Working under the direction of the Zoo Director, this position manages and oversees the animal and education departments including planning, organizing, coordinating and managing an animal collection. This individual serves as a member of the zoo’s senior leadership team and assists in developing an implementing the zoo’s strategic plan and mission. In addition to leading the animal collection and education teams the General Curator administers and develops animal welfare, exhibit and conservation programs. This individual is responsible for continually monitoring and analyzing animal department functions and make decisions and recommendations regarding those functions.
- Aids the Zoo Director in formulating and administering organization policies in day to day operations.
- Participates in formulation, administration and development of long range goals and objectives.
- Directs and coordinates activities of departments for which responsibility is delegated to further attainment of goals and objectives.
- Oversees the health and well-being of the zoo’s animal collection including acquisition and disposition of animals, leads and/or oversees animal care personnel allocation and work activities.
- Works closely with the zoo’s veterinary staff on ongoing and preventative care of the animal collection.
- Responsible for all of the zoo’s conservation programs including population management, resource conservation, and partnering with local and global NGOs for the protection of wild animals and their habitats.
- Oversees the education department including personnel management, curriculum and programming. Works with departmental managers for volunteer training and policies and procedures for staff and volunteers.
- Reviews analyses of activities, costs, operations and forecast data to determine departmental progress toward stated goals and objectives.
- Confers with the Zoo Director and other administrative personnel to review achievements and discuss required changes in goals and objectives resulting from current status and conditions.
- Acts as liaison between the Zoo Director and all departments for which responsibility is designated. Communicates departmental needs to Zoo Director in a timely manner.
- Maintains effective and appropriate relationships with Board members, ad-hoc committees, volunteer groups, management, staff, general public and vendors.
- Directs, motivates, trains and evaluates the performance of direct report senior level managers in an effort to obtain the goals and objectives of the organization.
- Collects and interprets financial, economic and statistical data for budget preparation and purposes.
- May perform the duties of Zoo Director during absence or when directed to do so for an interim period of time.
- Participates in activities as directed and in relation to Evansville Zoological Society Board needs and other events that dictates such level of involvement.
- Represents the organization at various community and business functions and act as a "Zoo Ambassador".
- Collaborates with all government agencies as required.
- Performs fundraising duties as required.
- Maintains confidentiality and professionalism standards at all times.
- Performs other related duties as required.
Experience Required
- Four year degree in one of the natural sciences or a closely related field or equivalent specialized training.
- Advanced degree preferred.
- 5 years of supervisory experience at an AZA accredited institution.
- Knowledge of all the components of keeping a living animal collection under human care (exhibitory, animal husbandry and welfare, natural history of animals, basic medical needs, nutrition, biotic and abiotic variables, enrichment, operant conditioning)
- Good communication skills and ability to interact with the public and media as required.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to use good judgment and tact. o Excellent organizational skills (oral and written) and the ability to excel at details, multi-tasking and working under pressure.
Perks
- https://www.evansvillegov.org/city/topic/index.php?topicid=53&structureid=17
Salary
- Based on Experience
