VP of Collections and Conservation

Job Purpose: The VP of Collections and Conservation serves as a senior manager for Zoo Atlantas animal collection and is primarily responsible for the Animal Collections department. This role contributes to the success of the organization by driving innovation in animal care, and by leading the Zoos efforts in conservation and research. Leading and supporting conservation efforts locally, regionally, nationally, and worldwide is an important function of this position. Direct reports of the VP of Collections and Conservation include curators and others within the department. This position reports to the CEO.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for all Animal Collection operations, including animal welfare and animal records, enrichment, research, staff training, professional development, guest interaction and activities, and interdepartmental relations. Develop and implement an annual animal collection plan in alignment with institutional mission and goals.

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and participate in organizational planning and decision-making. Contribute to the development and implementation of Strategic and Master Plan providing expertise on zoological collection planning and management, and conservation programming & initiatives.

• Develop, implement, and lead ZA conservation efforts and initiatives, collaborating with the senior managers. Oversee Zoo Atlantas research programs.

• Oversees daily operations to ensure the highest standards of animal care and welfare, habitats, visitor satisfaction, visitor and staff safety, and staff professional development.

• Works with Collections staff to effectively implement and maintain public interaction program schedule, behavioral management goals, research goals, etc.

• Work with Collections staff to monitor and evaluate animal behavior, social interaction, feeding, breeding, health, etc. Oversee animal training programs and guest interactions.

• Lead the development of Animal Collection policies and procedures for animal husbandry, habitat design, and animal and visitor safety. Recommend animal habitat design improvements including the development of new habitats.

• Establish staff adherence to departmental and institutional policies and procedures.

• Ensure adherence to animal care (USDA) and accreditation (AZA) standards.

• Oversee management and maintenance of animal records and ensure their quality in accordance with AZA and any applicable legal standards.

• Monitor legislation for compliance with wildlife laws. Oversees procurement and maintenance of required local, state, and federal permits and licenses to ensure that the institution remains current with all applicable requirements.

• Set procedures for domestic and international shipments of live animals, parts, and products. Direct document preparation, logistics planning and scheduling for shipments.

• Serve as Institutional Liaison to the AZA to ensure coordination and compliance with national, regional, and international cooperative animal management programs.

• Assist curators and other personnel with studbook, population management plans, species survival plans, small population analyses and other animal advisory groups.

• Accountable for the development and administration of annual operating plans and budgets. Manage revenue and expenses against approved budgets. Set tone of fiscal responsibility and prioritization of resources.

• Develop and maintain positive employee relations through engaged teams.

• Partner with VP of Animal Health to assure departments are aligned and well-integrated into activities related to welfare assessments, nutrition, environmental monitoring, and veterinary care.

Required Experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of all aspects of zoo animal care, including husbandry, behavioral management, animal behavior, nutrition, animal health management, reproductive physiology, etc.

• Proven ability to advocate for the institution and various stakeholders.

• Possess an affinity for animals and the capacity to make decisions based on the best interest of the animal, population, or species.

• Effective leader with a strong commitment to the development of human capital.

• Ability to effectively train, direct, coordinate, and evaluate the work of others.

• Considerable knowledge of policies and procedures related to the operation of a zoo, aquarium, conservation-focused non-profit, cultural and/or academic institution.

• Considerable knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to the housing, exhibition, and transfer of endangered, threatened, or otherwise regulated animals.

• Considerable knowledge of animal record-keeping policies and procedures.

• Willingness to understand and respect diverse opinions concerning the care and exhibition of a captive animal population.

• Must be highly motivated, organized, and demonstrate a willingness to adapt positively to corporate change.

• Should be familiar with population management software and processes.

• Must be proficient in all Microsoft Office software.

Education

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in biology, zoology, animal behavior, psychology, or closely related field.

• Minimum of seven to ten years of progressive management experience at an AZA-accredited institution or similar facility.

• Five years of experience caring for captive wildlife

• Experience in curatorial, education or research capabilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work outdoors in all types of weather. Zoo Atlanta is open to the public 363 days out of the year, therefore, all positions at Zoo Atlanta may require employees to work some weekends, holidays, and evenings. The position could require occasional travel to other locations. A valid Georgia license is required.

MISC: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Therefore, the employee may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business requirements dictate. It is mutually agreed that this job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.