This position oversees the daily operation of Asia West - Reptiles. Responsibilities include meeting all husbandry standards ensuring that policies and protocols for FCZ, AZA, USDA and other federal agencies are consistently followed. Manages all staff’s daily activities in the care, display and propagation of assigned area. This position will regularly interact with Zoo guests to answer questions, provide animal information, and ensure an excellent guest experience.
- This position will primarily be assigned to Asia West team which cares for reptiles including venomous species and large crocodilians, amphibians, fish, invertebrates, Malayan Tapirs and Babirusa, 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 - $27 - $32 per hour, ZAM 2 - $66,560 -$78,000 annually .
- Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience.
ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Performs all section essential functions as needed.
- Facilitates effective communication between the Curator and section staff on a daily basis, ensuring that Zoo news, department updates, and other information is provided in a timely manner to the appropriate parties.
- Establishes thorough written routines for assigned section and updates standard operating procedures and other section protocols as required.
- 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 and training of new staff.
- Assists in planning and implementing marketing activities.
- Oversees section staff performance, providing performance evaluations, informal feedback and formal disciplinary action when appropriate, and informing Curator of serious or ongoing issues.
- Oversees any volunteer’s activities in assigned section.
- Responds to specific inquiries from the public concerning the zoological collection, when requested.
- Assists the Security staff with the emergency procedures and protocols, may fulfill Recapture Coordinator role.
- Organizes staff to complete animal welfare assessments as assigned in the allotted timeframe under direction of Curator. Works with team to problem solve welfare concerns.
- Assists Veterinary staff with animal health management, when requested.
- Performs other duties, assignments, projects as requested and assists with other shifts as needed.
- Manages payroll for direct reports and oversees the implementation of wage and hour regulations.
- Manages the schedules for all direct reports and oversees the implementation of appropriate regulations.
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develops behavior enrichment and training programs for selected animals.
- Addresses animal issues as they arise, and provides a status/progress report to the Curator(s) on a daily basis. Requests guidance from Curator or other member of management as warranted by the situation.
- Ensures efficient and effective workflow, making appropriate logistical decisions and planning for current and future department needs, including assisting with intradepartmental scheduling.
- Provides training, mentoring and coaching to section staff, ensuring the training is consistent with current position needs and cross-functional opportunities.
- Monitors safe work practices for all section staff.
- Assists Curator in developing and updating section protocols and represents the Curator in his/her absence.
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Customarily and regularly exercises discretion and independent judgement.
- Leads through connecting individual and team skills and passions with organizational needs.
- Effectively solves problems and learns from mistakes.
- Employs teamwork, when appropriate, to find solutions.
- Reports to meetings and activities on time, engaged, and prepared.
- Prioritizes tasks in order to be respectful of others’ time.
- Respond to emails and other communications within 2 business days.
- All written communication contains professional and proper language.
- Demonstrates follow through.
- Accountable for team leadership and management.
- Actively creates connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
- Provides regular performance feedback and coaching to reporting staff.
- Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS
- ZAM 1 - Minimum (5.5) years’ related experience, preferably in an AZA accredited facility.
- ZAM 2 - Minimum (6.5) years’ related experience, with one year in a supervisory or leadership role preferably in an AZA accredited facility.
- Strong verbal and written English skills and the ability to communicate effectively with the public.
- Bilingual skills a plus.
- Valid California driver’s license, Valid vehicle insurance and enrolment in the Employers Pull Notice Program and successful completion of the FCZ drivers Training program.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- These are 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 a 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.
- Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. Color perception is also required.
- Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
- Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in small and large group settings.
- Hand and finger dexterity sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.
- The employee is regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- This position regularly works with others including Zoo executives and employees, Zoo guests and community members, media and government officials.
- The position primarily functions outdoors, with frequent exposure to outdoor Zoo environments 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.
- Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel required.
- Ability to work evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
MISSION
- WE INSPIRE PEOPLE TO CARE FOR ANIMALS, CREATE CONNECTIONS, BUILD COMMUNITY, AND SAVE WILDLIFE.
- VISION
- A JUST FUTURE THAT BEGINS WITH US AND MAKES POSSIBLE A WORLD WHERE PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE THRIVE TOGETHER.
ORGANIZATIONAL PILLARS
- WILDLIFE SCIENCE – Creating environments for animals to thrive
- Outstanding animal care
- Research-driven animal wellness
- Meaningful connections
- Transformative exhibits
- Effective global and regional conservation
- COMPANY CULTURE – Promoting personal and professional staff fulfillment
- Collective success
- Career growth and development
- Commitment to staff well-being and happiness
- COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS – Fostering a sense of belonging and connection to our mission
- Premier cultural destination
- A sense of belonging for all
- Equitable access
- Environmental and social justice
- Trusted leader in conservation and sustainability
- Rooted in the Central Valley
- SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS – Striving for sustainability in our business and operations
- Sustainable business model
- Continued community support (Measure Z)
- Compelling brand
- Modeling green practices
