Director of Animal Care and Conservation for the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
Under supervision from the Junior Museum & Zoo Director (Sr, Program Manager), the Zoo Director (Arts, Sciences, Theater Specialist) serves as the general curator of the Zoo at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. As such, this positions responsible for maintaining excellence in all aspects of the care and welfare of the animal collection and associated animal exhibits and landscapes. The animal collection includes, but is not limited to arthropods, marine and fresh invertebrates and freshwater fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. This is a SEIU position. Along with the Jr. Museum & Zoo Director, this position represents the Zoo to the public and to permitting agencies and accrediting bodies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
For this position, specialized experience is defined as applying biological facts, principles, methods, techniques, and procedures necessary for the care, study and management of living exotic animals. Examples include developing and writing wildlife conservation plans, live animal collection plans, and animal health, enrichment and welfare programs.
Experience: proven Leadership at a public zoo, aquarium, or similar institution, proven experience in all aspects of exotic animal care. Expertise with permitting and laws that govern the care and movement of live animals. They must be familiar with and up-hold AZA accreditation standards and best practices in record keeping.
Education: primary or secondary degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR combination of education and experience: Coursesequivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
IDEAL CANDIDATE:
The ideal candidate is on a leadership career path currently working with animal collections and the public in an accredited zoo or aquarium. Is proficient with operating the ZIMS collection database, managing budgets, and managing teams in a way that works to bring out the best in every employee and volunteer. Has excellent written and oral communication skills and is enthusiastic and mission driven.
Duties: Works daily to engage each child's curiosity for science and nature. Writes plans, procedures, reports, and spreadsheets. Oversees the care of animals in the context of a zoo and museum; and has experience with wildlife conservation programs in situ and ex situ. Provides for the husbandry of resident animals, including cleaning and feeding of animals in a fashion that encourages naturalistic behaviors while enhancing the well-being of the animals through specific enrichment programs. Trains animal for the health management of the entire collection as well as regularly scheduled demonstrations.
Participates with the monitoring and maintaining of the established criteria for life support, including temperature and water chemistry.
Physical Demands: The work requires long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, and crouching, reaching, and lifting items up to 60 pounds.
Working Conditions: Much of the work is outdoors or within support buildings. There are a variety of weather conditions, and there may be exposure to temperature and humidity extremes, animal pathogens and irritants. The incumbent is exposed to bites, scratches, and animal waste, and may be exposed to animal parasites and zoonotic diseases. Part of the work is carried out in a typical office environment. Incumbent may travel to meetings and conferences and on animal shipments or field conservation programs. Incumbent may be scheduled to work on weekends and holidays.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS: The incumbent must receive immunizations to guard against zoonotic diseases and is subject to regular medical screenings.
To apply, please visit our online application page.