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 Animal Care, Conservation and Research Department; the position is equivalent to a Curator at other zoological facilities. This area of responsibility includes chimpanzees, lesser apes, baboons and other primates, sun bears, Amazon parrots, pudu, wallaroos, emus, and the Zoo’s education animals divided amongst several work areas (Strings), and supervises staff which include Senior and Lead Keepers, Animal Keepers, Apprentice Keepers, 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 Vice President 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. 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 including collection planning and project management. S/he 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 VP and Director.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in chimpanzee care in an accredited facility.
• 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 a broad range of species
• 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

Annual salary $60,000- 70,000 commensurate with experience. Full-time, regular exempt position. Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, and 403B retirement benefits

Application instructions

Submit Resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references (a minimum of one should be a past supervisor) to:
Colleen Kinzley Vice President of Animal Care, Conservation and Research colleen@oaklandzoo.org
CLOSING DATE: open until filled
Candidates not meeting minimum requirements will not receive a response.
Applicants selected for candidacy are required to attend an on-site working interview.