Assistant Curator of Giant Pandas

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 President & Executive Director 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, core values (respect, professionalism, resiliency, efficiency, equality) and other policies/procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and elsewhere.

Summary:

• Under the general supervision of the Curator of Giant Pandas or designee, this position provides direct supervision of assigned Animal Keepers who are responsible for the giant pandas.
• Duties include, but are not limited to,  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.
• The incumbent also works with animal keepers, other managers, Hospital and Wellness & Conservation Division staff to continue developing animal enrichment and training programs for all species. 

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, disease prevention & control 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 large and small carnivores is essential.

SECTION A: EXPERIENCE:

• This position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive animal husbandry and Giant Panda experience in an AZA institution working with small and large carnivores and other code red species. 
• The ideal candidate will be familiar with animal transport and animal introductions, AZA accreditation standards, and AZA’s code of ethics. 
• This candidate should have a strong foundation in the development of species appropriate enrichment and progressive, positive reinforcement-based training programs.
• Supervisory and curatorial experience in a major zoological institution preferred.
• Significant lead experience may substitute for supervisory and curatorial experience.

Additionally, the incumbent should have the following:

• Understanding of management systems for giant panda husbandry, security, health related issues, including heat and heart stroke prevention and control, breeding management and care, etc.
• Basic knowledge in bamboo sourcing and diet supplementation, dietary restrictions, environmental enrichment, cleaning and disinfection of panda exhibits

SECTION B: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervises the work of Animal Keepers as assigned; coordinates and monitors sectional operations such as maintenance and repair activities, 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, logs of animal observations and/or daily operations, 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.
• Supports and/or directs animal related projects (introductions, transfers, veterinary needs) in accordance with curators’ guidance and direction.
• Assists other Zoo personnel with exhibit upkeep or renovation in accordance with modern zoological practices, AZA standards and guidelines, and USDA requirements.
• Facilitates institutional core values throughout division through ongoing ethical engagement with staff.
• Interfaces with Veterinary, Wellness, and Nutrition staff to advance animal care.
• Coordinates and works with other departments to implement educational programs, activities in public relations, membership, development and other support services for both sections.
• Serves as Curator in Charge (“CIC”), may serve on Armed Response Team and may serve a role in native wildlife response.
• May be required to perform the duties of an animal keeper on an as-needed    basis.
• Assists marketing, education and development staff in promoting the Zoo's public image and attaining the Zoo's public relations and community service objectives.
• Assists the Animal Care Division in maintaining contacts with individuals and organizations involved in promoting worldwide conservation ethics and goals.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned

SECTION C: CORE EXPECTATIONS

• Represents management and demonstrates a commitment to the Zoo’s mission statement and its core values as well as a commitment to institutional Diversity, Equity, Access, Inclusion (“DEAI”) values.
• Performs duties in a service-oriented manner.
• Recognizes the needs of others and treats others with respect and dignity.
• Maintains good work habits and adheres to the employee handbook and all policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment and supports the Office’s commitment to equal employment opportunities.
• Demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety and works with Safety Officer as needed.
• 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 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.

EDUCATION:

• Degree in zoology, biology, wildlife management, or related field preferred.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Five or more years in an AZA accredited institution working with Giant Pandas.
• Experience with conservation research, field conservation and permitting.
• Experience with current best practices in bear husbandry, welfare and training.

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.

Disclaimer:

• This position is contingent on the San Francisco Zoo reaching agreement to acquire the Giant Pandas.

Salary Range: 

• $67,000-$72,000