John Ball Zoo
Director of Animal Care
John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids, Michigan, us, 49528
DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL CAREThe Director of Animal Care leads the animal care team to maximize safety, animal welfare, and a positive work environment. They support the development and implementation of the Zoo’s Institutional Animal Plan and ensure that acquisitions, transfers, and breeding at the Zoo align with that plan. The Director of Animal Care works closely with other departments to ensure exhibit maintenance, modification, and construction meet the needs of animals, staff, and guests. They also work closely with other zoos and conservation organizations to oversee JBZ’s participation in Species Survival Plan programs as well as other programs in accordance with the Zoo’s Strategic, Conservation, and Institutional Animal Plans.
This position’s pay ranges: $87,000 – 96,000
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL CARE AT JBZThe Director of Animal Care serves as a member of the Leadership team and participates in long-range goal setting, planning, and decision-making for the Zoo including the creation. They work with Animal Care Managers to develop, maintain, and implement departmental policies and procedures, such as standard operating procedures, safety procedures, emergency protocols, and contingency plans. They ensure that all animal husbandry policies, practices, and procedures conform to US Department of Agriculture licensing standards for institutions exhibiting live animals, and accreditation standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Director of Animal Care supports the implementation of the JBZ Master Plan by recommending, developing, and implementing short- and long-range plans to improve the quality of animal habitats at the zoo in a manner that best meets and/or exceeds the physical, psychological, and behavioral needs of the animals; the safety of staff and guests; and the education and conservation goals of the Zoo. They also support budget development and management for the animal care department to ensure alignment with financial goals and objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL CARE AT JBZ
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Zoology, or a closely related field
5 years of progressively responsible and demonstrably successful experience in the care and oversight of a group/collection of animals at an AZA-accredited institution
Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo
Thorough working knowledge of exotic animal management practices and principles including animal welfare and wellbeing, behavior, health and nutrition requirements, and safe handling of animals including venomous reptiles
Thorough working knowledge of the Species Survival Plan and other cooperative animal conservation programs
Working knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and permitting governing zoo safety, sanitation, and accessibility required for animal ownership and exhibition
Working knowledge of Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standards
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint); and database management software applications and time and attendance systems
Ability to interact positively with a wide array of individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills, and presentation delivery ability
Willingness to carry a cell phone to respond to emergency situations during both normal working and off-duty hours, including weekends and holidays
Ability to flex work hours periodically throughout the year
WHO WE AREAt John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who can experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species that represent the beautiful wildlife living in our world! We are passionate about our mission focused on education and conservation and know that our 120+ full time and 350 seasonal people guided by our core values accomplish this mission. Our core values are:
Conservation
Education
Community
Celebrate
Compassion
BENEFITS AT JBZWe offer incredibly competitive benefits. These include:
Three medical plan options including HSA-eligible plan, as well as a free option
Employer paid Short-term and long-term disability
Employer paid Life Insurance and voluntary buy-up coverage for family members
Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program
Dental & vision for employee & family
12 full weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
Daily zoo walks
YMCA gym discounts
Medical and dependent care flex spending accounts
Wellness plan and healthy living reimbursement
6 days of personal time, generous vacation time, and 11 paid Holidays each year
401(k) with a 4% match and 3% employer contribution
Zoo discounts including employee-only zoo experiences
Tuition reimbursement after 1 year of employment
Additional medical benefits to meet you and your family's needs
A FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.
NEW TO GRAND RAPIDSCome live in the beautiful Grand Rapids where you can find live music, art festivals, outdoor recreation, and nationally ranked food and craft beverages. You can drive 20 minutes and be by the beautiful Lake Michigan, hike and kayak by the Grand River, or stay downtown and enjoy a variety of food and drinks. Grand Rapids is known as Americas’ best beer city, nation's craft beverage capital, and a top 20 U.S. Foodie city. There is a little bit of everything here in Grand Rapids to attract everyone including our growing zoo!
We envision a future of being a world-class zoo, a premier education facility, a renowned conservation center, and a wildly successful national visitor attraction. Want to help make the adventure come alive? Apply today and join us!
John Ball Zoo is a drug-free facility under federal regulations.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This position’s pay ranges: $87,000 – 96,000
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL CARE AT JBZThe Director of Animal Care serves as a member of the Leadership team and participates in long-range goal setting, planning, and decision-making for the Zoo including the creation. They work with Animal Care Managers to develop, maintain, and implement departmental policies and procedures, such as standard operating procedures, safety procedures, emergency protocols, and contingency plans. They ensure that all animal husbandry policies, practices, and procedures conform to US Department of Agriculture licensing standards for institutions exhibiting live animals, and accreditation standards of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Director of Animal Care supports the implementation of the JBZ Master Plan by recommending, developing, and implementing short- and long-range plans to improve the quality of animal habitats at the zoo in a manner that best meets and/or exceeds the physical, psychological, and behavioral needs of the animals; the safety of staff and guests; and the education and conservation goals of the Zoo. They also support budget development and management for the animal care department to ensure alignment with financial goals and objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL CARE AT JBZ
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Biology, Zoology, or a closely related field
5 years of progressively responsible and demonstrably successful experience in the care and oversight of a group/collection of animals at an AZA-accredited institution
Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
Affinity for the mission and values of John Ball Zoo
Thorough working knowledge of exotic animal management practices and principles including animal welfare and wellbeing, behavior, health and nutrition requirements, and safe handling of animals including venomous reptiles
Thorough working knowledge of the Species Survival Plan and other cooperative animal conservation programs
Working knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes, regulations, and permitting governing zoo safety, sanitation, and accessibility required for animal ownership and exhibition
Working knowledge of Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standards
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint); and database management software applications and time and attendance systems
Ability to interact positively with a wide array of individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills, and presentation delivery ability
Willingness to carry a cell phone to respond to emergency situations during both normal working and off-duty hours, including weekends and holidays
Ability to flex work hours periodically throughout the year
WHO WE AREAt John Ball Zoo, our mission is to inspire our community to be actively engaged in the conservation of wildlife and our natural environment. John Ball Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1983 which assures excellent animal care and a dedication to conservation. As one of the top attractions in Grand Rapids, we welcome over 700,000 guests each year who can experience over 2,000 animals of over 230 species that represent the beautiful wildlife living in our world! We are passionate about our mission focused on education and conservation and know that our 120+ full time and 350 seasonal people guided by our core values accomplish this mission. Our core values are:
Conservation
Education
Community
Celebrate
Compassion
BENEFITS AT JBZWe offer incredibly competitive benefits. These include:
Three medical plan options including HSA-eligible plan, as well as a free option
Employer paid Short-term and long-term disability
Employer paid Life Insurance and voluntary buy-up coverage for family members
Employer Paid Employee Assistance Program
Dental & vision for employee & family
12 full weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
Daily zoo walks
YMCA gym discounts
Medical and dependent care flex spending accounts
Wellness plan and healthy living reimbursement
6 days of personal time, generous vacation time, and 11 paid Holidays each year
401(k) with a 4% match and 3% employer contribution
Zoo discounts including employee-only zoo experiences
Tuition reimbursement after 1 year of employment
Additional medical benefits to meet you and your family's needs
A FREE Premium Zoo membership for you and your family.
NEW TO GRAND RAPIDSCome live in the beautiful Grand Rapids where you can find live music, art festivals, outdoor recreation, and nationally ranked food and craft beverages. You can drive 20 minutes and be by the beautiful Lake Michigan, hike and kayak by the Grand River, or stay downtown and enjoy a variety of food and drinks. Grand Rapids is known as Americas’ best beer city, nation's craft beverage capital, and a top 20 U.S. Foodie city. There is a little bit of everything here in Grand Rapids to attract everyone including our growing zoo!
We envision a future of being a world-class zoo, a premier education facility, a renowned conservation center, and a wildly successful national visitor attraction. Want to help make the adventure come alive? Apply today and join us!
John Ball Zoo is a drug-free facility under federal regulations.
#J-18808-Ljbffr