Zoological Animal Manager - 1/2 Asia West (Reptiles)

GENERAL PURPOSE
Under the supervision of the area Curator, this position plays a critical role on the animal care team overseeing the daily operation of assigned areas. The Zoological Animal Manager 1/2 (ZAM-1 or ZAM-2) is a frontline manager responsible for ensuring consistent husbandry standards and safety practices that follow policies and protocols for Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation (FCZC), Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other federal agencies. The ZAM-1/2 manages all staff’s daily activities, provides animal care support, and interacts with zoo guests and media in a high-performance, employee-oriented culture that meets quality standards and productivity expectations while advancing the mission and vision of Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

This position will primarily be assigned to the Asia West team, which is responsible for the care of reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. This position may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the Animal Management team.

Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is ZAM 1 $25.88 - $27.17 per hour or ZAM 2 $70,304.00 - $73,819.20 per year. Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

ZAM 1
• Performs all assigned animal section essential functions as needed.
• Applies organizational skills with keen attention to detail ensuring compliance with FCZ, AZA, USDA, and other standards.
• Addresses animal issues as they arise, facilitating effective communication between the Curator and section staff daily, ensuring that Zoo news, department updates, and other information is provided in a timely manner to the appropriate parties. Requests guidance from Curator or other members of management as warranted by the situation.
• Develops behavior enrichment and training programs for selected animals.
• Establishes thorough written routines for assigned section and updates standard operating procedures and other section protocols as requested by area Curator using Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Teams), Species 360 (ZIMS), and TRACKS information systems.
• Communication liaison for animal staff needs to all other departments, i.e. veterinarian, horticulture, and maintenance.
• Works with Curator to develop animal population plans for section assigned.
• Participates in the selection of new staff and provides training, mentoring and coaching to section staff ensuring training is consistent with current position needs. Motivates and leads staff while serving as a role model that can foster a supported and dynamic team environment.
• Oversees section staff performance, providing constructive feedback to focus on continual improvement while fostering a culture of growth and accountability, formal disciplinary action when appropriate, and informing Curator of serious or ongoing issues while maintaining confidentiality.

• Manages the schedules for all direct reports and oversees the implementation of appropriate regulations.
• Oversees any volunteer’s activities in assigned section.
• Communicate effectively in individual and small group settings.
• Responds to specific inquiries from the public concerning the zoological collection, when requested.
• Assists in planning and implementing marketing activities when necessary.
• Monitors safe work practices for all section staff and assists the Security staff with emergency procedures and protocols.
• Organizes staff to complete animal welfare assessments as assigned in the allotted timeframe under direction of Curator. Works with their team to solve welfare concerns.
• Assists Veterinary staff with animal health management.
• Ensures efficient and effective workflow, making appropriate logistical decisions and planning for current and future department needs, including assisting with intradepartmental scheduling.
• Fosters teamwork and positive relationships by building trust through active listening, mutual respect, open communication, and support in an environment that values diverse perspectives and a variety of personalities while promoting productivity and morale.
• Takes initiative for various projects, zoo-wide and departmental changes, and outside organization collaboration.
• Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.

ZAM 2

• Performs all assigned animal section essential functions as needed.
• Performs Duty Manager tasks as scheduled for all animal care teams.
• Applies organizational skills with keen attention to detail ensuring compliance with FCZC, AZA, USDA, and other standards.
• Addresses animal issues as they arise, facilitating effective communication between the Curator and section staff daily, ensuring that Zoo news, department updates, and other information is provided in a timely manner to the appropriate parties. Requests guidance from Curator or other members of management as warranted by the situation.
• Develops behavior enrichment and training programs for selected animals.
• Establishes thorough written routines for assigned section and updates standard operating procedures and other section protocols as requested by area Curator using Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Teams), Species 360 (ZIMS), and TRACKS information systems.
• Communication liaison for animal staff needs to all other departments, i.e. veterinarian, horticulture, and maintenance.
• Works with Curator to develop animal population plans for section assigned.
• Participates in the selection of new staff and provides training, mentoring and coaching to section staff ensuring training is consistent with current position needs. Motivates and leads staff while serving as a role model that can foster a supported and dynamic team environment.
• Oversees section staff’s performance, providing constructive feedback to focus on continual improvement while fostering a culture of growth and accountability, formal disciplinary action when appropriate, and informing Curator of serious or ongoing issues while maintaining confidentiality.
• Manages the schedules for all direct reports and oversees the implementation of appropriate regulations.
• Oversees any volunteer’s activities in assigned section.
• Communicate effectively in individual and small group settings.
• Responds to specific inquiries from the public concerning the zoological collection, when requested.
• Assists in planning and implementing marketing activities when necessary.
• Monitors safe work practices for all section staff and assists the Security staff with emergency procedures and protocols, fulfills Recapture Coordinator role.
• Organizes staff to complete animal welfare assessments as assigned in the allotted timeframe under direction of Curator. Works with their team to solve welfare concerns.
• Assists Veterinary staff with animal health management.
• Ensures efficient and effective workflow, making appropriate logistical decisions and planning for current and future department needs, including assisting with intradepartmental scheduling.
• Fosters teamwork and positive relationships by building trust through active listening, mutual respect, open communication, and support in an environment that values diverse perspectives and a variety of personalities while promoting productivity and morale.
• Takes initiative for various projects, zoo-wide and departmental changes, and outside organization collaboration.
• Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Customarily and regularly exercise discretion and independent judgement during the workday. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution-based problem solving and learn from mistakes. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when you need it.
• Reports to meetings and activities fully present, prepared and punctual. Thoughtfully and respectfully prioritizes other’s time. Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner. All written communication contains professional and proper language. Demonstrates follow through and are accountable for the management of the team.
• Manages payroll timekeeping for direct reports and oversees the implementation of wage and hour regulations for direct reports.
• Accountable for ensuring all direct reports submit any required training, documents, or other deliverables on time.
• Willingly engages the team and other Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader. Actively create connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
• Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone. Uses professional courtesy and only call/texts on day off in the event of an emergency.
• Provides regular performance feedback to reporting staff. Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.