Director of Living Collections

The Artesian Alliance is embarking on a period of improvement and growth as we implement a newly-imagined Vision and Master Plan for Chehaw Park & Zoo and Flint RiverQuarium. We have enrolled in AZA’s Pathway Toward Membership Program to confirm our commitment to achieving AZA accreditation.

We are looking for a motivated professional to supervise our animal husbandry team, including Managers, Zookeepers, and Aquarists at Chehaw Park & Zoo and Flint RiverQuarium. This role will provide operational assistance in the care, maintenance, and display of all animals and will develop and implement husbandry SOP’s, safety protocols, and staff development programs. The Living Collection Director will work closely with the Senior Living Collections Director with collection planning, responsible population management, inspection readiness, and other zoo/aquarium-wide initiatives. This crucial position will prioritize adherence to AZA accreditation standards as we move closer to our application date.

The ideal candidate will possess significant experience regarding the operations of zoos and aquariums and a willingness to learn new skills in animal care management and leadership. The aspirant must be a team-builder and able to clearly communicate expectations to husbandry staff to maintain positive animal well-being and staff-morale.
This leadership role requires a dedicated team player who is willing to make a significant commitment to the animals and staff to improve and maintain husbandry practices and mentor staff in the performance of these practices. This is a working supervisory role that will require some direct, hands-on animal care work.

Basic Job Duties
* Promotes the highest animal welfare and management standards in ethics, operations, policies, compliance, record keeping, and all other programs.
* Ensures institutional standards remain a routine focus; provides direction to other department managers and directors in their efforts to comply with institutional guidelines.
* Ensures that animal areas are in compliance with all regulatory agencies and accrediting organizations, including USDA and AZA.
* Assists with developing and implementing the Institutional Collection Plan to reflect elements outlined in the comprehensive Master and Strategic Plans.
* Responsible for securing all permits and reports involving procurement, disposition, and shipment, and of animals according to federal and state regulations, current industry standards, and the facility’s Responsible Population Management Policy; ensures that all transport, loading, and unloading of animals is done according to USDA, AZA, and other governing authority guidelines.
* Develops and writes departmental policies and procedures, as recommended by AZA or as needed, to improve efficiency and standards.
* Ensures staff compliance to safety procedures, including conducting routine drills and trainings; creates, implements, and updates safety protocols related to controlled drug use, dangerous animals, and firearms.
* In coordination with Artesian Alliance’s Registrar, ensures that animal records are up-to-date and maintained in accordance with facility’s record keeping policies, state and federal regulations, and current industry standards; routinely reviews animal records and approves provisional notes.
* Oversees adherence to facility’s Animal Welfare Policy; assigns and evaluates scheduled welfare assessments; provides written feedback to reported welfare concerns and coordinates with key staff to correct and prevent problems.
* Maintains relevant contracts and subscriptions that improve animal welfare and staff development: veterinary contract, AAZK membership, San Diego Zoo Global Academy subscription, Zootrition, AZA membership, ZIMS, etc.
* Partners with other departments to meet animal care, guest experience, operational, media, and revenue goals.
* Develops open lines of communication with animal care staff and department managers to ensure all facilities and husbandry standards are maintained and all problems reported.
* Champions conservation efforts of Artesian Alliance facilities.
* Processes employee concerns and problems; provide functional assistance and guidance for staff in the care, maintenance, and display of collection animals.
* Develops job-specific skills in animal care staff through various programs and training opportunities, including San Diego Zoo Global Academy courses, off-site seminars and conferences, and on-site behavioral management programs.
* Works closely with contract veterinarians and the Animal Husbandry Manager to ensure the health and welfare of all collection animals; communicates relevant animal-related events to senior staff.
* Leads the animal care departments in hiring and disciplinary actions; coordinates with other department managers to complete annual performance evaluations for staff.
* Periodically serves are Manager-on-Duty for all Artesian Alliance facilities, as assigned by a rotating schedule or as needed.
* Monitors extreme weather events and coordinates safety and transport procedures for animals, if necessary, documents relevant information during weather events for future reference.
* Consults with contract veterinarians and other experts to create and evaluate animal nutrition programs.
* Supports institution’s Vision, Mission, and Values statement.

Education and Prerequisites
Must possess knowledge of:
* the operations, services, and activities of modern zoological and aquarium facilities
* zoo and aquarium exhibit planning, design, and construction
* exotic animal husbandry and captive management
* principles of animal welfare, animal nutrition, behavioral management, and veterinary programs
* pertinent federal, state, and local laws; regulatory and accrediting organization guidelines
* budget management and responsible supply acquisition

* Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience.
* 4 years of previous supervisory or leadership experience.
* 8 years of previous experience and/or training involving animal care, wildlife biology, or related field.
* Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
* Advanced knowledge about exotic animal husbandry and captive management.
* Basic knowledge of life support systems and exhibit design.
* Basic computer skills: knowledge of Zoological Information Management Systems (ZIMS) preferred.
* Must be able to lift 60 pounds and work outdoors in all weather conditions on a daily basis; must be able to tolerate strong odors, dust, hay, dander, and dampness; may be required to stand or sit for extended periods of time and/or to twist, bend, crouch, squat, climb, crawl, kneel, jump, swim, or carry objects for short distances; may be exposed to chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, moving mechanical parts, vehicles, and potentially dangerous animals.
* Willingness to participate in staff vaccination program to prevent zoonotic disease transfer, scheduled as recommended by CDC; may include tetanus, TB skin test, rabies, Hepatitis A & B, Covid-19, Influenza; vaccinations may be provided to successful candidates.
* All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation and drug test results.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to ssassone@chehaw.org AND tgregors@artesianalliance.org prior to November 22, 2023.

The Albany Metropolitan area includes welcoming cities such as Leesburg, Putney, Sylvester, and Sasser. These cities boast cost-of-living numbers much lower than the national average and are all within easy commute of Flint RiverQuarium and Chehaw Park & Zoo.
* Leesburg: 13% lower COL, 18 minute commute
* Putney: 28% lower COL, 15 minute commute
* Sylvester: 26% lower COL, 28 minute commute
* Sasser: 24% lower COL, 22 minute commute

https://visitalbanyga.com/

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $47,000.00 - $61,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Albany, GA 31701: Reliably commute or willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (Required)

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to allow background check and drug testing?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $47,000 - $61,000