DescriptionGENERAL PURPOSE
The Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo Corporation (FCZC) has a diverse collection of over 200 species including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, terrestrial and marine mammals. Under the supervision of the Curator of Nutrition, the Zoo Animal Manager in the Nutrition department will work collaboratively to meet the varied nutritional needs of the Zoo’s collection. The ZAM is responsible for the management of the Animal Nutrition Center (ANC) and its daily operations. This position will be an active presence in the community in promoting the FCZC’s mission and vision, and in developing and strengthening alliances with other partners, vendors, guests, and staff.
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 - $33.13 per hour) or ZAM 2 ($70,304.00 - $82,230.00 per year). Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience.
ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Performs all Nutrition Services Technician and Browse Specialist essential accountabilities as needed.
• Establishes thorough written routines for assigned section and updates standard operating procedures as well as other section protocols as required.
• Manages all U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety protocols.
• Manages all inventory needs, including but not limited to vendor relations, order placement and receiving. Performs after-hours receiving on as needed basis.
• Assists Curator in implementation and management of Quality Control procedures.
• Assists Curator in diagnostics of feed inventory by collection and submission of routine feed samples.
• Assists Curator in curation of feed formulation databases and diet prep system.
• Assists Curator in diet review processes; including but not limited to new product assessment, review of diets for incoming animals and can act in the Curator’s absence to alter diets on emergency basis with guidance from the Senior Director of Veterinary Services.
• Assists Curator in management of the Nutrition department’s annual budget.
• Facilitates effective communication between the Curator and Nutrition Services staff.
• Ensures that zoo news, department updates, and other information is provided in a timely manner to the appropriate parties.
• Maintain and reinforce a culture of continual improvement, while working within the constraints of a finite allocation of resources.
• Acts as the communication liaison for ANC’s operational needs to all other departments, i.e., veterinarian, horticulture, and maintenance.
• Participates in the selection of new Nutrition Services and Browse Program staff. • Provides training, mentoring, and coaching to Nutrition Services Technician, Intern staff, ensuring the training is consistent with current position needs and cross-functional opportunities. Regularly coaches and develops staff to foster a positive and team-oriented work environment.
• Addresses animal or employee issues as they arise, provides a status report to the Curator(s), and requests guidance from Curator or other member of management as warranted by the situation.
• Ensures efficient and effective workflow, making appropriate logistical decisions and planning for current and future department needs, including assisting with intradepartmental scheduling.
• Consistently demonstrates a competent level of practice in accordance with all company policies and position certification/licensing requirements.
• Shows growth as a professional through continuous improvement; participates in safety training and leads by example in following Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) standards as well as other state regulations.
• Assists in planning and implementing marketing activities.
• Oversees any volunteer activities in assigned areas.
• Monitors safe work practices for all section staff.
• Manages the schedules for all direct reports and oversees the implementation of appropriate regulations.
• Assists Curator in developing and updating area protocols and represents the Curator in their absence.
• Answers specific inquiries from the public concerning the zoological collection when requested.
• Manages the live prey inventory of the ANC and ensures FCZC’s welfare program is upheld for species under ANC care.
• Performs on-call function for the following but not limited to staff schedule management, vendor and shipment receiving.
• Safely operate a vehicle for business purposes including but not limited to going to and from the zoo’s facilities and offsite.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support team and organizational goals.
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Customarily and regularly exercise discretion and independent judgement during the workday. Actively demonstrates leadership through actions, reactions, decisions, and professional demeanor. Practices solution-based problem solving and learn from mistakes. Works with the team to find solutions and asks for help when you need it.
• Reports to meetings and activities fully present, prepared and punctual. Thoughtfully and respectfully prioritizes other’s time. Respond to emails and other communications in a timely manner. All written communication contains professional and proper language. Demonstrates follow through and are accountable for the management of the team.
• Manages payroll timekeeping for direct reports and oversees the implementation of wage and hour regulations for direct reports.
• Accountable for ensuring all direct reports submit any required training, documents, or other deliverables on time.
• Willingly engages the team and other Zoo staff and proves to be an inspirational leader. Actively create connections that encourage open and honest communication with all.
• Remains accessible to the Zoo staff by cell phone. Uses professional courtesy and only call/texts on day off in the event of an emergency.
• Provides regular performance feedback to reporting staff. Completes timely and appropriate written evaluations that highlight strengths and areas for improvement.
QualificationsZOO ANIMAL MANAGER 1 - EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Four (4) year degree in applicable field of study (Animal Science, Nutrition, Food Science, etc.) preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in food handling and safety required.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience with Microsoft office applications required.
• Active member of the Nutrition Advisory Group of the AZA highly preferred. Membership is required within six (6) months of hire.
• Strong verbal and written English skills.
• A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
ZOO ANIMAL MANAGER 2 - EDUCATION AND JOB QUALIFICATIONS
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Four (4) year degree in applicable field of study (Animal Science, Nutrition, Food Science, etc.) preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year in a supervisory or leadership role required. Supervisory or leadership role in an AZA-accredited facility is highly preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience in food handling and safety required.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience with Microsoft office applications required.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience with Tracks® and Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) systems required.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience with large equipment (i.e. forklift) required.
• Active member of the Nutrition Advisory Group of the AZA highly preferred. Membership is required within six (6) months of hire.
• Minimum of one (1) year’s experience in large volume inventory management required.
• Strong verbal and written English skills.
• A valid California driver's license, valid vehicle insurance, enrolled in the CA Employer Pull Notice program and successful completion of the FCZ Drivers Training Program required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.
• This position is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, and kneel; use hands and arms to prepare diets.
• Regularly required to climb stairs or ladders.
• The employee is regularly required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift to 75 pounds.
• Ability to work in -20 degree Fahrenheit freezer for short periods of time.
• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in individual and small group settings.
• Hand and finger dexterity sufficient for diet prep, typing and other administrative tasks.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
• This position regularly works with others including Zoo executives and employees.
• This position functions both indoors and outdoors, with possible exposure to heat, cold, inclement weather, poor air quality, insects, Zoo environments and external events.
• The employee is regularly exposed to a variety of animals with risk of animal bites (including venomous), zoonotic disease, and other animal-related injury.
• The employee may be exposed to environmental substances such as dust/dirt from Zoo grounds.
• Regular local travel and occasional out-of-town travel may be required.
• Ability to work extended hours or overtime, evenings, weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
