Zoo Director - Alexandria, United States - City of Alexandria, LA
Description
Salary : $61, $92,809.60 Annually
Location : Alexandria, Louisiana
Job Type: Full-Time
Division: Public Works
Department: Zoo
Opening Date: 04/10/2024
Closing Date: 4/24/2024 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Description
The purpose of this classification is to plan, organize, supervise and direct activities at the zoo, overseeing all aspects regarding the animals, zoo facilities, employees, volunteers and the visiting public.
Examples of Duties
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.
It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class nor does any one incumbent necessarily perform all of these tasks.
The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.
Other duties may be required and assigned.
Plans, organizes, and oversees all new developments of the zoo: assesses the needs for new projects; develops budgets for construction of new exhibits; assists in the preparation of bid documents; works with professional zoo design teams for construction and development; reads and interprets blueprints and mechanical drawings; plans, designs, coordinates, supervises, and inspects the development, construction and modification of exhibits.
Develops capital and operating budgets:
reviews and analyzes budget expenditures and evaluates impact on overall operation; ensures allocation of sufficient funding, personnel, equipment, and materials to promote the zoo's mission; oversees and participates in all fundraising efforts for maintenance and expansion of the zoo; promotes and solicits resources for zoo development; meets with businesses and corporations.
Ensures that zoo operations are in compliance with state and federal wildlife regulations: deals directly with wildlife agencies such as U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and LA Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries, and other governmental agencies including the USDA; ensures that proper permits and operational licenses are in obtained; attends conferences and meetings to stay informed of all laws and regulations; maintains zoo standards that will ensure Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation.
Formulates policies and procedures regarding the development of animal management practices: oversees all Species Survival Plan programs at the zoo; handles the acquisition and disposition of animals plus development of the zoo collection.
Oversees the development of educational programs: develops research projects for zoo involvement; coordinates the writing of curriculum and the production of videos; responsible for the development and operation of Alexandria Zoo School; supervises the execution of all educational events and special events.
Supervises zoo staff:
provides administrative and supervisory support to supervisory subordinates; ensures the training of new employees and periodically assesses the need for additional training of staff; supervises and assists in the capture and restraint of wild, potentially dangerous animals and venomous reptiles; receives, answers, and remedies any difficult complaints or problems.
Promotes good public relations:
serves as a liaison between the City of Alexandria and The Friend of The Alexandria Zoo for implementation of the Cooperative Endeavor; supervises the MOU between the City and FOTAZ; represents the zoo on various committees and registries; promotes the zoo as it relates to tourism and economic development; appears on TV and radio, and speaks to civic organizations.
Typical Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Zoology or related field; supplemented by five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in zoological programming and operations or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and supervisory abilities for this job.
Will be required to obtain a valid State of Louisiana driver's license at time of appointment and a valid State of Louisiana Class D driver's license within 60 days and maintain throughout employment for this classification.
The City of Alexandria is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, or disability.
This position is not eligible for benefits.