Zoo Manager

The Cape May County Park and Zoo is seeking a full-time Zoo Manager that supervises animal care/breeding programs, activities, and staff.

Definition

Under the direction of the Zoo Director and veterinarians, manages zoo staff, including interviewing, hiring, training, scheduling and creating/maintaining a positive working environment. Oversee the zoo internship program including conducting interviews and hiring process.  Supervises zoo activities, animal care/breeding programs, animal acquisition and disposition. Performs periodic evaluation of animals and their environments to ensure animal wellbeing. Plans, maintains and refurbishes appropriate animal displays, exhibits and signage. Organizes and maintains necessary paperwork to adhere to USDA, AZA, and ZAA affairs. Directly assists in animal care and veterinary care under the direction of a veterinarian. Performs other related duties as required, including but not limited to implementing zoo policies and procedures, overseeing facility operations, conservation, education, and program development.

Examples Of Work

• Assist in developing and updating an Institutional Collection Plan (ICP) as per AZA and ZAA standards for the Cape May County Zoo.
• Oversees AZA, ZAA, USDA and pertinent regulatory agencies affairs in coordination with the Zoo Director.
• Facilitates and ensures compliance with all policies, practices, and standards mandated by AZA, ZAA, USDA and pertinent regulatory agencies.
• Oversees in collaboration with the County Risk and Safety Department, all animal care safety initiatives, including coordination or assignments for performing inspections, safety drills, safety audits and ongoing reviews of best practices.
• Organizes and executes safety drills.
• Oversees consistency in hiring practices and staff training.
• Assists in interviews for new hire candidates.
• Manages staff for all areas of the zoo and may directly supervise animal keepers as needed.
• Manages scheduling and attendance of zoo staff.
• Trains staff for performing work that may affect the well-being of the zoo’s animals.
• Oversee consistency in the care of the animals throughout the zoo, including animal training, enrichment, and animal welfare.
• Works collaboratively to create opportunities for career development and advancement of staff.
• Oversees interactions and grows collaboration between Park and Zoo staff, and other departments of the County.
• Assists in acquisition and disposition of animals.
• Assists in zoo’s development according to the Master Plan.
• Performs animal care in various areas of the zoo as needed.
• Assists in veterinary procedures/treatments.
• Assists in managing the operational budget for the animal department.
• Oversees the zoo’s internship program.
• Represents the zoo as requested by the media, public relations, and marketing events.
• Supports and participates in donor cultivation, recognition, and fund-raising initiatives of the zoo.

Candidates should demonstrate a leadership style that promotes teamwork, safety, promotes the zoo's values of helping each other, and generate enthusiasm.

Excellent medical benefits including prescription, dental and vision. Paid time off and enrollment in the State pension system.