Zoo Director

Alexandria Zoo is seeking individuals with exceptional leadership and professional experience dedicated to achieving and upholding AZA’s standards of excellence. By building relationships and collaborating with stakeholders, the Zoo Director strives to make Alexandria Zoo a place where wildlife, conservation stewardship, research, education and guest experience intersect and flourish.  The Director must foster a workplace culture that promotes collaboration, emphasizes an atmosphere of innovation, and encourages positivity.

• Located in the heart of Central Louisiana, Alexandria Zoo is a 22-acre municipally run facility and the area’s #1 year-round family attraction. 
• A small staff, dedicated to the highest standard of animal welfare, cares for more than 400 animals representing approximately 140 species.
• A community treasure since its founding in 1922, Alexandria Zoo boasts an ardent community base of citizens, volunteers, board members, businesses and organizations devoted to supporting and improving the Zoo.
• Examination is announced to establish an employment list to fill vacancies in the Zoo Department and future vacancies as they occur to plan, organize, supervise and direct activities at the zoo, overseeing all aspects regarding the animals, zoo facilities, employees, volunteers and the visiting public.
• Plans, organizes, and oversees all new developments of the zoo.  Develops capital and operating budgets
• Ensures that zoo operations are in compliance with state and federal wildlife regulations: deals directly with wildlife agencies such as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and LA Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries, and other governmental agencies including the USDA
• Ensures that proper permits and operational licenses are obtained. 
• Formulates policies and procedures regarding the development of animal management practices.
• Attends conferences and meetings to stay informed of all laws and regulations
• Maintains zoo standards that will ensure Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation which includes working with AZA Pathway Toward Membership program to regain AZA accreditation. Must have a working knowledge and understanding of the AZA Code of Ethics and AZA Population Management guidelines.
• Handles the acquisition and disposition of animals plus development of the zoo collection
• Oversees the development of educational programs
• Promotes good public relations. Serves as a liaison between the City of Alexandria and Friends of The Alexandria Zoo (FOTAZ) for implementation of the Cooperative Endeavor (MOU)
• Supervises the MOU between the City and FOTAZ; represents the zoo on various committees and registries
• Promotes the zoo as it relates to tourism and economic development; appears on TV and radio, and speaks to civic organizations
• Must foster community relationships and excel at passionately representing the zoo’s mission to all essential stakeholders
• Works alongside FOTAZ Board to develop and implement capital campaigns, capital funding and endowment projects
• Makes monthly reports to the FOTAZ Board on all activities at Zoo
• Oversees the development, implementation, and training of staff related to safety standards
• Represents the zoo department at city administration meetings and maintains a cooperative working relationship with elected administration and fellow dept. heads.
• Responsible for strategic planning, goal setting and their successful implementation and outcomes
• Conducts performance evaluations for all employees
• This position is a “working director” which may include actively helping in day-to-day operations, events, trainings, and other hands-on tasks at the zoo

Minimum Applicant Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Zoology or related field; supplemented by five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in zoological programming and operations or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and supervisory abilities for this job.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Will be required to obtain a valid State of Louisiana Class D driver’s license within 60 days and maintain throughout employment for this classification.

Work Hours:

• Monday – Friday, may work weekends and holidays

Salary

• Annual Salary Range: $64,488.22 - $96,754.01