Organization: Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo
(AZA Member)
Location: Tampa, Florida, United States
Job or Internship: Job
With more than 1,800 animals housed in lush natural habitats, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo maintains a diverse collection that is suited for our local Florida climate. With engaging interactive exhibits and eight habitat areas, we offer a wide variety of employment opportunities.
Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo is currently seeking qualified applicants for:
Operations Manager
This position serves as the support function to the Animal Department and reports directly to the General Curator. Responsible for performing diverse administrative tasks, assists in the development of training programs, and analyzes data to improve departmental operation efficiency. Exercises initiative and independent judgment as required in providing animal department staff coordination and consultation in the performance of their job duties.
Essential Functions (Including, but not limited to):
•Assist the General Curator in planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the animal department operations.
•Manages, coordinates and oversees all aspects of the forage commissary operation. Works with the Veterinarian implementing and ensuring that commissary is properly stocked and supplied to support the dietary requirements of the collection.
•Develops and monitors the forage budget with the assistance of the Commissary Manager and reports to the General Curator on forage account issues.
•Coordinates, reviews and submits all electronic work requests for the animal department. Works with the Director of Collections and the General Curators on developing work request priorities.
•Oversees USDA and FWC and collection related water quality compliance issues for the Zoo. Works with the General Curator and animal care staff to ensure that all zoo facilities are in compliance with stated regulations. Works directly with the Facilities Director to prioritize and ensure that all USDA and FWC non-compliance issues are being address with established timelines and resources.
•Oversees the implementation of all animal department construction projects once the project has received the necessary organizational approvals. Will work with the respective Assistant Curators, contractors and in house staff to ensure that the animal department’s quality controls are in place for all new projects.
•Assist and participate with the General Curator and other staff as needed in the development and implementation of animal department staff training programs.
•Assist the curatorial staff in both incoming and outgoing animal shipments as needed.
•Maintain records files and access resource material to support job function.
•Other duties as assigned.
Skills:
•Knowledge of USDA and FWC housing requirements.
•Moderate or higher computer and report development skills.
•Ability to work with a variety of people including staff, management, and regulatory agencies. Strong interpersonal skills required.
•Basic animal management, husbandry and biological background.
•Basic construction design skills and the ability to read, understand, and interpret blueprints.
•Planning, scheduling, evaluation and implementation skills required.
•Ability to train and monitor staff development.
Education/Experience:
•An Associate or Bachelor degree in biology or the natural sciences and/or related field or equivalent specialized training is required
•A minimum of three years curatorial or management experience in an aquarium or zoological setting is required
•Experience managing complex tasks and projects across multiple departments.
Physical Requirements:
•Must be able to withstand typical outdoor Florida climate.
•Ability to lift up to 45 pounds without difficulty.
•Availability to work varied hours and work in and around construction sites and equipment.
Please send resume and cover letter to Lee Ann Rottman, General Curator, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo 1101 West Sligh Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33604 or careers@lowryparkzoo.com
No phone calls please. Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.