P1474 - Manager of Zoo Operations

City of Moncton•City of Moncton, NB

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position reports directly to the Director, Magnetic Hill Zoo and Magnetic Hill Park. The Manager of Zoo Operations is responsible for the operational leadership, coordination and continuous improvements of operations related to animal care, maintenance, facilities, safety, compliance, and operational readiness. The position is accountable responsible for direct for the leadership and support to the Animal Care and Maintenance teams and ensures that the Zoo operates in accordance with City of Moncton policies and procedures, applicable municipal, provincial and federal legislation, and recognized zoo industry standards, including CAZA and AZA accreditation requirements. The position is also responsible for performance management, continuous process improvement, and leading operational change initiatives to strengthen service delivery, staff effectiveness, and operational efficiency. The Manager of Zoo Operations works in partnership with the Director to oversee operational planning, capital project implementation, infrastructure renewal, and service delivery priorities, and acts on behalf of the Director during periods of absence.

Requirements

A two year post-secondary diploma in Animal Sciences, Zoology, Biology, Wildlife, Veterinary-related studies.
A minimum of five (5) years supervisory experience in an accredited zoo, aquarium, wildlife park or similar complex public-facing facility managing animal care and maintenance/facilities functions with three (3) of those year supervising staff.
Experience in successfully preparing for, planning and managing industry accreditation processes and audits, including CAZA and AZA-related requirements.
Experience managing operational and capital projects involving facilities, contractor oversight, maintenance programs, exhibits, infrastructure and operational service delivery.
Demonstrated leadership in zoo operational safety procedures, emergency response and compliance programs.
Demonstrated success leading unionized teams in a municipal, public sector, or similarly complex environment, including labour relations, conflict resolution, performance management, employee engagement, and attendance management.
Experience managing operational and capital budgets.
Demonstrated experience leading process improvements and implementing operational changes in a complex, safety-sensitive or regulated environment.
Ability to communicate effectively in both languages (oral; English and French) is required. Must meet INTERMEDIATE+ (2+) Level as per the Province of New Brunswick Linguistic Standards in both languages as a minimum requirement.
Current knowledge of zoo and wildlife industry practices, modern zoo operations and accredited zoo standards.
Familiarity with applicable municipal, provincial and federal laws, regulations, permits and standards related to zoo operations, animal care, public safety and workplace safety.
Sound knowledge of animal welfare principles, husbandry operations, preventative health support systems, animal records and collection-related procedures.
Sound knowledge of maintenance planning, asset management, infrastructure operations and public-facing facility requirements in a zoo environment.
Ability to lead teams through change and innovation in a collaborative, respectful and accountable manner and within a unionized work environment.
Familiarity with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.
Good knowledge of emergency procedures for zoo operations.
Intermediate working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, Sharepoint, automation or optimization tools.
Ability to prepare clear written reports, data summaries, operational metrics presentations, scopes of work, business plans and operational documentation.
Working knowledge of industry software and record systems, including willingness and ability to use systems such as ZIMS and related operational platforms.
Ability to understand technical drawings, infrastructure requirements and operational specifications.
Must have and maintain a valid New Brunswick Class 5 driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

A combination of other relevant post-secondary education combined with significant operational management experience in an accredited zoo, aquarium, wildlife park or similar public attraction may be considered.
Courses in Business Administration, Facilities/Operations Management, Project Management, or another related field considered an asset.
Experience leading teams through organizational, procedural, system or service delivery changes would be considered a strong asset.
Candidates with INTERMEDIATE (2) Level English/ French language proficiency may be considered (Candidates must meet the INTERMEDIATE+ (2+) Level English/ French language proficiency within 1 year).
Willingness and ability to use systems such as ZIMS and related operational platforms.

Responsibilities

Operational leadership, coordination and continuous improvements of operations related to animal care, maintenance, facilities, safety, compliance, and operational readiness.
Leadership and support to the Animal Care and Maintenance teams.
Ensuring the Zoo operates in accordance with City of Moncton policies and procedures, applicable municipal, provincial and federal legislation, and recognized zoo industry standards, including CAZA and AZA accreditation requirements.
Performance management, continuous process improvement, and leading operational change initiatives to strengthen service delivery, staff effectiveness, and operational efficiency.
Overseeing operational planning, capital project implementation, infrastructure renewal, and service delivery priorities in partnership with the Director.
Acting on behalf of the Director during periods of absence.
Directing and managing the daily operation of the Animal Care and Maintenance forepersons and staff.
Managing employees in a unionized environment, including full-time employees, casual staff, students and volunteers.
Managing, inspecting and coordinating work carried out under private contract.
Regular contact with employees, contractors, volunteers, consultants, the public, staff of other departments and other Zoo stakeholders.
Communicating regularly with outside agencies and groups, including provincial and federal government departments and regulatory bodies.
Presenting to the Leadership team as required.
Responding to inquiries from the Leadership team in the absence of the Director.
Ensuring facilities are operational and safe for public use.
Responding to emergencies during evenings, weekends, holidays and other off-hours periods.
Representing the Zoo and Park in the absence of the Director, as instructed.