Under general direction, performs responsible administrative and managerial work in planning and directing activities at the Micke Grove Zoo and Oak Grove Nature Center; coordinates interpretive programs for the zoo and parks; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
An incumbent in this management class is responsible for planning, directing, organizing, staffing and controlling operations and programs for the zoo and nature center. The incumbent manages personnel and procedures related to animal care; oversees the maintenance of facilities; and ensures compliance with laws relevant to zoo operations. Administrative duties include performing long range planning and budgeting; recommending policies and procedures for the zoo, nature center and interpretive programs; supervising the daily activities of the zoo and nature center through subordinate staff; and coordinating zoo interpretive programs.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Supervises zoo and nature center staff involved in daily operation of the facilities, animal care, maintenance, educational and interpretive programming, and volunteer coordination, including non-County funded staff; selects, assigns, trains, and evaluates the work of staff performing the daily operations and maintenance of the zoo.
Coordinates planning and development to ensure that facilities meet or exceed industry standards and that operations are in compliance with applicable rules, regulations and laws, including animal care, management, health and safety, public safety, visitor services, and zoo facility security; recommends and implements policies and procedures; .
Establishes and maintains professional and regulatory agency relationships or affiliations to ensure appropriate professional and operating standards, identify industry trends, and assess development methods applicable to modern zoological facilities.
Develops and implements fund-raising, promotions, marketing, public relations, and community support activities; speaks before clubs, organizations, businesses and individuals to promote support for the zoo; serves as liaison to community organizations, businesses, agencies, and the public to promote involvement and support, and to resolve problems and complaints; promotes development of and assists the Zoological Society, and provides advice and support.
Evaluates zoo and nature center needs and identifies goals; plans new facilities, upgrades, and exhibits for zoo and nature center; develops and implements interpretive programs.
Prepares, implements, and monitors budgets; approves expenditures.
Gathers, organizes and analyzes information; prepares reports and recommendation; prepares correspondence; monitors contracts and grants.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in zoology, wildlife biology, animal science, animal care, zoo management, or a related field.
Experience: Four years’ experience in zoo operations or a closely related field, two years of which were at a supervisory level.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles and practices of supervision; management techniques, including planning, budgeting and training; basic computer and modern office automation technology, including pertinent software; zoo management practices, procedures and protocols; a thorough understanding of the needs and habits of the different types of animals in a zoological collection; zoological park operations, including the development of practices and protocols; animal care and management practices; laws and standards relative to care and exhibition of exotic animals and zoo operations; public relations and marketing principles and practices; zoo exhibit and facility design and development; interpretive program development and techniques; U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) guidelines for zoos.
ABILITY
Plan, assign and direct staff, volunteers and others; work effectively with the public; read, understand and interpret contracts, agreements, and technical information; manage a diverse workforce of skilled and semi-skilled staff; develop and manage budgets; gather and analyze data; prepare and present reports; respond effectively to changing priorities and challenges; plan and design interesting zoological exhibits and educational tours; speak in public and make public presentations; interpret and apply pertinent rules, laws, and regulations; work effectively with professional and regulatory organizations; operate computers and related software; interact with a wide variety of ages and interests; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of officials, County staff, and the general public.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility -- Operation of a data entry device, sitting, frequent walking and standing, pushing/pulling, bending, driving; Lifting –frequently 5 - 50 pounds or less; Vision – good overall vision, color perception, depth perception; reading and close-up work; normal hand and eye coordination; good field of vision/peripheral; Dexterity –normal dexterity and repetitive motion; Hearing/Talking – frequent hearing and talking on the telephone/radio and in person; Special Requirements – working weekends; may require evening or weekend work; Emotional/psychological – frequent public contact and decision making; frequent concentration; occasional exposure to dangerous situations, including trauma, grief and death; working alone.; Environmental – frequent exposure to noise, cold/heat, hazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, and varied weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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