JOB DESCRIPTION

 

 

JOB TITLE:  Director of the Zoo

 

MAINTENANCE REVIEW DATE: February 1999

 

ORG/POS #:  3130/2273

 

JOB OBJECTIVE:  To plan and direct the operations of the City Zoo; to develop and implement promotional and marketing plans to increase Zoo awareness and to promote Zoo visitation.

 

ACCOUNTABILITY:  Receives administrative direction from the City Manager.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 

1.         Directs acquisition, conservation, development, education, health and husbandry, public relations, and research activities of the Zoo.

 

2.         Develops, writes, and administers policies, goals, and objectives; receives advisory input from the Zoo Board of Governors regarding educational programs, fund solicitation, and special events.

 

3.         Represents the City in the solicitation of funds for program sponsorship; works with civic and community leaders to obtain funding and solicit financial support.

 

4.         Develops and implements operational plans for educational and recreational displays of exotic and potentially dangerous animals.

 

5.         Develops, approves, and implements public relations plans for the Zoo; responds to inquiries from the media regarding specific activities and events.

 

6.         Presents lectures to civic, community, cultural and educational groups to stimulate interest in animals, promote Zoo visitation, explain Zoo functions and present educational and recreational programs.

 

7.         Determines the types of animals to exhibit, location of exhibits, animal behavior characteristics, and physical conditions for use in designing appropriate enclosures; conducts surveys and analyzes data.

 

8.         Develops, implements, and administers the annual Zoo budget; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget.

 

9.         Gathers information and writes grant applications for funding; submits to appropriate agencies; allocates approved funds accordingly.

 

10.       Directs the activities of leaders of volunteer groups in scheduling educational programs and special events.

 

11.       Handles animals to inspect for symptoms of illness and injury, to provide assistance to the veterinarian, to transport animals, and to respond to questions and educate visitors about animals.

 

JOB TITLE:  Director of the Zoo

JOB DESCRIPTION - CONTINUED

 

 

12.       Identifies deficiencies in operational procedures and Zoo facilities; directs Zoo Maintenance Foreman and General Curator in implementing changes for improvement.

 

13.       Contacts other zoos and animal dealers to purchase and sell animals; maintains files and records on current market value of animal inventory.

 

14.       Exchanges information with administrators and researchers at other zoos concerning Zoo operations; participates in special research projects.

 

15.       Assigns and directs the work activities and monitors the performance of a contract veterinarian.

 

16.       Approves requisition and purchasing of equipment and supplies.

 

17.       Operates a City pool automobile in the performance of essential job functions.

 

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1.         Performs other related duties as required.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Provides general direction to the Education Curator, General Curator, Zoo Facilities Operations Foreman, Zoo Fundraising/Public Relations Coordinator, and Zoo Visitor Services Supervisor; provides general supervision to the Administrative Technician.

JOB SPECIFICATION

DIRECTOR OF THE ZOO

 

 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:  Performs administrative work of unusual difficulty in planning and directing the operations of the City Zoo and in developing and implementing promotional and marketing plans to increase Zoo awareness and to promote Zoo visitation.

 

MAINTENANCE REVIEW DATE:  February 1999

 

EXAMPLES OF WORK:  (Illustrative)

 

Directs acquisition, conservation, development, education, health and husbandry, public relations, and research activities of the Zoo.

 

Develops, writes, and administers policies, goals, and objectives; receives advisory input from the Zoo Board of Governors regarding educational programs, fund solicitation, and special events.

 

Represents the City in the solicitation of funds for program sponsorship; works with civic and community leaders to obtain funding and solicit financial support.

 

Develops and implements operational plans for educational and recreational displays of exotic and potentially dangerous animals.

 

Develops, approves, and implements public relations plans for the Zoo; responds to inquiries from the media regarding specific activities and events.

 

Presents lectures to civic, community, cultural and educational groups to stimulate interest in animals, promote Zoo visitation, explain Zoo functions and present educational and recreational programs.

 

Determines the types of animals to exhibit, location of exhibits, animal behavior characteristics, and physical conditions for use in designing appropriate enclosures; conducts surveys and analyzes data.

 

Develops, implements, and administers the annual Zoo budget; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget.

 

Gathers information and writes grant applications for funding; submits to appropriate agencies; allocates approved funds accordingly.

 

Directs the activities of leaders of volunteer groups in scheduling educational programs and special events.

 

Handles animals to inspect for symptoms of illness and injury, to provide assistance to the veterinarian, to transport animals, and to respond to questions and educate visitors about animals.

 

Identifies deficiencies in operational procedures and Zoo facilities; directs Zoo Maintenance Foreman and General Curator in implementing changes for improvement.

 

JOB TITLE:  Director of the Zoo

JOB SPECIFICATION - CONTINUED

 

 

Contacts other zoos and animal dealers to purchase and sell animals; maintains files and records on current market value of animal inventory.

 

Exchanges information with administrators and researchers at other zoos concerning Zoo operations; participates in special research projects.

 

Assigns and directs the work activities and monitors the performance of a contract veterinarian.

 

Approves requisition and purchasing of equipment and supplies.

 

Operates a City pool automobile in the performance of essential job functions.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

 

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of zoo administration.

 

Considerable knowledge of the behavior, taxonomy, physiology, characteristics, diet and environmental requirements of exotic animals.

 

Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local laws regarding animal care, enclosures, and transport requirements.

 

Considerable knowledge of marketing and promotional techniques applicable to zoological parks.

 

Considerable knowledge of management procedures and records involved in animal survival programs.

 

Considerable knowledge of handling, sedating, and transporting wild animals.

 

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of educational program development.

 

Good knowledge of the budgeting process.

 

Some knowledge of endangered species preservation.

 

Ability to develop zoo and animal education programs and presentations.

 

Ability to plan and direct the operational activities of Zoo personnel.

 

Ability to prepare grant applications.

 

Ability to prepare and present information to civic, community, and cultural groups.

 

Ability to develop and implement public relations plans.

 

Ability to respond to media inquiries.

 

Ability to interpret and utilize data from detailed records and reports.

JOB TITLE:  Director of the Zoo

JOB SPECIFICATION - CONTINUED

 

 

Ability to work with and around exotic and potentially dangerous animals.

 

Ability to determine the fair market price for animals to be bought or sold.

 

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally, with individuals and groups, and in writing.

 

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

 

Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Zoo Administration, or a related area; at least four (4) years of experience in zoo administration, zoo development, or a related area; at least two (2) years of supervisory experience; OR any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT:

 

Must possess a valid Arkansas Class D (Non-Commercial Vehicle) Driver’s License before employment and maintain licensure for the duration of employment in this position.

JOB TITLE:  Director of the Zoo

JOB SPECIFICATION - CONTINUED

 

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  The physical demands marked below are representative of those that will be required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

                                                                YES                                NO

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

 

The environmental conditions marked below are common to this job:

 

                                                                YES                                NO