Assistant Zoological Manager, Section A

Pay Range: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the salary range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $79,000-$82,000 annually. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer.

The Assistant Zoological Manager (AZM) plays a vital role on our Animal Care, Conservation and Research (ACCR) Team. They are responsible for a designated work area (section) comprising multiple species (strings) in the Department. The African Savanna Section of responsibility incudes a variety of mammals: giraffe, lion, hyena, camel, warthog, klipspringer, zebra, meerkat, guenon),  as well as 2 large mixed species African aviaries, and some African savanna reptile species. This area of responsibility also oversees a portion of the rainforest section which includes mammals and birds (tigers, cuckoo, and a mixed species macaw and agouti aviary).  The AZM will work directly with the Zoological Manager to supervise staff, including Senior and Lead Keepers, Animal Keepers, Apprentice Keepers, interns and volunteers. The AZM will spend the majority of their time on supervisory and administrative tasks, supporting keepers as needed.

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Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.

• Conduct staff training, development, performance management and evaluation within their Section
• Take charge of their section or additional Sections in the absence of a Zoological Manager (ZM), or the entire department as needed
• Manage small and large facility maintenance and improvement projects
• Oversee management of the animals in their Section including daily care and medical husbandry
• Assist with covering strings as necessary
• Implement Department/Zoo priorities and demonstrate the initiative and expertise to regularly find ways to make improvements management, population management, transfers, acquisitions, and introductions
• Appropriately represent the Zoo in a variety of public settings including press interviews, instructional classes, Behind the Scenes Tours and informal communications with Zoo guests
• Support on-site and off-site animal welfare and conservation programs
• Take the lead to address all potential problems and emergencies
• Conduct various administrative and future planning tasks as assigned by the Section ZM
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

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• Minimum of 8 years of experience in wild animal care in an accredited facility
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with species in the section
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a supervisor- responsible for training, supervision, providing performance feedback and conflict resolution
• Driver's license and ability to be insured by the Zoo's auto insurance
• Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology or a related field or equivalent experience
• Willingness to work outside normal business hours, including weekends and holidays
• Experience with public presentations
• Extensive knowledge of the natural history and captive management of wild animals
• Extensive knowledge and experience in behavioral training theory and practical application
• Leadership and/or management training and experience
• Extensive knowledge of the habits and hazards of working with wild, dangerous animals; willingness to work with some physical risk while observing proper safety precautions
• The Oakland Zoo requires COVID vaccination*

Bonus if you have...

• Working knowledge of a broad range of species
• Experience coordinating emergency response procedures, including live firearms, or darting equipment
• Computer proficiency
• Involvement in the wild animal profession outside of the Zoo (professional organizations, field work, activism, etc.)
• Experience with animal introductions, breeding, shipping and transfer, training, and anesthesia procedures with at least a portion of the species listed above

Physical Considerations- The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. (i.e., feed sack) and move a minimum of 120 lbs. (i.e., hay bale)

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Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities– May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Collaboration – builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility.
• Communication – communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued.
• Inclusive Facilitation – able to comfortably move a group through pre-determined content while balancing inclusion and timing; able to flexibly weave in related content to make connections for learners and adjust or pivot when needed
• Leadership – mentors, advises, and develops people across identities with consideration for cultural relevance and responsiveness, self-awareness around implicit bias and understanding of the power dynamics that exist in organizations.
• Organization – strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
• Time management – strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
• Sustainability – oriented toward the mission and values of the Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Passion – wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo’s mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at The Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife

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