowledge of modern aviculture techniques and practices in a zoological setting, including basic nutrition and veterinary topics
Knowledge of AZA avian programs

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
A Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or a closely related discipline is required. An advanced degree in Biological Sciences or closely related discipline is preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Successful candidates likely to have 3- 5 years experience in routine animal husbandry as in a zoo, aquarium or closely related field; and at least 1-2 years experience in a supervisory position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time
Ability to regularly perform a variety of physical tasks that include but are not limited to climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, crawling
Physical strength, including ability to frequently move up to fifty (50) pounds
Ability to work in small, confined spaces
Ability to work in all weather conditions
Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may include rubber/latex gloves, steel-toed boots/shoes, face shields, eye goggles
No allergy related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work
No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch balance and ability of movement that might interfere with ability to work
Ability to maintain immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases
Risk exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Available to work all necessary hours, including weekends, holidays, special events and all shifts.
Available to attend training sessions and conferences as needed.
A valid driver’s license with a good driving record
Proof of negative TB test
Proof of Covid vaccine

Salary: $67,000-$70,000 annually

Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All

Education and Pre-requisites