Zoological Manager of Primates

Under general supervision, coordinates daily operations of the Regenstein Center for African Apes, Helen Brach Primate House and Regenstein Macaque Forest including supervising keeper staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Supervises keeper staff that is responsible for all aspects of animal care including but not limited to all cleaning, feeding, watering, observing, record keeping, and maintaining exhibits. 
• Able to identify all animals in primate department utilizing physical characteristics, behavior traits, space use, dominance hierarchies and is able to work calmly and confidently in proximity to all animals.
• Oversees and maintains animal exhibits including use of chemical agents and special tools which are used to assure the health and safety of the animals as well as the proper presentation of the public.
• Able to perform animal keeping duties extending to all animal husbandry and exhibit maintenance functions if necessary. This includes observing and reporting abnormal behavior, dispensation of drugs and treatments prescribed by authorized veterinarian, servicing habitats, assisting horticulture, facilities and engineering teams with work inside and outside of habitats as needed while keeping up to date familiarity with run routines to step in and work effectively. 
• Manages area personnel including but not limited to work assignments, schedules and coordination of staffing levels.  Prepares and tracks timekeeping and other related reports.  Works with appropriate staff in preparation of performance evaluations of area personnel.  Implements and oversees training of area personnel. Participates in selection and interview process of candidates for temporary, animal keeper, assistant lead, and lead keeper.
• Promotes a positive work environment through words and actions.  Works closely with staff to encourage participation in discussions and meetings, ensuring staff understand the rationale for decisions.  Is able to facilitate critical discussions with and amongst personnel.
• Assists curator, participates in or facilitates science-based assessment strategies to evaluate and enhance welfare of department animals; utilizing endocrine, psychological, behavioral and physical indicators to respond to individual animals’ needs.
• Assists curator in animal welfare monitoring and enhancement, working closely with the Animal Welfare Science staff.
• Assists curator in development of annual operating plan and implements plan.
• Provides departmental oversight of electronic records, monthly reports, and assists with the development and review of protocols and policies.
• Provides timely constructive feedback to animal keeper staff to improve performance and provide for professional growth.
• Responsible for conforming to all zoo, local, state, federal, foreign, and international laws/guidelines regarding acquisition, maintenance, health, shipment and welfare of the animals. Ensures compliance with AZA accreditation standards and USDA AWA.
• Advances mission of the zoo through participation in and coordinating conservation, research, and education programs -- serving as departmental liaison with on-grounds education programs, assisting curator with ongoing in situ and ex situ conservation initiatives, facilitating non-invasive research involving the zoo species, coordinating tours, preparing and presenting training programs for assigned staff and volunteers.
• Makes recommendations regarding animal husbandry and management changes/modifications including diet changes, habitat redesign, and operational efficiencies. Serves as a departmental liaison between veterinary, nutrition, behavioral husbandry/enrichment, facilities departments and keeper staff. 
• In conjunction with curator, as well as input from keeper staff, develops agenda for monthly meeting with nutritionist, behavioral husbandry, animal welfare science and veterinary staff and shares meeting minutes with keeper staff.
• Oversees the general maintenance and ongoing furnishing, modifying and upgrading of existing or planned exhibits as appropriate. 
• Assists in exhibit design and renovations.  Submits and tracks work orders for repairs and enhancements.
• Oversees handling and transport of animals and assists veterinary staff in medical procedures, in conjunction with or in place of curator’s assistance.
• Transports include traveling offsite for medical care, transfer to or from zoo via ground and air transport, and being able to work with receiving institution upon arrival.  Is able to record corresponding animal information into records following procedures.
• Is familiar with TRACKS record keeping system or becomes readily familiar for purposes of recording and researching individual animal records, populating graphs and reports to facilitate monthly veterinary and nutrition center meetings and is able to enter husbandry information including behavioral, medical, animal management, training and enrichment.
• Confirms accuracy of animal inventory, initiates animal records in the TRACKS database, and ensures that Animal Care staff submit accurate and timely data entry. 
• Oversees development of quarantine, sedation, introduction, transport and birth management plans
• May assume leadership role in executing the zoo's established animal escape procedures.  Responds to emergencies, takes control of the situation and sees it through to conclusion.
• May be trained in the use of all the zoo's emergency equipment including but not limited to firearms, dart gun and anesthetic agents.
• Oversees adherence to departmental and institutional policies and procedures -- enforces and assists with updates of established animal handling and related safety guidelines, including extensive non-human primate personal protective equipment (PPE) and dangerous animal protocols. 
• Regenstein Center for African Apes adheres to dangerous animal protocol utilizing 2 lock 2 key system. 
• Zoological manager and curator may be called on to assist with animal shifting and requires understanding and adherence to safety protocol.
• Works with supervisor to update all departmental documents including, but not limited to, species plan, policies and procedures for the department as well as overseeing updating of AZA and USDA required documents. Assists curator in managing department budget including purchase order requests.
• Participates in AZA programs, such as population management, and other related professional organizations.
• Active member of the department’s enrichment and operant conditioning programs in collaboration with the curator, Behavioral Husbandry and Enrichment Manager and lead keepers.
• Assists in goal setting for these programs, the safety review process for individual animal training and enrichment plans, and provides routine oversight of keeper staff to ensure behavioral husbandry programmatic goals are achieved in a timely and safe manner.
• Assists curator with the organization and facilitation of all approved non-invasive research projects with keeper staff and in collaboration with on-grounds research staff, as well as external project investigators approved by the zoo’s Research Committee. 
• Oversees adherence to safety and communication policies for all research initiatives. 
•  Research projects may include ZooMonitor behavioral data collection and biological sample collection.
• Can be called on to assist development department with tours for donors, government officials or visiting colleagues.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• May substitute for supervisor in his/her absence
• May serve on the Safety Committee or other zoo committees
• May attend regional/national or international conferences
• May be called on to represent the zoo to external donor, community, scientific, and government groups.
• Other duties as assigned to maintain efficient and quality zoo operations.
• Available to assist with after-hours events.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to remain motivated with a high degree of autonomy, while providing clear leadership and direction for the staff and animals in the department.
• Strong interpersonal skills which foster a team approach to management. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of animal behavior and natural history; common environmental enrichment and animal training practices; biology and related subjects.
• Comprehensive knowledge of animal behavior as an indication of general health, reproductive potential and wellbeing.
• Basic knowledge of the science of animal learning and how to apply it daily to animal care.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals.
• Comprehensive knowledge of materials, methods, tools and equipment used in cleaning operations.
• Highly developed skill in making thorough observations and documenting observations.
• Ability to keep comprehensive and accurate records according to established procedures.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, ability to both give and follow oral and written directions effectively.
• Ability to organize tasks and time to ensure timely completion of all projects.
• Demonstrated good judgment.
• Ability to work in any of the assigned animal areas fulfilling all requirements of the title.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in analyzing animal behavior problems or emergency situations, and to respond with appropriate action.
• Ability to work with and be comfortable around potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species.
• Ability to work with potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugs.
• Ability to interact courteously, respectfully and productively with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public.
• Computer competencies in Microsoft (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc.).
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment; balancing meetings, emails, and supervisory work, while maintaining a strong pulse on the daily operations of the keeper staff.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or a closely related discipline is required. 
• An advanced degree in Biological Sciences or closely related discipline is preferred.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Successful candidates likely to have 5-7 years’ experience in department species taxa in a zoo setting; at least 1-2 years’ experience in a supervisory position; and proficiencies in operant conditioning training using positive reinforcement, enrichment strategies, and applied behavioral research
• Note:
• A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify individuals.              

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time
• Ability to regularly perform a variety of physical tasks that include but are not limited to climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, crawling
• Physical strength, including ability to frequently move up to fifty (50) pounds
• Ability to work in small, confined spaces
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may include rubber/latex gloves, steel-toed boots/shoes, Tyvek suits, face shields, eye goggles, etc.
• No allergy related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance and ability of movement that might interfere with ability to work
• Ability to maintain immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases
• Risk exposure to fairly predictable and controllable hazards associated with wild animals and zoonotic diseases

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Available to work all necessary hours, including weekends, holidays, special events and all shifts. 
• Available to attend training sessions and conferences as needed.
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record.        
• Proof of negative TB test.
• Proof of Covid vaccine.

SUPERVISES:

• Lead keepers, assistant lead keepers, keepers, apprentice keeper, roving keeper, interns, volunteers

REPORTS TO:

• Curator of Primates

OUR PROMISE

• Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming.
• We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. 
• For Wildlife.
• For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

• In addition to such standard benefits ( Blue Cross Blue Shield)  as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):
• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!
• Salary: $73,000-$75,000 annually

Salary

• $73.000-$75,000/annually