Collection Manager - Ambassador Animal Resources (AAR)

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The Phoenix Zoo is the only zoo in the Valley accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a non-profit zoological park, serving nearly 1.4 million guests annually. Home to more than 3,000 animals, many of which are endangered or threatened species, the Zoo is also committed to supporting wildlife and habitat conservation in the region and across the globe.

Department: Living Collections

Supervisor: Animal Curator of assigned area

Supervises: Area Keepers and Keeper Assistants, Volunteers, Animal Ambassador Resources Administrator, and other assigned staff

FLSA Status : Full Time, Regular, Exempt

General Statement:

Under direction of the Animal Curator, the Collection Manager of Ambassador Animal Resources is responsible for actively collaborating with staff members to design, implement and manage programs and presentations directly related to the animal collection, including amphitheater shows. This position is responsible for the organization and operation of assigned animal trail through effective management of staff, animal care and facilities. This individual will supervise and manage a team of keepers and ensure appropriate husbandry, effective communications with veterinary staff and compliance with administration of veterinary prescribed treatments, and that behavioral management practices support the Phoenix Zoos mission and core values through active collaboration in the development and presentation of interpretive material. The manager in this position will also oversee training in performance standards and operating procedures and will coordinate animal usage, husbandry and training with all animal handling personnel. This position will also work collaboratively with other staff and departments to support designated public experiences and other communication activities that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events.

Provide quality guest service to both internal and external guests by maintaining a WILD (friendly, helpful, positive and professional) working attitude and appearance

Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of positive animal training practices and proficiency in applying those practices effectively.

Actively collaborate with program managers to design, implement and manage programs and presentations directly related to the animal collection, including amphitheater shows. Oversee the execution of Phoenix Zoos animal presentations.

Responsible for the daily operation of assigned area including direct supervision and management of staff.

Oversee the care and well-being of the animal collection of assigned area and apply established husbandry, nutritional and behavioral management standards.

Ensure that husbandry and behavioral management practices support the Phoenix Zoos mission and core values through active collaboration in the development and presentation of interpretive material, messaging and the guest experience. Conduct tours and assist with public, media and interviews as requested.

Manage non-routine events and insure emergency response preparedness.

Respond to animal emergency circumstances according to approved protocols ensuring the safety of guests and animals.

Perform assigned training on performance standards and operating procedures of assigned animals.

Coordinate animal usage, husbandry and training with all programs and trained personnel.

Actively collaborate with relevant departments in the identification and coordination of repairs, renovation and improvement of facilities.

Work collaboratively with other staff, departments, and external contractors (as needed/directed) to support designated public experiences and other communication activities and goals that include participating as necessary with Special Events, Group Services, Marketing and PR events by conducting tours and assisting with interviews.

Successfully solve complex problems and serve as a resource to other staff.

Perform shared duties among the Living Collections Department management team.

Perform all Keeper duties as needed.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in life science or equivalent experience.
• Four years experience with exotic animal husbandry and training at an accredited AZA institution or equivalent.
• Three years working in an informal learning environment and demonstrated experience working in animal presentations including a stage show.
• Minimum of 3 years supervisory experience
• Capable of multi-tasking.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Able to bend, stoop and crawl.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to successfully solve complex problems and serve as a resource to others.
• Possession of a valid drivers license.
• Ability to pass pre-employment background check, drug test, DMV check and clear annual TB test.

The Arizona Center for Nature Conservation is committed to maintaining the health and well-being of its employees. We offer a wide range of benefits for qualified employees designed to address the diverse needs of our employees and their families, such as: Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Coverage (Domestic Partnership Benefits Available) Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long Term Disability Insurance | Flexible Spending Accounts | Voluntary Life Insurance | Employee Assistance Program | Paid Time Off (PTO) | Paid Sick Leave (PSL) | 401(k) Plan with Match | Phoenix Zoo Membership | Employee WILD Rewards Program | Service Awards | Employee Cultural Exchange Program | Tuition Reimbursement Program (for qualified courses) | Outside Vendor Discounts