Zoological Manager

Oakland Zoo•Oakland, CA

4d•$98,103 - $101,754•Onsite

About The Position

The Zoological Manager (ZM) is a leadership position responsible for a designated work area (Section) which is comprised of multiple species (strings) in the Department. The ZM has extensive knowledge and experience in wildlife natural history and captive management. The ZM will oversee management of the animals in their Section including daily care, medical management, population management, transfers, acquisitions and introductions. This area of responsibility includes chimpanzees, lesser apes, baboons and other primates, sun bears, Amazon parrots, wallaroos, emus, and the flamingo aviary divided amongst several work areas. This position is focused on leadership, administration and strategic operations within their Section. The ZM has oversight over all staff, volunteers and interns in the Section. The ZM is trained as a floating keeper to be able to help or cover all the strings within their Section as necessary. The ZM will take charge of additional Sections in the absence of another ZM or the entire the Department as needed.

Requirements

Minimum of 8 years paid full time paid experience in the care of captive wildlife in the zoo field (preferably at an AZA or GFAS facility), including a minimum of 2 years of experience working with primates.
Minimum of 3 years experience in a supervisory, leadership, or management position, including leadership training/conflict management.
Expert knowledge of the natural history and captive wildlife management for the animals under their care to ensure their best possible physical and psychological well-being.
Significant knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application, including effective training of animals in their Section for management, husbandry and medical care.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, and TRACKS/ZIMS.
Experience leading department programs such as emergency response, research, behavioral husbandry, and behavioral observation.
Able to lead animal capture, restraint, transport, medical procedures and treatments, and data collection and analysis for animal assessments and research.
Strong knowledge of species nutrition and food sourcing, including edible and toxic plant identification.
Possesses strong understanding and compliance with safety and emergency response protocols.
Ability to effectively train others and to do Behind the Scene Tours, press interviews, instructional classes, and casual communication with Zoo guests.
Ability to safely use tools and equipment such as chainsaws, drills, and electric saws.
Valid driver's license and clean driving record; able to operate dump trucks, standard trucks, electric carts, all-terrain vehicles, and, when needed, a Bobcat tractor, lift, or excavator.
Willingness to work outside normal business hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
Medical requirements: negative TB test within the last year, tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years, measles vaccine.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's or advanced degree in zoology, biology or a related field.
Experience working with baboons and chimpanzees, and additional working knowledge of a broad range of species.
Experience coordinating emergency response equipment, including live firearms, or darting equipment.
Involvement in the wild animal profession outside of the Zoo (professional organizations, field work, activism, etc.).
Experience working with a Bargaining Unit/Unionized Staff with a focus on collaboration, robust communication and shared goals.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee management of the animals in their section including daily care, medical management, population management, transfers, acquisitions and introductions, with a focus on aligning practices with departmental strategy and long-term animal program goals.
Oversee service areas and animal facilities to ensure they meet Zoo standards and meet or exceed USDA and AZA requirements.
Assess, respond to, and lead during urgent or emergency situations, acting as the senior on-site decision-maker when needed.
Implement department and Zoo priorities, and demonstrate the initiative and expertise to identify and drive ongoing improvements, contributing to broader institutional goals through strategic initiatives and innovation.
Lead planning and oversight of small and large facility maintenance and improvement projects including research to inform plan, approving and tracking work orders, instruct and coordinate Zoo support staff and contractors, while managing associated budgets and timelines.
Represent the Zoo appropriately in a variety of public settings, including press interviews, instructional classes, Behind-the-Scenes tours, and informal interactions with Zoo guests.
Identify, coordinate, and oversee maintenance, grounds, and horticultural operations in and around animal areas, performing work as needed or coordinating staff and contractors to ensure safe and efficient completion of projects.
Manage Department Programs such as emergency response teams, research programs, and behavioral observation programs. This may also include participation in the Emergency Immobilization Team, Animal Dispatch Team, and/or Gondola Rescue team.
Assist keepers with routine string work and provide string coverage as needed.
Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
Hires, supervises, develops and oversees performance management of the Assistant Zoological Manager (AZM), all Keeper staff in their Section, including Keeper Aides, Temporary Keepers, Keepers, Senior Keepers and Lead Keepers.
Hires, supervises, and develops the Keepers, Senior Keepers and Lead Keepers in their section with support from the AZM and keeper team.