Under the supervision of the Zoo Director, the Animal Collection Manager is a non-exempt position responsible for the management of the animal collection and the daily scheduling and supervision of zoo workers in routine maintenance and animal care activities. The employee in this position trains division personnel in procedures and techniques and supervises the safe care and feeding of animals ensuring that accepted husbandry standards are maintained at a high level. The Animal Collection Manager may perform manual labor as well as supervisory work.

Job Competencies: Essential Functions include the following. Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing. Schedule and shift assignments and work location may be changed at any time, as required by business necessity.

• Washes and cleans exhibits, habitats, ponds
• Measures quantities of feed and feeds and waters animals
• Observe the animals for social and reproductive behaviors, sickness, or injury
• Purchases animal food and supplies
• Oversees capture of animals for treatment or transfer
• In the absence of the Zoo Director, takes the lead role during emergencies such as animal escapes or natural disasters
• Ensures that rodent control practices are on-going
• Transports animals to various locations or arranges such transport as directed
• Opens and closes zoo while providing security checks on all areas
• Implements and maintains treatment plans and preventive health programs as prescribed by contracted veterinarian and current institution protocol
• Assists and gives medical treatment under veterinary guidance, acting as liaison between the zoo and contracted veterinarian
• Assists with tours and answers questions from the general public
• Participates in the exhibit design process, implementation, construction, and maintenance of habitats, fences, cages, paths, and walkways
• Ensures that appropriate records are kept on all animal husbandry, animal welfare, including newborn animals, new arrivals, and their identification
• Maintains inventory of food and zoo equipment
• Performs/supervises euthanasia of animals with approval of Zoo Director and/or contracted veterinarian
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates subordinate personnel and volunteers in coordination with the Zoo Director
• Maintains an operable incubator system
• Provides assistance with special events
• Assists Park Division Personnel
• Plants grass, trees, shrubs, and flowers
• Removes snow in the winter
• Researches and gathers information for special projects and safety issues, develops reports, and makes recommendations
• Assists with entering animal information into computer
• Schedules daily activities of division maintenance workers when appropriate
• Records and maintains records on purchases, labor reports and preventative medicine
• Records daily time sheets
• Determines housing and dietary needs of zoo animals in coordination with the Zoo Director
• Provides public relations and educational activities
• Initiates routine operational and unit records
• Attends meetings and seminars as a representative of the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia
• Participates in animal management and conservation programs of the AZA
• Enforces and maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances
• Performs other duties as assigned or deemed necessary
• Complies with all organizational and departmental policies and procedures
• Operates all job-related equipment, machinery, tools, and other aids as required or needed
• Protects and maintains any confidential information, whether oral, written, or electronic

Position Requirements and Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position Requirements:

1. High school diploma or equivalent

2. Bachelor’s degree in biology, zoology preferred

3. 3 years of prior experience working at a zoo, farm or with large and/or exotic animals

Certifications / Licenses:

1. Valid KS Driver’s LIcense

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

1. Thorough knowledge of dietary and health care needs of an animal collection, including

2. Knowledge of exhibit and building maintenance and ability to identify waterfowl and other animals

3. Ability to keep AZA records such as ISIS, ARKS, and MedARKS

4. Ability to receive, understand and follow veterinary instructions for the care of animals

5. Ability to give, receive, interpret, and follow oral and written instructions

6. Mathematical aptitude and personnel management skills

7. Ability to operate computers, scales, tranquilizer guns, catch nets and poles, mowers, tractors, and other department equipment

8. Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize work

9. Ability to fulfill all duties with minimal supervision and to work independently

10. Assess situations rapidly and make logical decisions in a timely manner

11. Analyze facts and exercise sound judgment

12. Ability to effectively manage projects and multiple priorities simultaneously

13. Strong written and verbal communication skills

14. Problem solving and critical thinking skills

15. Strong math, spelling, computer, and calculator abilities

16. Ability to communicate in a professional, calm and courteous manner with general public and employees

17. Attention to detail

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.65 - $22.30 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Emporia, KS 66801: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person