Animal Care Manager - Savannah Team (Full Time)

The Animal Care Manager is responsible for the overall management of their assigned area, including area staff, volunteers, animals, exhibits, and animal holding buildings. The Animal Care Manager develops and implements area guidelines and standards, ensuring the highest quality in animal care, staff development, exhibits, visitor areas, and maintenance of animal holdings. This position is responsible for the daily care and welfare of the animals within their area, as well as the guidance and direction of area staff members. This position requires extensive experience and knowledge, excellent communication, and proven leadership skills.

• This position will work with the Savannah Team, which is responsible for the daily husbandry of African lions, bat-eared fox, black-footed cat, caracal, sand cats, rock hyrax, fennec fox, zebra, scimitar-horned oryx, lesser kudu, common eland, Addra gazelles, addax, Masai giraffe, ostrich, black rhinoceros, and a variety of bird species.

POSITION DUTIES & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Duties
• Percentage
• Manages the daily care of team animals and oversight of exhibits and holding areas, including:
• Observing, logging, and reporting issues concerning animal behavior, health, and welfare.
• Regular assessments of animal welfare and wellbeing for all animals in the section.
• Meeting regularly with area staff, management team and veterinary staff.
• Performing daily husbandry activities as needed, including feedings, exhibit cleaning and maintenance, medicating, training, enrichment, completing reports, etc.
• Overseeing ordering and accumulation of resources and equipment necessary for proper care of animals and exhibit areas.
• 50%

Responsible for overall management of area care staff and various leadership duties, including:

• Hiring, scheduling, coaching, evaluation, employee development and policy compliance.
• Coordinating daily activities to ensure animal husbandry needs are satisfied.
• Training staff in areas of husbandry, welfare, animal training, safety, exhibit maintenance and daily routines, as well as pertinent AZA, federal and state regulations.
• May serve as the Manager on Duty for all animal teams when other supervisors or curators are not on grounds.
• Eligible to participate in or serve as a representative for various AZA programs, after meeting AZA requirements, including AZA TAG/SAG chair.
• Eligible to apply for various SSP coordinator/studbook keeper positions.
• 30%

Develops and implements area guidelines and standards, including:

• Developing animal management plans, including introductions and birth management, and standard operating procedures, ensuring compliance with AZA and USDA guidelines.
• Coordinating and communicating with AZA SSP’s, TAG’s and other zoo professionals to maintain knowledge and industry-wide standards for specific animal care, welfare, breeding, etc. 
• 10%

Interacts with Zoo guests and the public, including:

• Presenting various animal chats and animal demonstrations, as well as assisting with special events related to assigned area.
• Leading tours within area, as assigned.
• Representing the Zoo via media relations, upon completion of training with marketing staff.
• Engaging with visitors to answer questions about the Zoo and animals.
• 5%

Assists with and travels for animal shipments, as assigned, including:

• Participating in inter-institutional training and communication regarding incoming or outgoing animals.
• 5%
• This position may at times be requested to perform other duties or special projects as assigned, which are in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
• All employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily and, upon request, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION & FORMAL TRAINING:
• Bachelor’s Degree in biology, animal science, zoology or related field strongly preferred.
• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate accepted in lieu of degree, with prior industry experience in similar position.

EXPERIENCE:

• At least 5 years’ related Zoo or animal husbandry experience required.
• Previous leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of animal husbandry, behavior and procedures for proper care and training of exotic animals.
• Strong observation skills to recognize and evaluate conditions of animal health, diets, and behavior.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, required.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, including procedures for care and maintenance of animals, exhibit, service and holding areas.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

OTHER MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and have sufficient mobility to ensure a safe work environment.
• Must be able to be stationary for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to manage stress, endure high risk situations when feeding, transferring, or restraining animals, and make immediate decisions concerning the safety of animals, staff or the public.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and evening hours, in all weather extremes.
• Must pass a background and drug screening.

Salary

• Salary Exempt