Zoological Managers

This is a range. Selected candidate's salary will be determined within this range based on qualifications, equity, and funding at the time of hire. 

Primary Purpose of this Position:

• The North Carolina Zoo is recruiting three dynamic, team-oriented leaders for Zoological Manager vacancies.
• The Zoo is in a period of growth and expansion, and these are new positions within the Animal Care team reporting directly to each respective Area Animal Curator.
• Zoological Managers will be responsible for directly supervising Animal Management Supervisors and their associated teams/facilities and will be integral in operations to maintain/improve animal health and welfare and support zoo wide initiatives..
• Zoological Manager positions will focus on Avian, Herps/Amphibia/Fish/Invertebrates, and Mammal taxa (primates, carnivores).

 Key Responsibilities:

• Daily management of area supervisors and their respective work units. Ensures the health and behavioral conditions of the animals in supervised facilities and maintaining animal populations that exceed AZA and USDA standards.
• Collaborates with animal managers to establish standards and standard operating policies, procedures, and practices for animal care and provides implementation guidance to promote good physical and behavioral health and high-quality care.
• Provides support/assistance to Animal Management Supervisors and their teams in identifying and prioritizing animal care issues and problems and assisting in work unit problem identification and problem solving. 
• Identifies priority research needs for collection animals and facilities under their direction. Coordinates scientific research needs with Zoo’s Conservation, Education, and Science team and assists in implementation to improve animal welfare.
• Facilitates communications between Area Supervisors, Animal Curators, Veterinary staff, and other zoo personnel for information exchange for the improvement of zoo wide programs in animal health/welfare, staff development, zoo operation, and guest experience.
• Mentors, develops, and provides leadership for Area Supervisors and their teams in the progressive evolution of animal management, husbandry, team development, and the operation and upkeep of facilities.
• Recruits and hires qualified personnel and oversees/assists with hiring of staff, including temporary keepers and work-based students or interns as needed.
• Assists Supervisors in the setting of overall performance standards, establishing annual goals for work units, and development of individual work plans.
• Leads process for job safety analysis and risk analysis procedures, accident investigations for managed areas and institute preventative or corrective measures.
• Involvement in professional, conservation, research, of Zoo and AZA programs and committees. Conduct written and oral informal public presentations 
• Assists Curators and contributes to planning and design of new animal exhibits and facilities. Review concept drawings, schematic documents, design development documents, and construction documents; participates in design teams; coordinates contractor work.
• Coordinates specimen acquisition & disposition transport and in-park animal transfers.
• Develops a strong cohesive work unit that continually strives to improve animal welfare, behavior management, guest experience, and contributes to the overall understanding of the zoo’s animal populations and the in situ and ex situ needs of the species.
• Facilitates a culture of open communication/collaboration and a solution-oriented approach. 

 Position/Physical Requirements:

• Job offer is contingent upon passing a pre-employment screen conducted by assigned provider. 
• Required to participate in the zoo's occupational health program due to potential exposure to zoonosis.
• Must be able to work a rotating schedule that involves working weekends, holidays and after regular work shifts.
• Position is considered "Essential/Mandatory Staff" requiring work on adverse weather days and during zoo emergencies.
• Must train, qualify, and serve on emergency response team as Weapons team member and as Capture Coordinator or Rescue Coordinator as assigned for emergencies including dangerous/deadly species.
• Must be able to capture, handle and restrain live exotic and potentially dangerous animals and use associated capture equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., have good physical agility, strength, vision, and hearing, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in extremes of weather and challenging physical environments with or without an accommodation. 
• Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid NC driver's license within 90 days of hire, to drive a state vehicle.
• Must be able to train/achieve certifications in skills relevant to the position, such as: marksmanship biannually for role on the Zoo’s Weapons Team.
• Must have strong people skills and be able to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with zoo staff and the public.

• Learn about employee perks/benefits: https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits 

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies:

• Demonstrated experience managing Avian, Herps/Amphibia/Fish/Invertebrates, and/or Mammal taxa (primates, carnivores) at an AZA accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility. 
• Proven knowledge of industry standard husbandry techniques, biology, animal anatomy, physiology, ecology, behavior, and/or safe practices around dangerous animals gained from working at an AZA accredited zoo, sanctuary setting or related facility.
• Demonstrated experience in the assessment of an animal program for the improvements in staff development, animal management, and/or guest experience.

Management Preference:

• Supervisory experience.

Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology, or science curriculum related to the area of expertise from an appropriately accredited institution  and two-years’ experience in specialty area:
• a Master’s degree in a natural science area may be substituted for experience;  or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Perks

• https://oshr.nc.gov/state-employee-resources/benefits