NEW Zoo & Adventure Park Director

Job Summary
Responsible for the direction, planning, administration, public relations and operation of the County’s New Zoo & Adventure Park that offer an enjoyable and positive experience connecting the community to wildlife and conservation; oversees the department’s security and safety programs and systems; and performs other duties as required.

Essential Duties
Directs the procurement efforts, care, welfare and exhibiting of all animals including the specialized care needed for zoo specimens.

Directs the coordination and efficient operation of the facilities including interacting with guests to provide prompt resolutions to concerns and an enjoyable experience.

Directs the preparation and implementation of the department’s strategic plan including the operational policies, goals and objectives.

Develops and implements short and long range plans for overall direction of the zoo operations to include developing, implementing and monitoring policies and procedures in accordance with current professional operations standards and regulations from the appropriate governing bodies.

Monitors operations and complaints in order to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of operations and programs; identifies problems and concerns that need to be addressed and resolved.

Cooperates and coordinates with other zoos in carrying out programs such as animal exchanges in order to identify and implement effective zoo operations.

Assesses and mitigates risks to the County’s assets, collection, employees and visitors.

Oversees and directs the maintenance and updating of animal escape and recapture protocols.

Directs, administers and implements building and grounds maintenance and improvement.

Supervises, directly and indirectly, all personnel; defines job duties, sets performance standards, evaluates performance, makes hiring and employment decisions autonomously, when appropriate, and administers disciplinary actions with appropriate approvals in order to ensure the effective performance of employees, efficient operations and the consistent application of all policies and procedures.

Prepares and administers a multi-million dollar operating budget for the zoo that includes determining budget items, setting priorities, and managing overall expenditures to comply with budget objectives and to provide accurate accounting of funds expended.

Oversees animal care operations to include establishing objectives and priorities; directs staff activities associated with animal care, maintenance and treatment; ensures all operations are performed properly and in accordance with regulations and AZA accreditation standards.

Oversees the design, construction and maintenance of all zoo facilities and grounds to ensure a safe, sanitary and esthetically pleasing environment for visitors, employees and animals.

Performs public relations duties including receiving and handling complaints or requests from the public.

Develops and maintains effective working and public relations with employees, other County departments, citizens, visitors, volunteers, government officials, media and the public.

Minimum Qualifications Required
Education and Experience:

Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in zoology, veterinary care, business administration or a closely related field.

Six (6) years of responsible professional work experience in managing a zoo system including programming, operations, planning and administration or a closely related area; four (4) years of which were in a supervisory capacity.

A Master’s degree in an appropriate area may be substituted for one (1) year of the general work experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and methods employed in modern zoo operations and maintenance including irrigation, cooling, heating and cleaning of zoo and park facilities.

Thorough knowledge of administrative practices and procedures for the management of a zoological park.

Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the operation of a zoo.

Comprehensive knowledge of federal guidelines and applicable agencies and associations as needed to remain in compliance for accreditation purposes.

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and techniques of zoo keeping including collection, diet, housing, welfare, exhibition and breeding of animals.

Comprehensive knowledge of the equipment used in zoo operations including use of x-ray equipment, restraint devices and hydraulic equipment.

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, techniques and methods of public relations, marketing and fundraising campaigns.

Considerable knowledge of modern management methods of obtaining funding sources, managing budgets and contracting services in zoo administration.

Considerable knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.

Considerable knowledge of technology, including department program software, internet access and database, spreadsheet and word processing programs.

Ability to utilize word processing, database and spreadsheet programs.

Ability to plan, assign and direct the activities of a large group of diverse employees performing a variety of administrative, animal care, veterinary care, educational, recreational, construction and maintenance activities.

Ability to plan and implement short and long range plans and programs for the continuing expansion of the zoo.

Ability to make difficult decisions under time and monetary constraints to ensure animal and human health and safety.

Ability to gather information and facts, analyze information and staff input and make decisions regarding department policies and procedures, operations and long range plans.

Ability to identify legal concerns, to analyze the legal and practical implications of decisions and actions and to make difficult decisions regarding department operations while ensuring compliance with local, state and federal laws or guidelines.

Ability to effectively solicit funding and partnerships with business and community groups to build and maintain zoo services and programs.

Ability to make oral and written presentations including public addresses and news media releases.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working and public relations with governmental agencies, business and civic officials and the public.

Comprehensive knowledge of AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accreditation standards.

Knowledge of individual animal behavior, health and welfare, care, and husbandry of captive wildlife.

Knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations regarding display, exhibition, acquisition and disposition of animals.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/browncounty

Deadline Note: