Zoological Manager, Primates/South America

SUMMARY

The Birmingham Zoo is currently seeking applications for a Zoological Manager in the Primate/South America Department. Under the direction of the Curator, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing a high level of care to a very diverse and unique collection, with a focus on primates but that also includes jaguar, anteater, and giant river otters among others.

Primary responsibilities of this position include team supervisory responsibilities, monitoring animal health, maintaining cleanliness of animal areas, providing environmental and behavioral enrichment, preparing diets, modifying exhibits, maintaining accurate records, and presenting both formally and informally for the public.  The candidate must be a motivated self-starter that is team and goal oriented.  This position must be able to communicate with other departments to meet the needs of the animals, facilities, and zoo team. 

This position requires working at least 40 hours per week, including weekends, holidays, and late events as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Primate Manager

• Conducts day-to-day supervision of Animal Care Professionals, Volunteers, Interns and/or other staff members in assigned areas.
• Responsible for animal husbandry, enrichment, and wellbeing of animals in assigned area.
• Uses environmental enrichment in daily routines and with the help of Animal Care Professionals, Curator, and Behavioral Husbandry Manager, develops departmental programs, including researching and developing new enrichment options and development of enrichment schedules. Documents results and goals of enrichment by using the Enrichment Approval and Evaluation forms. Oversees and trains staff on enrichment program.
• Exhibits the ability to apply classical and operant conditioning and to train basic and advanced behaviors. Trains and monitors staff on applying training techniques.
• Uses proper techniques in shifting animals on their assigned routine.
• Responsible for using appropriate restraint and handling techniques designed to put the least amount of stress on the animal. Responsible for training, monitoring, and evaluating staff animal restraint techniques.
• Ensures that animal records and staff files are up to date and maintained in accordance with zoo policy, state and federal regulations and national animal record keeping standards. Monitors and ensures staff are able to properly utilize the animal record keeping systems.
• Develops skills in staff through various formal and informal training programs.
• Develops and coordinates staff, maintenance, and animal care related scheduling within assigned area.
• Works with Curator on hiring and disciplinary actions with a focus on developmental objectives.
• Completes performance appraisals and evaluations on all direct reports with Curators input.
• Displays knowledge of the basic biology, behavior, and husbandry of the animals in their department in the daily routine.
• Cleans and maintains animal habitats and holdings, including the use of chemical agents and special tools to ensure the health and safety of the animals.
• Monitors weather related needs for the animals in their department and shelters animals appropriately.
• Identifies, documents, and properly communicates any abnormal behavior or animal medical problems to the Curator, General Curator, and Veterinary staff in a timely manner.
• Develops a good line of communication with assigned staff, Curator, and General Curator to ensure that all facilities and animals are in good order, and that all problems are reported in a timely manner.
• Maintains a safe work environment for assigned staff and animals. Identifies, reports, and works to resolve safety concerns in a timely manner.
• Prepares and presents Public Animal Talks to Zoo visitors and guests. Encourages staff to engage Zoo visitors with prepared animal talks.