We’re looking to hire a visionary, innovative, and strategic leader to oversee our animal care and health programs and initiatives. This is a new position, reporting directly to the President & CEO, and part of the Zoo’s Executive Leadership Team. For decades, Woodland Park Zoo has maintained the highest standards for animal care. As a leader in exhibit design, conservation work and social research, we are now seeking a leader to advance animal care, welfare and health to the next level. The focus of this position is on innovation and excellence in animal care, population sustainability, visitor experiences and to serve as an advocate for animal welfare within and outside the organization. This position directs overall zoological operations within two primary areas of responsibility: - Animal Management: Includes the management of the zoo’s animals including acquisition, disposition, programs, husbandry, record keeping, population sustainability, compliance and personnel.
- Animal Health: Includes all aspects of life support, health care, safety and welfare of all animals under zoological care; and coordinates health related research activities.
Based in Seattle, a hub of innovation and opportunity, the new Vice President of Animal Care will maintain the high standards that have identified Woodland Park Zoo, while also exploring new directions and innovation in the field. Woodland Park Zoo is in the midst of a programmatic expansion following an ambitious strategic plan (https://www.zoo.org/document.doc?id=2304). Our strategic plan purposefully defines Woodland Park Zoo as a conservation organization that saves wildlife and their habitats while providing meaningful action and inspiration for a broad social movement for wildlife conservation. Within animal care programs, the zoo has added a Curator of Behavioral Husbandry, while growing the ambassador animal program and implementing zoo-wide welfare assessments. Opportunities within this position include guiding animal collection planning, several major exhibit developments, and an upcoming revision of our 25-year Physical Master Plan. Further targets of the strategic plan include active exploration of technological solutions to animal exhibit design, behavioral technology, programmable enrichment devices, welfare assessments and animal health specialties, such as physical rehabilitation and geriatric animal care. This position will be aiding a rapid metamorphosis to make the zoo a leader in addressing cultural attitudes toward ethical welfare of animal in human care while driving powerful zoo experiences that drive conservation results. The candidate is expected to play a leadership role in one or more AZA programs, such as TAGs, SSPs, population sustainability, accreditation, animal welfare, research and technology. The candidate should be well-versed in defining outcome-based welfare processes and interventions. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Animal Care - Sets and maintains highest standards for zoo animal care policies and practices, including husbandry, enrichment, veterinary and preventive care, as well as life support and environmental quality operations.
- Creates effective links between animal exhibits, conservation projects, and visitor engagement efforts that ultimately inspire guests to make conservation a priority in their lives.
- Establishes an efficient cross-departmental process of collaboration (e.g., between Animal Care, Visitor Services and Facilities) to ensure excellent animal health throughout the zoo.
- Fosters a positive work team atmosphere that creates opportunities for professional growth, leadership and skill development
- Oversees the planning and implementation of animal care, exhibit maintenance, staff training, and acquisition/disposition procedures for the zoo’s animals.
- Advances best practices and tests new technologies that advance the well-being of the zoo’s animal.
- Develops and implements short- and long-term strategies for animal care, exhibitions, population sustainability and collection planning.
- Oversees departmental workplace safety to ensure compliance with state, Federal and institutional regulatory, health, welfare and safety standards. Ensures that all safety drills are conducted in a timely manner.
- Ensures that the animal collection and departmental resources support institutional conservation research objectives and mission goals.
- Formulates and implements animal management practices and programs that meet or exceed AZA accreditation requirements.
- Advances knowledge of industry innovations, new techniques, and best practices through participation in meetings, conferences, journals, and regular communication with professional colleagues.
- Performs other position-related duties, as applicable and/or assigned.
Internal and External Partnerships - Partners with the President & CEO and the Advancement Team and others to raise funds and revenue opportunities that meet institutional financial goals. Actively participates in the zoo’s Comprehensive Campaign.
- Provides oversight for departmental goals and objectives, operations, and responsible human resource management, including annual staff performance appraisals, as well as modeling expectations and professional development of animal care staff.
- Acts as a model leader for the entire institution, placing the priorities and viability of the institution and its conservation mission above departmental interests.
- Contributes toward institutional strategic planning, elevating issues related to global trends within the zoo and aquarium community and advances our collective state-of-the-art understanding of animal cognition, empathy for animals, animal welfare, husbandry and veterinary care. Actively participates in relevant initiatives within professional associations (i.e., AZA).
- Develops a vision for animal care and live exhibits within the context of the zoo’s mission. Creates an atmosphere of departmental and inter-departmental collaboration, integrity, accountability, and trust.
- Establishes and maintains a strong, effective partnership with Board members and Board committees to foster a culture of collaboration, cooperation, and consultation.
- Stays abreast of important trends (including competitive, technological, social, and economic) that could potentially impact the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s (B.S.) or Master’s (M.S.) degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field from a nationally accredited college or university; and 10 (ten) or more years of professional knowledge and experience at a large zoo, aquarium, or similar institution.
- Experience with AZA accreditations and requirements.
- Advances institutional values toward diversity, inclusion and equity goals for staff, volunteers, visitors and our communities.
- Supports an environment of respect, dignity and entrepreneurial spirit, while constantly promoting the organization’s vision, culture, and mission, internally and externally.
- Ability to design and manage multiple projects simultaneously, setting deadlines, and ensuring program accountability. Ability to operate in a constantly changing environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or board of directors.
- Ability to experiment and cultivate the creative ideas of others, make connections between ideas, and project potential outcomes.
- Provide regular executive and management reporting that will assist in guiding daily business.
- Create an environment of enthusiasm and excellence by communicating high expectations and fostering optimistic, positive attitudes about people and their work in the organization. Nurture commitment to a common vision and shared values.
- Ability to identify appropriate levels of resources and talent needed to meet objectives, while developing a stream of future leaders so as to ensure the organization’s continued growth and constant success.
- Ensure ongoing training, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving are administered according to policies and procedures.
- Carry out managerial responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
PREFERRED SKILLS - A graduate level degree in Zoology, Biology, or related field.
- AZA requirements and accreditation.
- A research track record that includes publications and/or teaching experience
- Experience in the successful management of a unionized workforce
PHYSICAL DEMANDS - This position may be required to lift up to 30lbs.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to perform essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to a typical office environment and/or outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Application Directions: - Cover letter and resume are required when applying for this position.
- Applications are only accepted online through our Jobs page at www.zoo.org/jobs
Woodland Park Zoo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. |
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