Zoological Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Zoological Manager is a leadership position responsible for overseeing a designated section within the Zoo's animal department. The role involves managing animal care, medical management, population management, transfers, acquisitions, and introductions while supporting long-term animal welfare and departmental goals.

The manager oversees multiple species, including chimpanzees, lesser apes, baboons, sun bears, Amazon parrots, wallaroos, emus, and flamingos. Responsibilities include supervising staff, volunteers, and interns, providing operational leadership, and supporting other sections when required.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

- Lead animal care, medical management, population management, transfers, acquisitions, and introductions in alignment with departmental strategies.

- Ensure animal facilities and service areas meet Zoo standards and USDA and AZA requirements.

- Lead responses to urgent situations and emergencies, acting as the senior on-site decision-maker when necessary.

- Implement Zoo priorities and identify opportunities for operational improvements and strategic initiatives.

- Plan and oversee facility maintenance and improvement projects, including research, work orders, contractors, budgets, and timelines.

- Represent the Zoo through press interviews, instructional classes, behind-the-scenes tours, and guest interactions.

- Coordinate maintenance, groundskeeping, and horticultural activities in animal areas.

- Manage departmental programs involving emergency response, research, behavioral husbandry, and behavioral observation.

- Participate in emergency immobilization, animal dispatch, and gondola rescue teams as required.

- Assist keepers with daily animal care and provide coverage across assigned areas.

- Perform additional duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Hire, supervise, develop, and evaluate Assistant Zoological Managers and keeper staff, including Keeper Aides, Temporary Keepers, Keepers, Senior Keepers, and Lead Keepers.

- Support staff development, performance management, leadership training, and conflict resolution.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Minimum of eight years of paid, full-time experience caring for captive wildlife in a zoo setting, preferably at an AZA- or GFAS-accredited facility.

- At least two years of experience working with primates.

- Minimum of three years of supervisory, leadership, or management experience, including leadership training and conflict management.

- Expert knowledge of animal natural history, captive management, and physical and psychological welfare.

- Strong knowledge of behavioral training theory and practical application for husbandry, management, and medical care.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and TRACKS/ZIMS.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor's or advanced degree in zoology, biology, or a related field.

- Experience working with baboons and chimpanzees, along with knowledge of additional species.

- Experience coordinating emergency response equipment, including firearms or darting equipment.

- Involvement in wildlife-related professional organizations, fieldwork, activism, or other activities outside the Zoo.

- Experience working with unionized staff, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and shared goals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

- Indoor and outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including environments with significant dirt and dust.

- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and move at least 120 pounds.

- Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain and in challenging environmental conditions.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

- Leadership, mentoring, staff development, and inclusive team management.

- Project management, strategic planning, prioritization, and adaptability.

- Strong communication, collaboration, relationship-building, and conflict resolution.

- Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and sound decision-making.

- Attention to detail, organization, time management, and dependability.

- Commitment to wildlife conservation, animal welfare, sustainability, and the Zoo's mission.

- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and maintain effective digital systems.

- Commitment to inclusion, accessibility, cultural awareness, and a respectful workplace.

BENEFITS

Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package beginning on the first day of the month following the hire date. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a Flexible Spending Account, an optional 403(b) retirement plan, paid time off, an Employee Assistance Program, and Zoo membership options.