Zoo Jobs: Director, Animal Care

Director, Animal Care

Ocean Wise

Vancouver, CA

Role Overview

Under the direction of the Managing Director, Vancouver Aquarium and VP Operations, the Director of Animal Care oversees the implementation of animal operations strategies that support our mission and achieve the highest possible standards of animal welfare, health and safety, and public engagement. They serve as the Aquarium’s primary expert on day-to-day animal management operations, issues, and opportunities.

The Director of Animal Operations works collaboratively across the organization, actively participating in the planning of animal exhibits from both an animal needs/care, and visitor experience perspective, ensuring a world class experience. This operations and people leadership role is a key component in the overall delivery of Vancouver Aquarium operations

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

In Collaboration With The Managing Director, Vancouver Aquarium & VP Operations, This Individual Is Involved In, Or Leads, The Planning And Execution Of Agreed Upon Strategies Related To Superior Care Of Our Animal Collections By

Ensuring that all aspects of the Aquarium’s animal operations meet and exceed relevant professional standards and guidelines, while remaining in compliance with all laws and regulations;
Implementing comprehensive institutional animal collection plans that are consistent with the mission of Ocean Wise in collaboration with VP, Curators, and Animal Care and Welfare Committee;
Ensuring that appropriate animal management and husbandry practices are being employed daily;
Evaluating animal departments regularly;
Developing and implementing plans for ongoing improvements in husbandry and display including key employee skills; an employee training plan; a collection plan; exhibit plan, and animal management strategies;
Establishing a strong collaborative relationship with the veterinary and life-support teams and facilitating the continuous advancement of a preventative animal health care program consistent with the size and complexities of the animal collection;
Driving evidence-based, continuous improvements in the care and presentation of the animal collection, including development of reports, articles, papers and presentation and encouraging presentation at conferences, etc.;
Overseeing the development, implementation, and utilization of a rigorous animal records system;
In conjunction with the Dive Safety and Boating Officer, overseeing the continued improvement of the dive program including responsibility for ensuring that the program meets all regulatory requirements, monitoring and evaluation of the dive training program for safe diving operations;