Zoo Assistant Director

City of El Paso • Various Locations within the City of El Paso, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction, plan, organize, and assist in the daily management of El Paso Zoo operations, projects, and activities. This role involves overseeing, planning, and directing department divisions, setting operational plans to achieve departmental attendance and per capita targets, and working with zoo divisions to maintain a high-quality visitor experience. The position requires planning, organizing, and managing day-to-day projects and activities, recommending and implementing policies, and developing the department's work plan. Responsibilities include analyzing personnel, equipment, procedures, plans, and programs, and recommending improvements. The role also involves designing, establishing, and maintaining the organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish goals, monitoring department operations, conducting research for operational improvements, and evaluating industry trends. Participation in long-term planning and capital improvement plans is expected, along with monitoring and applying fiscal controls, estimating required funds, and assisting in budget preparation. The position includes supervising assigned personnel, which involves scheduling, assigning work, appraising performance, providing training, enforcing rules, counseling, motivating, and interviewing applicants. The Zoo Assistant Director will also represent the department, interact with various stakeholders, attend professional groups, and prepare presentations. This role will serve as the Director during absences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Zoo Management, Veterinary Medicine, Business or Public Administration, or a related field.
• Six (6) years of zoological operations experience.
• Four (4) years of managerial experience.
• Valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or equivalent from another state by the date of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing, planning, and directing department divisions.
• Directing, recommending, and establishing operational plans to achieve departmental attendance and per capita targets.
• Working with zoo divisions to maintain a high-quality visitor experience.
• Planning, organizing, and managing the coordination of day-to-day projects and activities, both directly and through subordinate supervisors.
• Recommending, implementing, and administering policies and procedures.
• Directing, overseeing, and participating in the development of the department work plan.
• Analyzing department personnel, equipment, procedures, plans, and programs.
• Reviewing and recommending improvements, automation, or streamlining of work activities.
• Planning, designing, implementing, and reviewing the department's short and long-term goals, objectives, and priorities.
• Collecting and analyzing data.
• Preparing a variety of reports regarding division activities, accomplishments, and goals.
• Designing, establishing, and maintaining the organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish goals and objectives.
• Monitoring department operations and activities to ensure successful implementation of City and department objectives.
• Conducting research and assessing opportunities for improving operations such as new programs, exhibits, or technology development.
• Analyzing organization and community needs.
• Evaluating and reviewing industry trends and statistics.
• Making recommendations for department improvements and opportunities.
• Participating in the zoo department long-term planning efforts and capital improvement plans.
• Monitoring and applying fiscal controls to receipt and expenditure of funds.
• Estimating required funds for the use of personnel, facilities, equipment, materials and supplies.
• Participating in the preparation of the annual budget.
• Assisting in the development and monitoring of budget.
• Working with appropriate personnel to develop, recommend, and define operating and financial objectives.
• Directing, recommending, and implementing preparation of operating budgets and controls.
• Preparing projections of resources necessary to meet current and future development needs.
• Supervising assigned personnel, including scheduling, assigning, and checking work.
• Appraising employee performance and reviewing evaluations by subordinate supervisors.
• Providing for training and development.
• Enforcing personnel rules and regulations and work behavior standards firmly and impartially.
• Counseling, motivating, and maintaining harmony among staff.
• Interviewing applicants and recommending hiring, termination, transfers, discipline, and other employee status changes.
• Representing the department as required.
• Interacting with a variety of department heads, managers, supervisors, employees, and the public to provide and gather accurate information.
• Attending and participating in professional groups and committees.
• Preparing and delivering presentations at City Council, Civil Service Commission, and other boards, commissions, and community organizations.
• Serving as the Director during absences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager