Elephant Manager

Summary

This position will direct, manage, supervise and coordinate the activities and operations of the Elephant Department of the zoo; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public; and provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Director of Animal Programs & Conservation.

• Assume management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Elephant Department within the zoo
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommend and administer policies and procedures
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the quality, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness of elephant management, work with elephant staff on the continuous improvement of elephant care, handling, training and procedures
• Direct the husbandry and care of elephants and Asian rhino in and around existing quarters; coordinate cleaning, sanitizing, maintenance and repair of animal quarters
• Oversee the implementation of diets for animals; ensure proper cleanliness and maintenance of work area and food storage containers
• Oversee the implementation of the behavioral management program
• Oversee the implementation of approved research projects
• Lead and participate in regular meetings
• Lead conceptual and detail efforts for all renovation and exhibit expansion plans
• Coordinate observations of animal behavior for signs of illness or injury; report any signs of illness or injury; assist veterinarians in minor operations or related activity as needed
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner
• Serve as a spokesperson for the Zoo’s elephant programs as needed
• Supervise the husbandry methods, diets, enclosures and transportation of assigned animal collection; ensure health and wellbeing of animals; consult with veterinarians and nutritionist as needed
• Research and evaluate animals prior to acquisition; make recommendations for acquisition and disposition of animals
• Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the division's annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement adjustments
• Serve as the liaison for the assigned animal section with other divisions, departments and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues as needed
• Attend and participate in professional meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of elephant management
• Maintain a safe working environment for staff, train safety procedures and insure the availability of all necessary supplies and inventories related to safety (equipment, etc.)

• Ensure all elephant related equipment, hydraulic gates, restraint device and facilities are functioning and properly maintained
• Plan, direct, coordinate the work plan for staff; assign work activities, projects and programs; continuously review and evaluate methods and procedures
• Select, hire, train, motivate and evaluate assigned elephant keeper personnel, keeping abreast of innovation in elephant care and management; provide or coordinate employee training; work with subordinate employees to correct deficiencies and resolve problems
• Monitor work environment of staff; participate in the review, investigation and implementation of discipline and termination procedures in conjunction with Human Resources
• Communicate information to staff as appropriate to their level
• Supervise and participate in the construction and maintenance of facilities; coordinate with maintenance and construction departments
• Provide responsible staff assistance to assigned zoo collection management staff
• Demonstrates leadership of employees through ongoing training to include applicable laws, Zoo policies, business conduct and ethics and the provision of quality services to guests and employees supporting the highest level of program integrity

• Minimum of 10 years increasingly…