Zoological Animal Manager

This specific role is assigned to the Asia West team, focusing primarily on the care of reptiles (including venomous species and crocodilians), amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.

• Compensation: Comprehensive package including 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 401(k), 10 paid holidays, paid sick leave, and accrued vacation time.

• Pay Range:

  • ZAM 1: $25.88 – $27.17 per hour

  • ZAM 2: $70,304.00 – $73,819.20 per year (Offers based on experience)

Essential Accountabilities

Shared Duties (ZAM-1 & ZAM-2)

• Daily Operations & Husbandry: Perform essential animal section tasks, resolve animal issues proactively, and ensure consistent compliance with FCZ, AZA, and USDA standards.

• Communication & Interdepartmental Liaison: Facilitate daily communication between the Curator and section staff; act as the primary liaison to veterinary, horticulture, and maintenance departments; and respond to public and marketing inquiries.

• Behavior & Welfare: Develop and implement behavioral enrichment and training programs; organize and execute formal animal welfare assessments and problem-solving solutions.

• Administration & Information Systems: Establish written section routines, update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and utilize Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Teams) alongside Species 360 (ZIMS) and TRACKS systems.

• Staff Leadership & Training: Participate in staff hiring, provide training, mentoring, and performance coaching, manage direct-report schedules, and oversee volunteer activities.

• Safety & Veterinary Support: Monitor safe work practices, assist Security with emergency protocols, and support the Veterinary staff with animal health management.

Key Distinction (ZAM-2 Only)

• Duty Manager: Fulfill scheduled Duty Manager responsibilities across all animal care teams.

• Emergency Coordination: Act as the Recapture Coordinator during relevant emergency protocols.

Management Accountabilities

• Independent Judgment: Customarily exercise independent discretion and judgment, practice solution-based problem-solving, and act as an inspirational, accessible leader.

• Administrative Oversight: Manage payroll timekeeping, ensure adherence to wage and hour regulations, track team deliverables, and complete timely performance evaluations.

• Professional Conduct: Report to work fully present and punctual, maintain professional written communication, and exercise professional courtesy regarding off-hours communication.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Education: High School diploma required.

• ZAM 1 Experience Requirements:

  • Minimum 5.5 years of related paid experience in a zoological or wildlife facility (AZA facility preferred).

  • Minimum 3 years of experience developing behavioral husbandry programs using classical/operant conditioning and goal-based enrichment.

  • Minimum 3 years of experience completing formal animal welfare assessments and resolving well-being concerns.

• ZAM 2 Experience Requirements:

  • Minimum 6.5 years of related paid experience in a zoological or wildlife facility (AZA facility preferred).

  • Minimum 1 year of paid supervisory experience leading a team of at least 3 employees.

  • Minimum 3 years of experience developing behavioral husbandry programs.

  • Minimum 3 years of experience completing formal animal welfare assessments.

Skills & Certifications

• Strong verbal and written English communication skills (bilingual skills are a plus).

• Valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrollment in the CA Employer Pull Notice program, and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program.

• Asia West Requirement: Must complete FCZC venomous reptile training within 1 year of starting venomous training.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Physical Demands: Continuous standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, and kneeling throughout shifts; using hands and arms for animal care and enclosure cleaning; climbing stairs or ladders. Ability to spend up to 4 hours per day in a sedentary position for administrative duties.

• Lifting Capacity: Regularly lift or carry up to 50 lbs, and occasionally up to 75 lbs with assistance.

• Senses: Close, distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, color perception, focus adjustment, hearing, and sense of smell to evaluate animal health and environments.

• Work Environment: Functions both indoors and outdoors with exposure to high heat, cold, inclement weather, poor air quality, and uneven terrain. Regular exposure to animals carrying risks of bites (including venomous species), zoonotic diseases, and allergens. Ability to work overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.