This position assists with leadership to the Aquatics Section, overseeing the Life Support Work Unit at the Minnesota Zoo in support of the Zoo’s mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. This position also assumes the role of Firearms Coordinator, accountable for leading, organizing, training and maintaining compliance of the Zoo’s firearms team. The incumbent assists with curation of a diverse collection of animals, focusing on the life support systems that sustain healthy environments. This position supervises all aspects of daily Life Support operations and ensures the highest standards professional care. This position assists in obtaining and managing the resources needed to support all Aquatics and Firearms programs.
- This position is a member of the Animal Care leadership team and collaborates with other Zoo departments.
- They contribute to initiatives of the CHCB team (Care, Health, Conservation and Behavior) as it relates to the Zoo’s strategic priorities in animal care and education.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Exercise supervisory authority while assisting the Curator in developing, directing, and managing the Life Support Department’s personnel so that required staffing resources are available and strategically invested and department policies are developed and implemented that most effectively support the Minnesota Zoo’s mission and strategic priorities.
- Coordinate, monitor and perform daily operations of life support systems for Minnesota Zoo exhibits so that a healthy eco-system for the animal collection is maintained.
- Deliver and maintain industry-leading, engaging, animal displays which meet and exceed industry welfare standards.
- Serve as a member of the Animal Care supervisory team ensuring development and accomplishment of the Minnesota Zoo’s mission, strategic priorities, conservation plan, education plan, nature plan and master plan.
- Act as the Minnesota Zoo’s Firearms Coordinator
Experience Required
- Qualifications The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position.
- Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.
- To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
Minimum Qualifications
- Seven (7) years of Life Support experience in an AZA or equivalent organization
- One (1) year of supervisory or team lead experience in an AZA or equivalent organization sufficient to provide leadership to staff and ensure the care and wellbeing of animals
- Valid driver’s license and valid and current passport (or ability to obtain)
- Current CPR/1st Aid certifications
SCUBA Certification
- Certified AALSO Life Support Operator III and Water Quality Technician II
- Current Minnesota DNR Firearms Safety Instructor certification
- National Rifle Association Certified Range Safety Officer
- Expertise in aquatic life support systems management including testing and maintaining water quality chemical balance aspects for maintaining biological systems
- Experience with fluid dynamics-pumping sufficient to diagnose pump and motor issues
- Experience operating computerized building automation control systems sufficient to set-up and trouble shoot mechanical system issues and/or failures
- Knowledge of HVAC systems sufficient to identify when there are potential issues that would impact life support systems
Knowledge of PVC pipe bonding best practices
- Ability to repair and/or replace pipes, pumps, ozone systems, metering pumps, and other water filtration systems
- Ability to use/operate basic hand tools, light power tools, pumps, filters, sprayers, and motorized equipment such as trucks and forklifts
- Ability to design, build and install appropriate life support systems for exhibits, animal procedures and animal transport
- Well-developed human relationship skills sufficient to lead, motivate, mentor, educate and supervise staff and respond with sensitivity to their varied needs • Communication skills sufficient to convey complex biological and scientific concepts to diverse and varied audiences and bring staff and the public to action to support an initiative or program • Computer skills using business and animal management software applications, such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, ZIMS, etc., sufficient to create, enter, edit, save, and retrieve memos, data, reports, presentations, or other documents
- Demonstrated commitment and ability to work with culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities and/or organizations sufficient to maintain a work environment that respects and values differences and diversity
- Ability to manage disagreement, defuse conflicts, and reach constructive solutions while maintaining positive relationships
- Ability to act as an official professional representative and promote the philosophy and mission of the Zoo at public speaking events to local, state, and national audiences Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in zoology, conservation biology, ecology, environmental science or other related discipline
Advanced degree in related field
- Experience working with and leading others working with carnivores
- Work experience with regional, national, and international conservation initiatives
- Experience with animal research and conservation projects, including experience publishing results in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience in participation or lead work in an AZA management program (TAGs, SSPs, studbook, etc.)
- Experience working with State government
- Experience working in a union environment
- Fluent in a second language, such as Spanish, Hmong, ASL, etc.
- State of Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Special Class Engineer license
Salary
- Determined based on qualifications
