Vice President Living Collections

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is looking for its next VP of Living Collections. Candidates must be dynamic and detail-oriented leaders who excel in building relationships, customer service, strategic thinking and bringing people together. This position will lead the animal care and veterinary departments as well as the ex situ breeding programs of the conservation and science department.

With new leadership, a new strategic plan and a new 20-year masterplan, the zoo is pursuing a vision that centers around best practices for animal care, employee engagement, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, customer service, community engagement and partnerships and overall excellence.

The Pittsburgh Zoo is currently accredited by the AZA, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks, ZAA and is certified by American Humane.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position exercises considerable authority and direct responsibility in the overall management and direction of the animal care staff, animal collection, and animal exhibits in a manner which continues the Zoo’s leadership on a national level. The VP of Living Collections will ensure that the goals and objectives established by the Pittsburgh Zoo in support of its mission are met both at the zoo and the zoo’s 1,000 acre off sight facility, the International Conservation Center (ICC). This position will provide oversight and will further develop the animal operations at the ICC.

Responsibilities include personnel hiring, training and evaluation, budget development and management, animal husbandry, health and conservation programs, participation in site and facility planning, program development and implementation, assistance in development and fundraising activities, professional networking and national participation, public relations and public speaking, and coordination with other zoological facilities This is a Senior Leadership position which reports to the President & CEO and may be required to serve as on site supervisor for the entire facility.

1. Essential Job Functions

• Plans, directs, oversees and evaluates the activities and operations of the department at both the zoo and the ICC including routine animal care, all animal care staff, husbandry, animal acquisitions and dispositions, and permits.
• Establishes annual department goals and objectives, participates in all levels of animal care and program planning.
• Develops and maintains Institutional Collection Plan (ICP).
• Develops and maintains animal management policies and protocols.
• Acts as a role model to staff by embodying the zoo’s core values and by promoting the zoo’s positive culture.
• Researches collection improvements.
• Works with contracted designers on the development of new exhibits.
• Oversees the design and development of animal exhibits and exhibit improvements.
• Works with the VP of Facilities, Construction, Planning & Sustainability to coordinate projects and repairs.
• Establishes and enforces animal care standards.
• Ensures organizations compliance with all licensing, permitting and accreditation requirements.
• Develops emergency response action plans and ensures staff’s response readiness.
• Contributes to education, public relations, and marketing activities.
• Participates in AZA and other organizational programs and activities as an institutional representative and in a leadership capacity when applicable and appropriate.
• Develop and maintain relationships and initiatives with local, regional, state, national, and international organizations, and agencies that will further the zoo’s mission.
• Provides zoo wide leadership for emergency response, site supervision and customer service.
• Responsible for complying with all AZA, ZAA, local, state, federal, foreign, and international laws regarding acquisitions, maintenance, health, shipment, and welfare of the collection.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the President & CEO.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience and Education

Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Animal Science, Biology, Ecology or related field from an accredited college or university, plus minimum of five years of previous supervisory experience at a professional zoological facility in a senior management capacity; or equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of a degree.

1. Skills and Aptitudes

1. Knowledge of:
   1. Care, nutrition, breeding, behavior, and safety precautions required for a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic zoo and domestic animals.
   2. Maintenance of zoo exhibits and facilities.
   3. Animal behavior, training theories and applications.
   4. Pertinent government and other regulations for housing, shipping, selling, and trading of animals.
2. Demonstrated ability to train, lead, supervise, and direct the work of others.
3. Skill in the handling and restraint of a wide variety of zoo and domestic animals.
4. Ability to:
   1. Plan, organize and supervise the care of exotic and wild animal species.
   2. Provide input on exhibit designs in relation to their features and appropriateness for a particular animal.
   3. Assist with public relations, marketing, and educational activities.
   4. Maintain effective working relationships with other departments, staff, professionals from other zoo organizations, and the general public.
   5. Prioritize and delegate work.
   6. Communicate effectively both oral and written.
   7. Coordinate animal transportation.
   8. Set-up and maintain inventory control systems.
   9. Standardize operations across departments.
5. Computer skills – Fluency in ZIMS and Microsoft Office.

1. Preferred Experience

• Bilingual
• Venomous experience
• Experience at a facility with elephants
• Experience working with aquatics
• Working in a union environment

1. Additional Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
• Subject to 24 hour on-call availability for Zoo emergencies.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Valid state driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear; and sit for prolonged periods of time. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to weather conditions.

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer.