Animal Care Manager

The job incumbent manages and directs animal care operations at Miller Park Zoo. Manages a staff of 8 to 15 zookeepers and seasonal employees, as well as animal care interns/volunteers. Duties include overseeing animal husbandry, coordinating animal shipments, managing veterinary care, and maintaining animal records & required permits. Act as Manager on Duty in the Zoo Director’s absence.This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Establish and manage animal husbandry protocols and procedures (SOPs) that meet and/or exceed all USDA, AZA, and community standards. Ensure staff receive appropriate training, safety guidance, and leadership to maintain this goal.
• Manage, lead, direct, and schedule Union zookeepers, seasonal employees, and interns/volunteers. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 
  1. Interviewing, hiring, and training employees
  2. Planning, scheduling, and directing work
  3. Appraising performance and addressing concerns
• Coordinate with Zoo Veterinary Technician and contracted veterinary team to monitor and ensure the best possible health and well-being of the animal collection in accordance with all USDA, AZA, AAZV, and community standards. Directly participate in animal welfare assessments and committee meetings for concerns.
• Work with Veterinary Technician to coordinate animal collection transactions, manage communication with veterinary team and external organization(s), determine required permits, arrange transports, and ensure timely record-keeping. 
• Coordinate the purchase and ordering of supplies for the Zoo in accordance with the City’s procurement policy.
• Coordinate with Zoo Utility staff to prioritize work orders for required facility maintenance. Communicate with Parks Maintenance staff or other departments if assistance or resources are required. Aid in updating and managing preventative maintenance plans.
• Regularly evaluate and inspect the facility to ensure compliance with all Federal and State laws, USDA regulations, and AZA accreditation standards. Assist Zoo Director in preparing for and monitoring Zoo inspections.
• Maintain all required Federal, State, and Municipal permits necessary for the operation of the Zoo.  
• Maintain ZIMS and other required animal records for animal collection. Train staff in appropriate record-keeping standards and ensure timely data entry.
• Coordinate Zoo emergency preparedness training and protocols, including required AZA drills, chemical immobilization procedures, and firearms training.
• Assist Zoo Director in assessing and selecting appropriate Conservation Initiatives that represent the Zoo’s mission, staff interests, and the current animal collection. Ensure Zoo staff remain current in their understanding of conservation goals, including their role in educating visitors, interns, and volunteers accordingly. 
• Oversee budget related to animal care and veterinary services. Aid Zoo Director in developing annual budget in relation to animal care department, including recommendations for future equipment requests, facility improvements, and professional development opportunities.
• Assist Zoo Director in development of Master, Strategic, and Collection plans for Zoo. This includes collaborating with the Zoo Education Manager in developing a fluid Animal Ambassador collection plan.
• Engage with Zoo guests and stakeholders regarding the Zoo and its mission, animal care programs, and conservation initiatives. Support Marketing and media requests that relate to animal care. Respond to related public inquiries, requests, and concerns.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the Zoo and deliver presentations to community groups and organizations.
• As requested, collaborate with the Miller Park Zoological Society in engaging board members, donors, or other stakeholders. Aid in planning, coordination, and staffing of special events that impact the animal collection.

Knowledge of:

• Zoo operations at an AZA accredited institution, including safety parameters and emergency response protocols.
• Knowledge of husbandry for a diverse animal population, including community standards for physical and psychological wellbeing.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Zoos and their role in the educational and cultural life of the community.
• Applicable state, federal and professional requirements to maintain the Zoo’s licenses, accreditation(s), and permits.
• Facility and grounds maintenance requirements within a zoo environment.
• Computer spreadsheet, word processing, and email programs related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
• Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records management techniques. ZIMS experience preferred.

Skills in:

• Clear and effective verbal and written communication.
• Supervising, directing, and training zoo employees in animal husbandry techniques.
• Assessing the physical and psychological health and wellbeing of a diverse collection of species.
• Using tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Analyzing and resolving operational situations and problems.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and reporting on assigned tasks.
• Preparing clear and concise written reports, emails, protocols, and documents.

Ability to:

• Work independently under general guidance.
• Communicate effectively with direct reports, other City staff, external entities, and the public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals.
• Translate standards, protocols, and procedures into operational practices.
• Read, analyze, and interpret professional reports and studies, technical procedures, professional guidelines, and government regulations.
• Develop protocols, guidelines, surveys, and informational materials as requested. 

Education/Experience:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in a life science such as biology, zoology, wildlife zoology, etc. Five years’ experience in an AZA accredited institution or any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Minimum four (4) years supervisory experience required.
• Preferred: Experience in a Union environment.

Certificate or Licenses:

• Valid Illinois Driver’s License required. 
• AZA professional membership

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk through the zoo grounds, lift, reach, and bend. Must be able to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, see, speak, and hear.

Salary : $64,982 - $73,105