Zoological Animal Manager - Sea Lion Cove; Pinnipeds

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Under the supervision of the area Curator, this position plays a critical role on the animal care team overseeing the daily operation of assigned areas. The Zoological Animal Manager 1/2 (ZAM-1 or ZAM-2) is a frontline manager responsible for ensuring consistent husbandry standards and safety practices that follow policies and protocols for Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation (FCZC), Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other federal agencies.

The ZAM-1/2 manages all staff’s daily activities, provides animal care support, and interacts with zoo guests and media in a high-performance, employee-oriented culture that meets quality standards and productivity expectations while advancing the mission and vision of Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

This position will primarily be assigned to Sea Lion Cove section which cares for a group of California sea lions, Harbor seals, and the critically endangered Red Wolf but may be reassigned or requested to work in other sections as needed at the discretion of the Animal Management team.

Full-Time employees receive our comprehensive compensation package which includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is ZAM 1 $ 25.88 - $27.17 per hour or ZAM 2 $ 70,304.00 - $73,819.20 per year. Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience

• Performs all assigned animal section essential functions as needed.
• Applies organizational skills with keen attention to detail ensuring compliance with FCZ, AZA, USDA, and other standards.
• Addresses animal issues as they arise, facilitating effective communication between the Curator and section staff daily, ensuring that Zoo news, department updates, and other information is provided in a timely manner to the appropriate parties. Requests guidance from Curator or other members of management as warranted by the situation.
• Develops behavior enrichment and training programs for selected animals.
• Establishes thorough written routines for assigned section and updates standard operating procedures and other section protocols as requested by area Curator using Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Teams), Species 360 (ZIMS), and TRACKS information systems.
• Communication liaison for animal staff needs to all other departments, i.e. veterinarian, horticulture, and maintenance.
• Works with Curator to develop animal population plans for section assigned.
• Participates in the selection of new staff and provides training, mentoring and coaching to section staff ensuring training is consistent with current position needs. Motivates and leads staff while serving as a role model that can foster a supported and dynamic team environment.
• Oversees section staff performance, providing constructive feedback to focus on continual improvement while fostering a culture of growth and accountability, formal disciplinary action when appropriate, and informing Curator of serious or ongoing issues while maintaining confidentiality.
• Manages the schedules for all direct reports and oversees the implementation of appropriate regulations.
• Oversees any volunteer’s activities in assigned section.
• Communicate effectively in individual and small group settings.
• Responds to specific inquiries from the public concerning the zoological collection, when requested.
• Assists in planning and implementing marketing activities when necessary.
• Monitors safe work practices for all section staff and assists the Security staff with emergency procedures and protocols.
• Organizes staff to complete…