Organization: Denver Zoo
(AZA Member)
Location: Denver, CO, United States
Job or Internship: Job
Summary:
This position provides day-to-day leadership of the Animal Care Division, including all animal care staff and the zoo’s commissary. Oversees the exhibition, husbandry and collection planning for all species exhibited at the Denver Zoo. Representing the Animal Care Division, partners with all members of the zoo’s Executive Team to ensure the mission of Denver Zoo is realized.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Provides strong, strategic leadership to all curators, area supervisors, zookeepers, registrar, animal care interns and other Animal Care Division personnel; motivates, teaches, encourages and creates a learning environment for these staff. Develops and champions programs that encourage employee growth.
• Partners with all members of the zoo’s Executive Team to ensure the mission of the Denver Zoo is achieved; actively contributes to and supports the zoo’s strategic plans and initiatives.
• Actively represents Denver Zoo and the Animal Care Division in all aspects of the zoo, from day-to-day operation to interaction with the Denver Zoological Foundation Board of Trustees, potential donors and zoo/aquarium/conservation partners.
• Provides leadership in the development and implementation of all of the zoo’s policies regarding the animal collection, including the Acquisition/Disposition Policy, Institutional Collection Plan, Emergency Procedures and Safety Drills.
• Directs, supervises and coordinates all daily operations that involve the exhibition, care and husbandry of the zoo’s animal collection. Partners within Animal Care division and with other departments to ensure repair and maintenance of exhibits and animal environments.
• Responsible for ensuring the welfare of the entire animal collection through leadership and application of practical knowledge of taxon-specific husbandry principles, practices and techniques.
• Provides vision and strong leadership in the design, planning for and improvement of new exhibits, facilities, and graphics.
• Participates in the species survival plans, taxon advisory groups, and other conservation and science programs related to the Denver Zoo.
• Assists in the coordination and analysis of conservation and research activities within the animal collection
• Regularly inspects exhibits and animals environments to ensure exhibits are maintained repaired and in compliance with federal regulations, AZA accreditation and optimal safety standards.
• Prepares and administrates the annual budget for the Animal Care Division with an associated action plan and time line.
• Directs the development of performance evaluation standards for functions managed within the guidelines set by zoo administration. Formally evaluates the work of directly subordinate supervisors and/or staff.
• Works in cooperation with all other departments in the zoo. Facilitates clear communication and information between departments. Offers assistance when appropriate to other departments.
• Represents DZF Taxon/Divisional areas at AZA national and regional conferences.
Qualifications:
BA in Zoology, Biology or a related field.
Five years of professional experience as a curator/supervisor of a large variety of taxa in a zoo/wildlife park setting.
Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to partner with a variety of leaders across multiple disciplines
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
Proven expertise in husbandry, research methods, and interaction with the public.
Strong oral and written presentation skills.
Some experience many be substituted for education; some education may be substituted for experience.
Competency in computer skills; word processor, spread sheets, Internet and networks.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit cover letter and resume with salary history and/or salary requirements (must be included to be considered) by December 31, 2009 to:
Denver Zoological Foundation
Attn: Leslye Bilyeu/Director of Human Resources
2300 Steele Street
Denver, CO 80205
Fax 303-376-6717
lbilyeu@denverzoo.org
Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer