Facility

Oakland Zoo

Closing Date

Description

This is a salaried position. The Zoological Manager (ZM) will spend the majority of his/her time in supervisory and administrative tasks in the new California Trail Section of the Animal Care, Conservation and Research Department. The California Trail Section includes bald eagle, grey wolf, California condor, jaguar, mountain lion, grizzly and black bears, and bison reintroduction program divided amongst several work areas (Strings), and supervises staff which include Senior and Lead Keepers, Animal Keepers, Apprentice Keeper, plus interns, volunteers, and behavioral observers. The ZM will cover these areas as a floater as necessary. Staff within those areas will report directly to the ZM. The ZM reports directly to the Director of Animal Care, Conservation and Research. S/he has extensive experience in the areas of animal care and management. The ZM also has experience leading and supervising staff. As a zoo leader he/she is expected to conduct him/herself in accordance with the Zoo’s Basic Principles. The ZM will use leadership skills in his/her interactions with others. S/he must demonstrate excellent leadership skills including time management, prioritization, working cooperatively, effective and timely communication, and serving as a role model. The ZM will execute job performance evaluations with staff in his/her work section. The ZM will be available to assist in procedures and projects, answer questions, facilitate maintenance or grounds work, etc. S/he must also be able to represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes, and casual communication with Zoo guests. ZM is also responsible for various administrative and future planning tasks as assigned by the Director of Animal Care, Conservation and Research, and is expected to implement Department/Zoo priorities as well as demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements, which include Departmental administrative tasks. The ZM will take charge of the Department and address all potential problems and emergencies in the absence of the Department Directors
Minimum of 7 years’ experience in animal care in an AZA accredited zoo.
 Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a supervisor- responsible for training, supervision, providing performance feedback and conflict resolution
 Good physical condition; able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e. feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e. hay bale)
 Valid driver’s license
 Willingness to work outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays
 Good written and verbal communications skills including experience with public presentation
 Good organizational skills; able to successfully manage multiple tasks/projects
 Extensive knowledge in the natural history and captive management of wild animals
 Extensive knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
 Leadership and/or management training and experience
 Extensive knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions

Education and Pre-requisites

Working knowledge of large birds of prey, large carnivores, large ungulates, or other potentially dangerous animals
 Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field
 Experience coordinating emergency response procedures, including live fire arms or darting equipment
 Computer proficiency
 Involvement in the wild animal profession outside of the Zoo (professional organizations, field work, activism, etc.)

Compensation and benefits

Full-time, regular exempt position; starting annual salary $57,000, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, and 403B retirement benefits; two weeks of vacation and ten paid holidays annually

Application instructions

Apply by email only:
Submit Resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references (a minimum of one should be a past supervisor) to:
Darren Minier, Assistant Director of Animal Care, Conservation, and Research: dminier@oaklandzoo.org
Candidates not meeting minimum requirements will not receive a response.
Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.