Zoological Animal Manager - 1/2 Sea Lion Cove (Pinnipeds)

Under the supervision of the area Curator, this position plays a critical role on the animal care team overseeing the daily operation of assigned areas. The Zoological Animal Manager 1/2 (ZAM-1 or ZAM-2) is a frontline manager responsible for ensuring consistent husbandry standards and safety practices that follow policies and protocols for Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation (FCZC), Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other federal agencies. The ZAM-1/2 manages all staff’s daily activities, provides animal care support, and interacts with zoo guests and media in a high-performance, employee-oriented culture that meets quality standards and productivity expectations while advancing the mission and vision of Fresno Chaffee Zoo. 

• This position will primarily be assigned to Sea Lion Cove section which cares for a group of California sea lions, Harbor seals, and the critically endangered Red Wolf but may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the Animal Management team.
• Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis.
• The pay range for this position is ZAM 1 $25.88 - $27.17 per hour or ZAM 2 $70,304.00 - $73,819.20 per year. Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• ZAM 1
• Performs all assigned animal section essential functions as needed.
• Applies organizational skills with keen attention to detail ensuring compliance with FCZ, AZA, USDA, and other standards.
• Addresses animal issues as they arise, facilitating effective communication between the Curator and section staff daily, ensuring that Zoo news, department updates, and other information is provided in a timely manner to the appropriate parties. Requests guidance from Curator or other members of management as warranted by the situation.
• Develops behavior enrichment and training programs for selected animals.
• Establishes thorough written routines for assigned section and updates standard operating procedures and other section protocols as requested by area Curator using Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Teams), Species 360 (ZIMS), and TRACKS information systems. 
• Communication liaison for animal staff needs to all other departments, i.e. veterinarian, horticulture, and maintenance.   
• Works with Curator to develop animal population plans for section assigned. 
• Participates in the selection of new staff and provides training, mentoring and coaching to section staff ensuring training is consistent with current position needs. Motivates and leads staff while serving as a role model that can foster a supported and dynamic team environment. 
• Oversees section staff performance, providing constructive feedback to focus on continual improvement while fostering a culture of growth and accountability, formal disciplinary action when appropriate, and informing Curator of serious or ongoing issues while maintaining confidentiality.
• Manages the schedules for all direct reports and oversees the implementation of appropriate regulations.  
• Oversees any volunteer’s activities in assigned section.
• Communicate effectively in individual and small group settings.
• Responds to specific inquiries from the public concerning the zoological collection, when requested.
• Assists in planning and implementing marketing activities when necessary.
• Monitors safe work practices for all section staff and assists the Security staff with emergency procedures and protocols. 
• Organizes staff to complete animal welfare assessments as assigned in the allotted timeframe under direction of Curator. Works with their team to solve welfare concerns.
• Assists Veterinary staff with animal health management.
• Ensures efficient and effective workflow, making appropriate logistical decisions and planning for current and future department needs, including assisting with intradepartmental scheduling.
• Fosters teamwork and positive relationships by building trust through active listening, mutual respect, open communication, and support in an environment that values diverse perspectives and a variety of personalities while promoting productivity and morale. 
• Takes initiative for various projects, zoo-wide and departmental changes, and outside organization collaboration.
• Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.  
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.
• ZAM 2
• Performs all assigned animal section essential functions as needed.
• Performs Duty Manager tasks as scheduled for all animal care teams. 
• Applies organizational skills with keen attention to detail ensuring compliance with FCZC, AZA, USDA, and other standards.
• Addresses animal issues as they arise, facilitating effective communication between the Curator and section staff daily, ensuring that Zoo news, department updates, and other information is provided in a timely manner to the appropriate parties. Requests guidance from Curator or other members of management as warranted by the situation.
• Develops behavior enrichment and training programs for selected animals.
• Establishes thorough written routines for assigned section and updates standard operating procedures and other section protocols as requested by area Curator using Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Teams), Species 360 (ZIMS), and TRACKS information systems. 
• Communication liaison for animal staff needs to all other departments, i.e. veterinarian, horticulture, and maintenance.  
• Works with Curator to develop animal population plans for section assigned. 
• Participates in the selection of new staff and provides training, mentoring and coaching to section staff ensuring training is consistent with current position needs. Motivates and leads staff while serving as a role model that can foster a supported and dynamic team environment. 
• Oversees section staff’s performance, providing constructive feedback to focus on continual improvement while fostering a culture of growth and accountability, formal disciplinary action when appropriate, and informing Curator of serious or ongoing issues while maintaining confidentiality.
• Manages the schedules for all direct reports and oversees the implementation of appropriate regulations.  
• Oversees any volunteer’s activities in assigned section.
• Communicate effectively in individual and small group settings.
• Responds to specific inquiries from the public concerning the zoological collection, when requested.
• Assists in planning and implementing marketing activities when necessary.
• Monitors safe work practices for all section staff and assists the Security staff with emergency procedures and protocols, fulfills Recapture Coordinator role. 
• Organizes staff to complete animal welfare assessments as assigned in the allotted timeframe under direction of Curator. Works with their team to solve welfare concerns.
• Assists Veterinary staff with animal health management.
• Ensures efficient and effective workflow, making appropriate logistical decisions and planning for current and future department needs, including assisting with intradepartmental scheduling.
• Fosters teamwork and positive relationships by building trust through active listening, mutual respect, open communication, and support in an environment that values diverse perspectives and a variety of personalities while promoting productivity and morale.
• Takes initiative for various projects, zoo-wide and departmental changes, and outside organization collaboration. 
• Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite. 
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Customarily and regularly exercise discretion and independent judgement during the workday. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution-based problem solving and learn from mistakes. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when you need it. 
• Reports to meetings and activities fully present, prepared and punctual. Thoughtfully and respectfully prioritizes other’s time. Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner. All written communication contains professional and proper language. Demonstrates follow through and are accountable for the management of the team. 
• Manages payroll timekeeping for direct reports and oversees the implementation of wage and hour regulations for direct reports.
• Accountable for ensuring all direct reports submit any required training, documents, or other deliverables on time.
• Willingly engages the team and other Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader. Actively create connections that encourage open and honest communication with all. 
• Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone. Uses professional courtesy and only call/texts on day off in the event of an emergency. 
• Provides regular performance feedback to reporting staff. Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.

EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• ZAM 1
• High School diploma required.
• Minimum five and half (5.5) years related paid experience in a zoological or wildlife facility is required. Experience in an AZA facility preferred.  
• Minimum three (3) years of experience developing behavioral husbandry programs that involve applying classical and operant conditioning techniques and goal-based enrichment is required. 
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in completing formal animal welfare assessments and problem-solving solutions to well-being concerns is required. 
• Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public.  Bilingual skills a plus.  
• A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
• ZAM 2
• High School diploma required.
• Minimum six and half (6.5) years related paid experience in a zoological or wildlife facility is required. Experience in an AZA facility preferred. 
• Minimum of one (1) year of paid work experience in a supervisory role leading a team of at least three employees required. 
• Minimum three (3) years of experience developing behavioral husbandry programs that involve applying classical and operant conditioning techniques and goal-based enrichment is required. 
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in completing formal animal welfare assessments and problem-solving solutions to well-being concerns is required.
• Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public.  Bilingual skills a plus.  
• A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.

Sea Lion Cove ZCS:

• All ZAM levels are required to complete FCZC dive training within 1 year from the start of the dive training with all associated costs incurred by FCZC.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• These are the physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed.  Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position.  Upon request for reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.  
• This position requires standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, and kneeling continuously throughout the shift.
• Use hands and arms for care of animals and cleaning of enclosures.  
• Required to climb stairs or ladders throughout the shift as needed. 
• This position may spend up to 4 hours per day in a sedentary position that primarily requires the ability to remain in a stationary position when performing administrative job duties, which include responding to emails, attending meetings, and reviewing animal records or writing protocols.  
• The employee is required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Evaluating animal health, diet, or environment requires close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus, hearing and sense of smell.
• Visual acuity is needed to read printed instructions and safety information, view a computer screen, and to assess animal behavior. Color perception is also required.
• Receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Hand and finger dexterity is sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position functions both indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to high heat, cold, inclement weather, poor air quality, insects, Zoo environments including uneven terrain, dust, and allergens, and external events.
• The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury. 
• The employee may be exposed to environmental substances such as dust/dirt from Zoo grounds. 
• The employee may be required to work at heights.
• The position works in close proximity to Zoo animals. 
• Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required.
• Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.