Zoo & Interpretive Services Manager

sjgov•Stockton, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

This examination is being given to fill 1 vacancy in the Parks and Recreation Department and to establish an eligible list to fill future vacancies. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. A completed application must be postmarked or received online by the final filing deadline. NOTE: All correspondences relating to this recruitment will be delivered via e-mail. The e-mail account used will be the one provided on your employment application during time of submittal. Please be sure to check your e-mail often for updates. If you do not have an e-mail account on file, Human Resources will send you correspondences via US Mail. Pre-Employment Background, DOJ Live Scan and Drug Screen: Potential new hires into this classification are required to successfully pass a DOJ Live Scan, a pre-employment background investigation and a pre-employment drug screen as a condition of employment. Final appointment cannot be made unless the eligible has successfully completed the DOJ Live Scan, background process and passed the drug screen. The County pays for the initial drug screen.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in zoology, wildlife biology, animal science, animal care, zoo management, or a related field.
Four years’ experience in zoo operations or a closely related field, two years of which were at a supervisory level.
Principles and practices of supervision; management techniques, including planning, budgeting and training; basic computer and modern office automation technology, including pertinent software; zoo management practices, procedures and protocols; a thorough understanding of the needs and habits of the different types of animals in a zoological collection; zoological park operations, including the development of practices and protocols; animal care and management practices; laws and standards relative to care and exhibition of exotic animals and zoo operations; public relations and marketing principles and practices; zoo exhibit and facility design and development; interpretive program development and techniques; U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) guidelines for zoos.
Plan, assign and direct staff, volunteers and others; work effectively with the public; read, understand and interpret contracts, agreements, and technical information; manage a diverse workforce of skilled and semi-skilled staff; develop and manage budgets; gather and analyze data; prepare and present reports; respond effectively to changing priorities and challenges; plan and design interesting zoological exhibits and educational tours; speak in public and make public presentations; interpret and apply pertinent rules, laws, and regulations; work effectively with professional and regulatory organizations; operate computers and related software; interact with a wide variety of ages and interests; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of officials, County staff, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Supervises zoo and nature center staff involved in daily operation of the facilities, animal care, maintenance, educational and interpretive programming, and volunteer coordination, including non-County funded staff; selects, assigns, trains, and evaluates the work of staff performing the daily operations and maintenance of the zoo.
Coordinates planning and development to ensure that facilities meet or exceed industry standards and that operations are in compliance with applicable rules, regulations and laws, including animal care, management, health and safety, public safety, visitor services, and zoo facility security; recommends and implements policies and procedures.
Establishes and maintains professional and regulatory agency relationships or affiliations to ensure appropriate professional and operating standards, identify industry trends, and assess development methods applicable to modern zoological facilities.
Develops and implements fund-raising, promotions, marketing, public relations, and community support activities; speaks before clubs, organizations, businesses and individuals to promote support for the zoo; serves as liaison to community organizations, businesses, agencies, and the public to promote involvement and support, and to resolve problems and complaints; promotes development of and assists the Zoological Society, and provides advice and support.
Evaluates zoo and nature center needs and identifies goals; plans new facilities, upgrades, and exhibits for zoo and nature center; develops and implements interpretive programs.
Prepares, implements, and monitors budgets; approves expenditures.
Gathers, organizes and analyzes information; prepares reports and recommendation; prepares correspondence; monitors contracts and grants.

Benefits

Option of three medical plans: a Kaiser Plan, a Select Plan, and a Premier Plan.
Dependent coverage is also available.
Choice of two dental plans: Delta Dental and United Health Care-Select Managed Care Direct Compensation Plan.
Vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP).
Life insurance coverage based on years of service.
Supplemental life insurance policy with a face value up to $75,000.
125 Flexible Benefits Plan (Health Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance Plan).
County Retirement Plan.
Deferred compensation plan under Section 457 of the IRS code.
Vacation accrual based on years of service.
10 or 14 holidays per year.
10 days of administrative leave each fiscal year.
12 working days of sick leave annually with unlimited accumulation.
Sick leave incentive.
3 days of paid leave for the death of an immediate family member, 2 additional days of accrued leave for death of employee’s spouse, domestic partner, parent or child.
Merit Salary Increase.
Educational Reimbursement Program.
Parking Supplemental Downtown Stockton.
Up to 40 hours per year for children's school activities.