The Browse Program Assistant Manager will oversee and participate in collection, distribution and growth of browse (trees, shrubs, other plant material) to meet dietary and behavioral needs of the animals at Dallas Zoo. This position will involve seeking out new browse sites, both onsite and within the community, establishing new relationships and liaising with established browse partners. The Browse Program Assistant Manager will coordinate the daily activities of the Browse Specialists as well as supervise other zoo staff during browse collection. The Browse Program Assistant Manager will work with all levels of Dallas Zoo staff but will be a part of the Nutrition/Animal Health team.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate and harvest safe browse from approved locations, both from offsite partners and on Zoo campus, using appropriate tools and methods. Load into truck or trailer, securing load appropriately for travel.
- Distribute browse within the zoo according to priority.
- Safely operate various types of machinery including, but not limited to chainsaws, bobcat or similar equipment, large trucks and trailers.
- Maintain tools for browse harvest. Provide on-the-job training and demonstrate proper, safe and efficient work methods and equipment usage.
- Monitor Browse portion of Dallas Zoo website and arrange collection as appropriate.
- Plant browse in approved locations on grounds. Prepare site for planting. Provide water and care as needed.
- Liaise with landowners, ranch managers and public for browse collections.
- Organize and coordinate daily activities of Browse Specialists and other zoo staff involved in browse collection and distribution.
- Assist in the hiring and training of Browse staff in all aspects of collection and distribution and maintenance of Browse vehicles and equipment.
- Assist in the implementation of protocols and operating procedures to maintain high level of staff and food safety.
- Communicate thoroughly and efficiently and ensure accuracy of records in all areas of responsibility.
- Participate in quality control sampling and assist in research projects as necessary.
- Assist with on grounds Horticulture needs (max 8 hours/week) if schedule allows.
- Interact positively and professionally with animal care and veterinary staff, facilities staff and volunteers.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate’s degree in Plant Science or equivalent experience preferred.
- Proficient in tree and shrub identification including potential toxic plant species.
- Familiarity with use and maintenance of chain saws and other arborist tools.
- Knowledge of appropriate tree trimming methods. Arborist certification a plus.
- Knowledge of methods for planting trees and shrubs.
- Basic knowledge of animal husbandry and safety preferred
- Must be a flexible, efficient, self-motivated team player, and solution-oriented: finding creative solutions to complex challenges.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships and interact effectively with both internal and external customers.
- Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word and Excel.
- Ability to work with limited supervision.
- Ability to represent the Zoo in a professional manner at all times.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with management, other employees & zoo guests.
- Must be able to walk, stand, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, pull bend, climb stairs and ladders and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Must be able to work holidays and weekends.
- Must be able to actively work outdoors in hot or inclement weather.
- Successful candidates must pass pre-employment drug screening, background check and TB test.
- Must have a valid driver’s license to operate zoo vehicles and reliable transportation.
- The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this job and is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties to be assigned.
