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Director of Animal Care
1 month ago
Are you a seasoned leader looking to have an impact on zoological animal welfare and conservation? The Santa Barbara Zoo is looking for a Director of Animal Care to oversee the management of our animal population, lead our diverse and dedicated Animal Care team, and drive our commitment to wildlife conservation and education. In addition to meaningful work, you'll enjoy professional development opportunities, access to exclusive employee events, paid conservation time, and competitive pay Take the lead in advancing animal care and welfare while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment
Position Status: Full-time, Regular, Exempt, SalariedCompensation: $113,100 - $119,950
*You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*
SUMMARY:Under the general direction of the Vice President of Animal Care & Health, the Director of Animal Care is responsible for all aspects of animal care and welfare and facilitating the day-to-day operational needs of the Animal Care & Health Department.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Animal Population Management:
- Develops, modifies, and coordinates the institution's animal population plan, including acquisition of new species, phasing out species/populations, selection for new exhibits, and bi-annual review of the plan, in consultation with the Vice President of Animal Care & Health, AC&H managers, and other stakeholders
- Advises the Vice President of Animal Care & Health on animal population management, adherence to population management policy, and, legal and logistical aspects of animal management activities.
- Ensures organizational adherence to all animal management policies
- Acts as liaison between the institution and outside organizations/institutions, as well as other departments within the zoo on animal population matters and related issues
- Coordinates and implements the zoo's Responsible Population Management program (RPM)
- Communicates with the AZA Animal Population Management (APM) committee, Taxon Advisory Group (TAG), and Species Survival Plan (SSP) groups as needed for population management
- Serves as the AZA Institutional Liaison and manages Institutional Representatives for AZA conservation programs (TAGs, SSP). An IR is a primary point of contact between the zoo and the program leader
- Liaises and coordinates animal program recommendations with Animal Care Managers
- Oversees the coordination of animal transactions with the Registrar, Animal Managers, and Veterinarians, and ensures proper documentation related to animal transactions and proper maintenance of records.
- Collaborates with the CAZA-supported population biologist to achieve the zoo's animal population management goals
- Collaborates with the Registrar to maintain accurate animal population inventory lists, record daily animal management activities, prepare and maintain documentation and reports as needed and per regulatory requirements and AZA standards, and provide reports for other departments
- Collaborates with the Executive team and the Vice President of Animal Care & Health and appropriate consultants in the selection of species and exhibit design
- Collaborates with the Executive team and the Vice President of Animal Care & Health and other departments for the development of capital projects and exhibit enhancement projects
- Works with the AC&H managers to prepare or review and update all animal care AZA accreditation documentation
- Acts as a role model/leader in animal husbandry, welfare, and health issues
- Applies an understanding of animal husbandry, welfare, and health to determine animal management decisions including operational procedures
- Recognizes and determines the seriousness of abnormal behavior and medical conditions
- Confirms regular adherence to the USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, state, and federal regulations, and AZA standards associated with animal care and welfare
- Ensures compliance with all animal-related procedures in a safe manner for both staff and animals, including established SOGs and protocols
- Assesses facility needs, prioritizes and coordinates exhibit maintenance and improvements
- Oversees the development and regular review of Standard Operating Guidelines for animal husbandry and exhibit maintenance by gathering all appropriate information and generating team consensus on documented animal husbandry procedures
- Communicates veterinary and animal husbandry information in a timely and clear manner to the AC&H team and appropriate management staff, and to all zoo staff when approved to do so
- Oversees the Ambassador Animal program to maximize the effectiveness and safety of the program, and to assess and monitor the welfare of individual ambassador animals
- Oversees animal participation in all programs and events through Animal Events
- Collaborates with the Zoological Managers to facilitate animal transactions and be knowledgeable about shipping regulations for animals
- Coordinates quarantine housing and protocols with the Veterinarians or Vice President of Animal Care & Health and Zoological managers
- Supports and participates in AZA's Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) and Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs
- Works collaboratively with the Veterinarians and Veterinary staff to ensure the highest level of medical care for the animals in the collection
- Works collaboratively with the Nutritionist to ensure optimal nutrition and feeding strategies for the animal population
- Manages the Animal Care department budget in collaboration with the Vice President of Animal Care & Health.
- Collaborates positively and effectively with other departments such as Education, Guest Services, Institutional Advancement, Conservation & Science, and Marketing to achieve the goals of the AC&H department and zoo-wide programs
- Responsible for overseeing the animal welfare program including annual collection level welfare assessments, collaboratively developing mid-level and deeper dive assessments with stakeholders as needed, progressing animal welfare training within the department, coordinating twice yearly All Zoo animal welfare update presentations, coordinating and participating in quarterly animal welfare assessment working group meetings
- A key member of the Animal welfare assessment working group which meets quarterly to review assessments, evaluate the assessment process, and identify and address welfare concerns
- Oversees the animal training program and actively supports the Zoological Managers and Keepers in the advancement of the animal training program
- Oversees the behavioral enrichment (BE) program and actively supports the Zoological Managers, Keepers in the development and advancement of the BE program, including the Enriching Experiences Program
- A member of the Animal Welfare Committee which reviews and approves research proposals and addresses welfare concerns brought to the committee
- Collaborates with the Conservation & Science department to support participation in local conservation programs and fieldwork opportunities
- Collaborates with the Director of Conservation & Science, Veterinarians, and Zoological Managers to fulfill institutionally approved research requests
- Collaborates with the Director of Conservation & Science and Veterinarians to develop and implement in-house research activities
- Actively encourages and supports AC&H staff to participate in AZA animal programs (TAGs, SAGs, SSPs, SAFE programs, committees) and leads by example by being part of an AZA animal program such as SSP coordinator, studbook keeper, TAG or SAG committee member or other
- Identifies potential conservation program connections between the institution and AZA groups such as SSPs and TAGs
- Oversees the input of animal care daily records into ZIMS
- Reviews daily animal records and provides feedback and/or process changes in order to improve the quality and retrievability of records
- Oversees collation and tracking of animal welfare assessments and completion of action items.
- In collaboration with the Registrar, maintains all animal care-related regulatory documentation including permits
- Works with the Zoological Managers to prepare or review and update all animal care AZA accreditation documentation
- Receives assistance from the Animal Care Associate with animal care documentation and other administrative tasks
- Self-directed preparation of reports on animal population activity and animal management for the Vice President of Animal Care & Health and Animal Welfare Committee and other institutional officials as scheduled, or as requested
- Acts as an institutional administrator for the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), submits data to this system, and analyzes and disseminates data received from this system
- Reviews departmental record keeping to ensure accuracy, reliability, efficiency, and continued improvement of animal husbandry and management records, welfare assessment program documentation, animal transactions, required regulatory documentation, and AZA accreditation documentation,
- Acts as incident commander in animal escape or emergency situations, or other non-animal-related emergency situations
- Handles various weaponry and applies terminal force as required
- Responds to animal emergencies quickly and calculates risks involved for animals, guests, and staff
- Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency situation
- Uses emergency chemical immobilization as required under the supervision of a veterinarian
- Uses physical capture and restraint equipment as required
- Evaluates the impact of emergency or mock situations on all areas of the Zoo, and suggests improvements to the emergency response systems
- Monitors exhibits and confirms they are presented to maximize a positive guest experience and meet zoo goals for naturalistic environments, cleanliness, and maintenance
- Associates with guests on a regular basis to share information and offer assistance
- Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relation procedures
- Supervises Zoological Managers and keeper staff, and performs duties of subordinates as needed.
- Interviews and hires Zoological Managers and keeper staff
- Participates in interviewing for other positions as requested
- Promotes a positive and supportive work environment
- Promotes a collaborative relationship within the AC&H department and with other departments across the zoo
- Provides staff mentoring, coaching, and feedback on a regular basis to direct reports (Zoological Managers) and other animal care staff, mentors and coaches coworkers, volunteers, and interns, and provides informal feedback as needed
- Performs regular formal evaluations of direct reports and other animal care staff as needed
- Terminates employees within defined practices and policies
- Participates regularly in training for the development of their leadership skills
- Provides staff training on the use of equipment, safety, goals, standard operating procedures and policies, and animal handling, capture, and restraint
- Collaborates with the Vice President of Animal Care & Health and Animal Care Managers to develop and implement professional development opportunities and pathways for the team that relate to animal care, animal welfare, animal training, behavioral enrichment, AZA programs, public relations, interpersonal skills, and leadership skills
- Encourages staff to present at scientific meetings/workshops and conferences, and to prepare scientific papers and articles for publication
- Encourages staff to give informal presentations at the zoo and in the community, and for the media as representatives of the zoo
- Proactively supports and finds opportunities for the team to contribute to conservation programs and participate in conservation fieldwork
- Assists with the development of training for general zoo staff and volunteers
- Develops departmental goals in accordance with zoo goals and confirm that projects and departmental goals fit into zoo goals and zoo mission
- Develops and implements individual development plans for animal care staff and ensures their application with regular follow-ups
- Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on a consistent basis with staff through meetings that further departmental goals and productivity
- Facilitates the participation of keepers in research efforts and encourages keepers to become principal investigators
- Responds to staff questions and concerns
- Builds relationships and collaborates with peers at other AZA institutions
- Encourages, supports, and exemplifies the highest ethical standards to ensure the health and well-being of the animal population and the continued development of the institution and the profession
- Ensures that all regulatory standards are met such as USDA Animal Welfare Act, regional, state, and federal regulations and AZA standards, and applicable labor laws
- Reports animal maintenance issues and potential hazards for staff in a timely manner
- Schedules staff in a manner that prioritizes operational needs
- Holds peers and direct reports accountable for their performance
- Ensures consistent productive operating practices by identifying areas for potential revenue generation, reduction of costs, and more efficient procedures
- Supports and encourages sustainable business practices within the department and across the zoo
- Interacts with all department heads as a member of the Zoo's senior management team
- Acts as liaison between the institution and outside organizations/institutions, as well as other departments within the zoo on Animal Care matters and related issues
- Represents the Vice President of Animal Care & Health in their absence
- Represents the zoo for public relations and media events on behalf of the department
- Adheres to the Zoo's policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
- Attends department meetings
- Attends bi-monthly all-employee meetings
- Attends weekly senior manager group meetings
- Attends bi-monthly Animal Welfare Committee meetings
- Attends quarterly Animal welfare assessment working group meetings
- Greets every guest with a smile
- Thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo
- Answers phone calls, voice mails, and e-mails promptly
- Ensures the Zoo's presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met by keeping work areas clean, picking up trash, reporting unsafe or unsightly conditions
- Associates with guests to assist and share information
- Responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures
- Maintains a clean neat appearance and adheres to the Zoo's uniform dress code
- Takes responsibility for staying informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings
- Reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement, the Zoo's Core Values, and the Employee Pledge
- Applies and exemplifies "green" (sustainable) practices whenever possible
- Other duties as required
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences such as Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline
- Minimum five years of experience in animal management in an AZA-accredited zoo, aquarium, or closely related facility
- Minimum three years of experience in supervision, management and leadership
- Advanced degree in Life Science such as Biology, Zoology, Ecology, or a closely related discipline is preferred
- Valid driver's license with good driving record is desirable
- Ability to certify in First Aid/CPR/AED
- Extensive knowledge of animal husbandry and health across taxa including an understanding of species and individual-specific behavior to assess behavioral and medical situations
- Working knowledge of the natural history, conservation, and husbandry for all animals in the zoo's population
- Ability to remain calm under stressful situations and ability to lead in times of crisis/emergency
- Knowledge of the USDA Animal Welfare Act, Regional, State, and Federal regulations, and AZA standards associated with animal care and welfare
- Knowledge of weaponry use and ability to handle weapons safely
- Understanding of ZIMS software to maintain institutional animal records
- Basic computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Proven leadership ability
- Excellent organizational skills
- Effective oral and written communication skills including the ability to communicate clearly and in a fashion that will create a sense of security in an emergency situation
- Ability to interact with a team including the ability to gather information and generate consensus
- Knowledge of systems theory in problem-solving and the ability to generate multiple solutions
- Ability to develop and manage a budget
- Ability to develop and present formal and informal educational programs
- Ability to develop productive and friendly relationships at work
- Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, and our guests
- Ability to exercise safe work habits while in the proximity of potentially dangerous animals
- Awareness of, sensitivity to, and empathy with animals
- Requires the ability to access all areas of the facility, including all animal areas of the zoo fulfilling all requirements of the title
- Must be able to participate in animal husbandry practices; including the ability to lift 50 lbs. occasionally and 20 lbs or fewer regularly, climb stairs, manipulate tools, and stand/walk for up to two continuous hours
- Ability to be an active member of the Weapons Team (Training and Emergencies)
- Ability to handle and apply terminal force using various weaponry
- Ability to apply emergency chemical immobilization under the supervision of a veterinarian
- Ability to remain calm under stressful situations
- Potential availability 24 hours a day and 365 days per year as the position may require a response based on operational need at any time, regardless of the assigned daily schedule or day of the week
- Involves working out-of-doors in all weather conditions
- Supportive and open employment culture
- Standard office equipment; telephone, copier, printer, facsimile machine, and calculator
- Personal Computer and software (Word, Excel, Outlook, ZIMS)
- Two-way Radio
- Hand tools
- Capture equipment
- Weapons
- Automobile
- Carts
- Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round
- Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
- Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities
- Comprehensive benefits package for FTR staff, voluntary supplemental insurances, zoo membership, paid sick leave, paid vacation time, 403(b) and SEP retirement plans, paid conservation time, a paid Zoo Day to visit another AZA accredited institution, paid time off to take your pet to the vet, and much more...
Please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative. No changes to this job description shall be made without written permission by the Chief Executive Officer or authorized representative.
The Zoo reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description does not constitute a contract for employment and does not guarantee employment for any specified period of time. The job description does not in any way alter the at-will employment relationship.
At this time, the Zoo does not sponsor employment or internship visas.
Compensación: $113,100.00 - $119,950.00 per year
Somos un empleador con igualdad de oportunidades y todos los candidatos calificados recibirán consideración por el empleo sin distinción de raza, color, religión, sexo, origen nacional, estado de discapacidad, estado de veterano protegido o cualquier otra característica protegida por la ley.
Do you love animals and working with people? Join the fun, caring, friendly, and energetic team at the Santa Barbara Zoo in our mission of preservation, conservation, and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research, and recreation.
Once you apply, please make sure to check your spam folder if you do not see an email response from the Zoo.
The Santa Barbara Zoo is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and is a fully accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Known as one of the world's most beautiful zoos, it is located on 30 acres of lush botanic gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is home to more than 146 animal species living in open, naturalistic habitats. Our wonderful collaborative team includes up to 220 employees and 50 volunteers.
