Vice President of Animal Operations

4 weeks ago


Loxahatchee, United States Lion Country Safari, Inc. Full time

The Vice President of Animal Operations is a senior executive leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of animal-related activities within the organization, with a focus on animal welfare, conservation, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and guest service. This position requires a comprehensive knowledge of animal care and husbandry, as well as strong leadership and communication skills to ensure a positive experience for visitors, as well as creating and providing professional growth opportunities for staff.

As part of Lion Country Safari Education and Conservation Foundation, the position could carry an additional title of “Director of the Center for Lion Conservation” focusing on one of the Foundation’s Centers of Excellence. The position would provide oversight to the Foundation’s mission-delivery programs and initiatives and build raise awareness and viability of LCS and the new Foundation.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**1. Leadership and Management**:

- Provide strategic leadership, innovation and measurable results for the animal operations department.
- Build and lead a high-performing team, including veterinarians, animal care staff, researchers, and other professionals.
- Set clear goals and objectives for the department and ensure alignment with organizational mission and values.

**2. Animal Welfare and Care**:

- Ensure the highest standards of animal well-being are maintained and continually advanced.
- Develop and implement comprehensive animal care protocols and procedures.
- Oversee animal exhibit design, housing, feeding, enrichment, and veterinary care for all animals under the organization's care.

**3. Strategic Planning and Development**:

- Develop and execute long-term strategic plans for the animal operations department.
- Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and expansion of programs and services.
- Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to advance organizational goals and objectives.

4. **Operational Excellence**:

- Establish and maintain efficient and effective operational processes, policies and procedures.
- Monitor and optimize resource utilization, including budgets, staffing, and facilities.
- Implement best practices in animal husbandry, facility management, and equipment maintenance.
- Works closely with the HR department to recruit the best animal staff and to maintain them by developing a positive work atmosphere. Develop professional development plans for key animal leadership team.

**5. Regulatory Compliance**:

- Stay abreast of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards pertaining to animal welfare and operations. Provide supervision of the Registrar.
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as accreditation requirements (e.g., AZA, GFAS).
- Maintain records and documentation to demonstrate compliance with applicable standards.

**6. Guest Service and Education**:

- Develop and oversee guest services programs that enhance the visitor experience and promote understanding and appreciation of animals.
- Implement educational initiatives, including interpretive signage, guided tours, and interactive exhibits, to engage and inform visitors about animal conservation and welfare.
- Train staff to deliver excellent customer service and provide accurate information to guests about animals, exhibits, and conservation efforts.

**7. Public Relations and Stakeholder Engagement**:

- Serve as a spokesperson for the organization on matters related to animal welfare and operations.
- Cultivate positive relationships with regulatory agencies, industry partners, donors, and the community.
- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to promote transparency and trust.

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., animal science, veterinary medicine, biology) required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in animal care, management, or related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Strong knowledge of animal behavior, husbandry, and health management practices.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans and achieve measurable results.
- Familiarity with relevant regulations and accreditation standards.
- Passion for animal welfare and commitment to ethical treatment of animals.

**Additional Requirements**:

- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
- Ability to travel occasionally for conferences, meetings, or site visits.
- Physical ability to perform duties related to animal care and facility maintenance, including lifting and carrying heavy objects.
- Must possess a good work ethic and make every effort to be on time and be a team player.
- Must conduct themself in a positive manner and always represent Lion Country Safari positively on and off the



  • Loxahatchee Groves, United States Lion Country Safari, Inc. Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionThe Vice President of Animal Operations is a senior executive leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of animal-related activities within the organization, with a focus on animal welfare, conservation, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and guest service. This position requires a comprehensive...


  • Loxahatchee Groves, United States Lion Country Safari, Inc. Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionThe Vice President of Animal Operations is a senior executive leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of animal-related activities within the organization, with a focus on animal welfare, conservation, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and guest service. This position requires a comprehensive...


  • Loxahatchee Groves, United States Lion Country Safari, Inc. Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionThe Vice President of Animal Operations is a senior executive leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of animal-related activities within the organization, with a focus on animal welfare, conservation, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and guest service. This position requires a comprehensive...


  • Loxahatchee, United States HCA Florida Palms West Hospital Full time

    **Introduction**: **Benefits**: HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include: - Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral...


  • Loxahatchee, United States HCA Florida Palms West Hospital Full time

    Description IntroductionHCA Florida Palms West Hospital is committed to investing in the latest technology enabling nurses to work more efficiently. Are you passionate about delivering patient-centered care? Submit your application for Registered Nurse Operating Room position and spend more time at the bedside with the patient.BenefitsHCA Florida Palms West...


  • Loxahatchee, United States HCA Florida Palms West Hospital Full time

    Description IntroductionHCA Florida Palms West Hospital is committed to investing in the latest technology enabling nurses to work more efficiently. Are you passionate about delivering patient-centered care? Submit your application for Registered Nurse Operating Room position and spend more time at the bedside with the patient.BenefitsHCA Florida Palms West...

  • Senior Veterinarian

    1 month ago


    Loxahatchee, United States Lion Country Safari Full time

    As the Senior Veterinarian at Lion Country Safari, located in Loxahatchee, FL, you will lead our veterinary team in providing exceptional care to a diverse range of exotic and domestic animals residing within the zoo. Your role involves overseeing the health and well-being of our animal population, collaborating with other zoo departments, and contributing...


  • Loxahatchee, United States Lion Country Safari, Inc. Full time

    Lion Country Safari Mission Statement_: Be a leader in animal care, conservation, and education to inspire people through connections with wildlife in a fun, family-friendly environment. **General Job Description** Under Veterinary supervision and reporting to the Senior Veterinarian, the Hospital Manager’s duties include, but are not limited to the...


  • Loxahatchee, United States Lion Country Safari, Inc. Full time

    Lion Country Safari Mission Statement_: Be a leader in animal care, conservation, and education to inspire people through connections with wildlife in a fun, family-friendly environment. **General Job Description** Under Veterinary supervision and reporting to the Senior Veterinarian, the Hospital Manager’s duties include, but are not limited to the...


  • Loxahatchee, United States Lion Country Safari, Inc. Full time

    **JOB FUNCTION**: The Keeper in this position will be responsible for some aspects of husbandry including, but not limited to, the feeding, cleaning, enrichment and welfare of lories and giraffe and other animals under our care. This position will also be responsible for interacting with guests in our interactive encounters. **DUTIES AND...


  • Loxahatchee, United States HCA Florida Palm Beach Surgical Specialists Full time

    **Introduction**: **Benefits**: HCA Florida Palm Beach Surgical Specialists, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include: - Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and...


  • Loxahatchee, United States HCA Florida Palm Beach Surgical Specialists Full time

    **Introduction**: **Benefits**: HCA Florida Palm Beach Surgical Specialists, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include: - Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and...


  • Loxahatchee Groves, Florida, United States HCA Florida Palms West Hospital Full time

    Introduction:Benefits:HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues.The available plans and programs include: Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral health coverage as...

  • Laboratory Assistant

    3 weeks ago


    Loxahatchee, United States HCA Florida Palms West Hospital Full time

    HCA Florida Palms West Hospital 13001 Southern Blvd Loxahatchee, FL 33470 HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is located on a spacious 94-acre campus. Our 204-bed, acute care facility has been providing high-quality healthcare in Palm Beach County and Loxahatchee, Florida, for more than thirty years. **Benefits**: HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, offers a...

  • CT Technologist PRN

    4 weeks ago


    Loxahatchee, United States HCA Full time

    Introduction Are you looking for a work environment where diversity and inclusion thrive? Submit your application for our Cat Scan Technologist PRN opening with HCA Florida Palms West Hospital today and find out what it truly means to be a part of the HCA Healthcare team. This position may be eligible for a Sign-On Bonus Benefits HCA Florida Palms West...

  • CT Technologist PRN

    3 weeks ago


    Loxahatchee, United States HCA Full time

    Introduction Are you looking for a work environment where diversity and inclusion thrive? Submit your application for our Cat Scan Technologist PRN opening with HCA Florida Palms West Hospital today and find out what it truly means to be a part of the HCA Healthcare team. This position may be eligible for a Sign-On Bonus Benefits HCA Florida Palms West...


  • Loxahatchee, United States HCA Florida Palms West Hospital Full time

    Description IntroductionAre you looking for a work environment where diversity and inclusion thrive? Submit your application for our Director Food and Nutrition Services opening with HCA Florida Palms West Hospital today and find out what it truly means to be a part of the HCA Healthcare team.BenefitsHCA Florida Palms West Hospital, offers a total rewards...


  • Loxahatchee, United States HCA Florida Palms West Hospital Full time

    **Introduction**: **Benefits**: HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include: - Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral...


  • Loxahatchee, United States HCA Florida Palms West Hospital Full time

    **Introduction**: **This position may be eligible for a Sign-On Bonus** **Benefits**: HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include: - Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low...

  • Senior Veterinarian

    2 months ago


    Loxahatchee Groves, United States Lion Country Safari, Inc. Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAs the Senior Veterinarian at Lion Country Safari, located in Loxahatchee, FL, you will lead our veterinary team in providing exceptional care to a diverse range of exotic and domestic animals residing within the zoo. Your role involves overseeing the health and well-being of our animal population, collaborating with other zoo...