Assistant Director of Herpetology

Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

• What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Reporting to the Director of Herpetology, the Assistant Director of Herpetology will supervise and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the keeper staff; and develop and oversee implementation of protocols for animal care, keeper safety, and facility upkeep.
• Will assist Director in carrying out collection planning, budget development, managing facility renovation/construction / maintenance, and moving animals.
• Will be responsible for implementing keeper training programs, ordering and maintaining inventory and maintenance of equipment (including exhibit signage and educational displays).
• Will act as the first point of contact for the Keepers and will assist with the deployment of enrichment and training plans, and welfare assessments.
• Additional projects and duties as assigned. 

What You Will Do: 

• Responsible for the daily supervision of keeper staff.
• This includes coaching, counseling providing performance feedback and formal evaluations. Coordinates/sets keeper schedules and assignments.
• With curator, identifies staff training needs and may implement training programs. 
• Efforts are done in accordance with established organizational policies, guidelines, protocols, SOPs and the collective bargaining agreement.
• Develops, documents and administers policies and protocols related to keeper staff, including safety protocols. 
• Assists Directors in creating and implementing a high-quality animal care program.
• Develops, documents and administers policies and protocols for collection care, including exhibit maintenance, exhibit outfitting, pest control, enrichment, husbandry-related training.
• Works closely with appropriate staff on veterinary care and nutrition.
• Routinely inspects exhibits and work areas to ensure the health and safety of animals and staff. Keeps up to date on all individual animals in the collection.
• Assists in developing and implementing animal collection plans and breeding programs. Participates in/oversees the capture, crating and transfer of animals.
• Responsible for ensuring teams are maintaining clean, organized and well-maintained facilities. Directs minor, routine and emergency repairs necessary for animal management and exhibition. Submits work requests and tracks completion.
• Coordinates the implementation of modifications and improvements to facilities, exhibits, etc. Oversees ordering, inventory, maintenance and upkeep of equipment including but not limited to vehicles, tools, animal care supplies etc.
• Leads efforts to deliver excellent guest experience.
• Provides information for and participates in education, public relations, membership and other programs including facilities tours and lectures. Coordinates with other departments on exhibit signage and interpretation to ensure accuracy. 
• Manages and/or participates in population management programs at the institutional, regional, national and international levels. Participates in AZA programs as assigned.
• Participates in all aspects of animal escape response team. This includes being a member of the shoot team.

What This Role Requires:

Knowledge and Ability Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field.
• Five years’ experience as a keeper in an AZA accredited zoological park or equivalent.
• Deep knowledge and experience with care and well-being of reptiles and amphibians.  Additional experience with other taxa is desirable. 
• Experience with dangerous taxa, including crocodilians and venomous species.
• Experience with training staff to work with a diversity of taxa including venomous species.
• Ability to train staff to work with a diversity of taxa including venomous species.
• Demonstrated interest in maintaining up-to-date knowledge of species in collection through reading articles, journals, and books, conferences, etc.
• Knowledge of animal training principles and techniques and the ability to train keepers to implement them.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain effective working relationships with peers and subordinates; superior interpersonal ability; ability to work effectively with diverse personalities; flexible. Collaborative work style. Ability to work independently, but within the guidelines of an existing system. Can maintain composure under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to train and supervise keeper staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.   Ability to prepare routine correspondence, document protocols and prepare research projects.
• Excellent organizational skills. Able to manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of standard programs for word and data processing.
• Ability and willingness to be trained to use firearms and to participate in the animal escape response team.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule that may include weekends, evenings, and holidays.  As required, may be on 24-hour call.

Physical and Medical Standards:

• No allergies related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work.
• Successful completion of a medical screening with emphasis on cardiovascular, respiratory and skeletal systems and drug test prior to starting work.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to remain on feet for extended periods, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance or agility of movement that might interfere with the ability to work.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Immunocompetence (possible exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases.)
• Ability to be trained to use firearms and act as a member of the Animal Escape Team. 

Note:

• This position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs. 
• Occasional use of protective equipment or clothing is required (e.g. goggles, mask, gloves, gown, etc).

Traits We Are Looking For:

• High EQ
• Effective listener
• Respectful, fair and tactful
• Curious and continuous learned
• Collective under pressure

What We Can Offer You:

• Competitive Pay – We recognize talent and we pay to keep it
• Medical, Dental, Vision –While you have our back on the grounds, we cover yours’ with health insurance 
• Annual Leave – We all need a break from time to time
• 401K – There will come a time, when you are ready to retire
• Family membership pass with complimentary tickets – (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America’s 1st Zoo)

Salary

• 78,000