Zoological Manager, Trails of Africa

Zoological Manager, Trails of Africa

Summary

The Birmingham Zoo is currently seeking applications for a Zoo Manager in the Trails of Africa department. Under the direction of the Assistant Curator, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing a high level of animal care to reticulated giraffe, rhinoceros, bongo, ostrich, plains zebra, and red flanked duiker. Previous experience with rhinoceros management is preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts day to day supervision of Animal Care Professionals, Volunteers, Interns and/or other staff members in assigned areas.
• Responsible for animal husbandry, enrichment and welfare of animals in assigned area.
• Ensures that animal records and staff files are up to date and maintained in accordance with zoo policy, state and federal regulations and national animal record keeping standards.
• Develops skills in staff through various formal and informal training programs.
• Develops and coordinates staff, maintenance and animal care related scheduling within assigned area.
• Works with Curator on hiring and disciplinary actions with a focus on developmental objectives.
• Completes performance appraisals and evaluations on all direct reports with Curators input.
• Displays knowledge of the basic biology, behavior, and husbandry of the animals in their department in the daily routine.
• Cleans and maintains animal holdings, including the use of chemical agents and special tools to assure the health and safety of the animals.
• Uses proper techniques in shifting animals on their assigned routine.
• Identifies, recognizes and reports any abnormal behavior of all the animals in their department.
• Monitors weather related needs for the animals in their department and shelters animals appropriately.
• Identifies, documents, and properly communicates any animal medical problems to the Curator and Veterinary staff in a timely manner.
• Develops a good line of communication with assigned staff, and VP of Living Collections to ensure that all facilities and animals are in good order, and that all problems are reported in a timely manner.
• Uses positive reinforcement training techniques with the animals in their department.
• Uses environmental enrichment in daily routines and with VP of Living Collections, develops departmental program, including researching and developing new enrichment options and development of enrichment schedules. Documents results of enrichment by using the Enrichment Approval and Evaluation forms.
• Trains and encourages staff in utilizing the environmental enrichment program and the enrichment requirements of the animals within their department. Trains staff on the importance documenting appropriately on the Enrichment Approval and Evaluation forms.
• Creates new enrichment ideas and items to be added to department repertoire.
• Properly utilizes the animal record keeping systems within the department. Trains and monitors staff on properly utilizing the animal record keeping systems.
• Documents animal behaviors or issues on the Daily Report. Trains and monitors staff on appropriately documenting on the Daily Report.
• Maintains and updates animal files. Trains and monitors staff on appropriately maintaining and updating animal files.
• Responsible for capturing, crating, and transferring animals using appropriate restraint and handling techniques designed to put the least amount of stress on the animal. Monitors and evaluates staffs techniques of capturing, crating and transferring of animals.
• Prepares and presents Public Animal Talks to Zoo visitors and guests. Encourages staff to engage Zoo visitors with prepared Animal Talks.
• Encourages staff to actively participate in one or more of the following: AAZK, enrichment or training committee, safety committee, interpretive committee, weapons team, area research projects, education or conservation programs, or other activity that enhances or promotes the Birmingham Zoo.
• Exhibits the ability to apply classical and operant conditioning and to train at least basic behaviors, as defined by the area SOPs.
• Actively plays a key role in resolving any animal related emergencies or drills that occur within the zoo (i.e. dangerous animal escape), regardless of which animal area the emergency is in.
• Prepares for animal immobilizations. Assigns staff tasks in preparation of immobilizations.
• Evaluates animals dietary needs. Consults with the Curator and veterinarian about dietary needs based on the condition of the animal, weather and temperature influence, and any other special consideration relating to the species or individual animal.
• Guides exhibit creation, designs or changes in their area.
• Champions conservation efforts by BZI. Encourages staff to participate in conservation efforts.
• Insures compliance with all BZI policies and Procedures.
• Upholds the standards of AZA and USDA at all times.
• Familiarizes themselves with the BZI staff handbook, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Animal Department as well as the SOPs assigned animal area.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Animal Care Professionals
• Animal Care Professionals
• Seasonal staff and volunteers

SAFETY ANALYSIS

The Zoo Manager is expected to maintain the highest level of safety in the work area through the implementation of safety protocols and procedures. The Zoo Manager position is impacted by a wide variety of potentially hazardous exposures:

• The ZM will have to deal with the unpredictability of wild animals.
• The care and husbandry of animals, some of whom are dangerous or may carry zoonotic diseases.
• The proper use and understanding of cleaning and disinfecting agents.
• Weather conditions including extreme heat, cold and storm conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a staff member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, staff should expect:

• Use of hands, fingers, tools or controls.
• Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch and talk or hear.
• Routinely lift and/or move more than 50 pounds.
• Exposure to wet surfaces and slippery surfaces.
• Required to wear a face mask and or other personal protective equipment for long periods of time.
• exposure to the elements can be expected.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and work experience

• A College degree in an animal studies program is preferred.
• Minimum five years experience in a zoological institution preferred.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to multi-task and coordinate with others to provide deliverables on an agreed upon deadline.
• Ability to think critically and demonstrated time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey scientific information clearly and concisely.
• Must have good presentation and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft suite; experience with online databases a plus
• Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.

Desirable qualities

• Strong interest in advancing the conservation missions of zoos and aquariums.
• High self-motivation and a detail-oriented work ethic.
• Professional, positive, and enthusiastic demeanor.

Other Requirements:

• Must have current negative TB test and rabies titer and provide documentation, or be willing to have a TB test and rabies titer.
• Must be First Aid/CPR certified or willing to be trained and certified.
• Must be willing to travel locally. Must have a current valid drivers license with no prior traffic violations (within the last five years).

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS OF WORK

• Full time
• Schedule varies between weekdays and weekends. Weekend work required as well as occasional evening work and holidays.
• Will be included in the Manager on Duty (MOD) rotation.