Manager of Zoology

Status: Full Time, Salaried, Exempt

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.

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

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

Salary:

$60,000 - $70,000