Assistant Curator – Bird Section

The San Francisco Zoological Society (“Society”) is a non-profit institution that manages and raises funds for San Francisco Zoo and Gardens (“Zoo”).  The Society’s mission, supra, is summarized as the 3 c’s: to connect our visitors with wildlife so that they care about nature and ultimately conserve it.  The Society’s leadership team is comprised of a CEO as well as a professional team of Senior Managers. The Society endeavors to meet or exceed the standards of its industry peers, including those established by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (“AZA”). For over 25 years, the Society has been continuously accredited by the AZA.

• Upholds the Society’s mission and core values (Respect, Professionalism, Resiliency, Efficiency and Equality) and other policies/procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and elsewhere.

SUMMARY:

• Under the general supervision of the Curator, provides direct supervision of assigned Animal Keepers.
• Duties include coordinating the activities of a section of the Zoo, facilitating the work of the Animal Keepers by ensuring that the keepers have the necessary tools, equipment and supplies;
• responsible for administrative functions such as scheduling, timekeeping,
• evaluations and progressive discipline. Orders, receives and distributes materials, supplies and food stuffs;
• and facilitates animal care operations within a section of the Zoo;
• reviews, develops and/or revises standard operating procedures or other reports; conducts or coordinates safety training.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

• Requires extensive knowledge of the care and feeding of zoo animals, animal behavior and hazards of working with zoo animals; zoo rules, policies and procedures; includes knowledge of animal diseases and methods of preventing the spread of contagious disease, and principles of biology and zoology.
• Ability to perform heavy work including working safely and effectively with dangerous or exotic mammals, birds, reptiles and working effectively with Zoo employees as needed; keep operational records; prepare reports; deal courteously and effectively with the public.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Experience with a variety of bird species is essential, experience with penguins, psittacines, ratites, waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians is preferred, including hand rearing and incubation.

Requirements:

• This position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive animal husbandry experience in an AZA institution working with birds. 
• The ideal candidate will be familiar with breeding (including assist rearing and hand rearing), animal transport, animal introductions, AZA accreditation standards and USDA requirements.

SECTION A: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervises the work of Animal Keepers as assigned; coordinates and monitors sectional operations such as maintenance and repair activities, exhibit design, safety training, writing and updating Standard Operating Procedures and other assigned tasks.
• Responsible for administrative functions including scheduling, timekeeping, repair work orders and the ordering, receipt and distribution of materials, supplies and food stuffs.
• Implements, develops and/or revises standard operating procedures or other reports; conducts or coordinates safety training;
• Inspects assigned section to ensure proper care, maintenance and safety of animals, their quarters and facilities; attempts to resolve problems which arise in regard to food, maintenance and safety.
• Under direction of the respective Curator, completes Annual Performance Evaluations for all assigned subordinate staff including identification of performance objectives and identification of needed training.
• Administers progressive discipline program consulting with department management and Human Resources.
• Maintains or reviews necessary records of logs relating to animal observation and daily operations, as required; submits or reviews routine or emergency repair or maintenance requests; may prepare other reports for incidents such as industrial injury, accident or vandalism.
• May assist other Zoo personnel on special assignments or projects relating to zoo operations such as reviewing, developing and planning upgrades of sections or sectional operations.
• Upon request, prepares written proposals to management staff regarding exhibit modifications and/or renovations, nutrition, propagation programs, disease prevention and safety; may prepare reports containing background information resulting from the compilation of surveys or literature searches.
• May be required to perform the duties of an animal keeper on an as-needed basis.
• May be required to do public presentations for Zoo guests and VIP tours.

SECTION B: JOB RELATED DUTIES

• Assists marketing and development staff in promoting the Zoo's public image and attaining the Zoo's public relations and community service objectives.
• Assists the Curator in maintaining contacts with individuals and organizations involved in promoting worldwide conservation ethics and goals.
• Performs other duties as required and assigned.

SECTION C: CORE EXPECTATIONS

• A.   Represents management and demonstrates a commitment to the Zoo’s mission statement and its’ values.
• B.   Performs duties in a service-oriented manner.
• C.   Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity.
• D.   Maintains good work habits and adheres to the employee handbook and all policies and procedures.
• E.   Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supports the Office’s commitment to equal employment opportunities.
• F.   Demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety and works with Safety Officer as needed.
• G.   Demonstrates good presentation skills in dealing with the public, Zoo Board and internal and external stakeholders.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervises employees, interns, and volunteers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, applicable laws, and relevant labor laws. 
• Responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; ensuring compliance with contracted obligations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum three years paid experience in animal husbandry and captive animal management. 
• Supervisory and curatorial experience in a major zoological institution preferred. 
• Significant lead experience may substitute for supervisory and curatorial experience.

EDUCATION:

• Degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred. 
• Experience equivalent to education will be considered.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• The San Francisco Zoo encourages bilingual candidates to apply.
• Experience with various avian taxa preferred; penguins and psittacine experience desired.
• Experience with artificial incubation techniques, avian propagation and husbandry.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. 
• The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. 
• The employee is occasionally required to sit. 
• The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. 
• The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to potentially hazardous animals.

Salary Range:

• $67,000-$72,000