Senior Director, Animal Care & General Curator (WA, Seattle) - Woodland Park Zoo

SALARY & FLSA:    $130,00 - $175,000 per year; FLSA exempt

OPENING DATE:    06/12/2023

CLOSING DATE:     07/07/2023 at 11:59PM

JOB TYPE:                Regular/ Full-time

UNION:                    Non-Represented

OPENINGS:             1

LOCATION:             Onsite

DEPARTMENT:      Animal Care

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE
As our new Senior Director, Animal Care & General Curator, we know you will be successful in this role because you are:

• AZA Excellence: From managing species survival plans (SSP) and on-site animal hospital facilities to warehousing the foods for animal diets, you have experience developing short and long-term animal care and welfare goals that comply with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums protocols.
• Leads Innovation: You thrive in an environment where you are encouraged to promote partnerships at other zoos, animal providers, government agencies, local communities, academic partners to seek solutions for animal welfare, animal health care, and population sustainability.
• People Leader: You are committed to listening to your staff and implementing strategic workforce plans to include building diverse teams and succession plans that further the zoo’s mission and diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion action plan.
• Project Management: You have a sweet spot for serving on teams that manage high-profile projects such as capital improvement or other earned revenue events that advances the zoo’s conservation impacts.
   

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops strategic and operational plans, policies and practices related to management, welfare, and health of animals, including measurable indicators of performance for each area. Translates vision into planning and implementation.
• Ensure compliance and excellence with all animal-related regulations such as those required for AZA accreditation, American Humane certification and USDA licensure.
• Manage budgets for Animal Management, Animal Health, and Animal Welfare, including expenses and revenues in the form of philanthropic support, grants and earned revenue.
• Develop and maintain an Animal Management and Welfare Concern Process that is impartial and transparent while addressing concerns about zoo animals’ care, health or welfare.
• Advise the Chief Zoological Officer (CZO) regarding animal care activities and organizational positions on animal management issues.
• Serve as liaison to the Animal Care Committee of the Board of Directors in developing animal care and welfare policies. Participate in other Board Committees or Task Forces as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s (B.A. or B.S) degree in a liberal arts or life sciences related field from an accredited educational institution
• Ten (10) or more years of experience in zoo animal management, including animal care, health, welfare, or population sustainability goals.
• Graduate degree in biology, zoology, geography, conservation sciences or related fields, (PhD, DVM or Master), preferred.
• Valid Washington State drivers’ license (or the ability to obtain one)
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid WA driver's license with a safe driving history.

BENEFITS

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for fulltime staff including:

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents
• 11 paid holidays and 2 personal holidays
• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick your first year 
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days
• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks
• Free staff parking
• 403(b) Retirement Plan

SELECTION PROCESS
Application: Please include a resume with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs. Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies. 

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.  Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org.

Screening: We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check. In addition, this role requires the applicant successfully complete a: driving record review and pre-employment tuberculosis test.