Director, Animal Care, Conservation & Research

Director, Animal Care, Conservation & Research

The Calgary Zoo is a conservation leader whose mission is to take and inspire action to sustain wildlife and wild places. As a not-for-profit charitable institution, all revenue is reinvested back into conservation activities at the zoo and around the world.

As an organization, we value effective and collaborative communication and honesty and integrity with an emphasis on customer focus, safety and conservation. If you would like to be part of this team, we have the following permanent full-time position available.

Director, Animal Care, Conservation & Research

Reporting to the President/CEO, the Director, Animal Care, Conservation and Research is accountable for leading and providing overall strategic direction for the Animal Care, Conservation and Research Branch of the Calgary Zoo in a manner consistent with the Calgary Zoological Society’s mission, vision and values.

Responsibilities:

•        Develops and implements a long term strategy and business plan for the Branch aligned with the Calgary Zoo’s long term strategic plan and responsive to changes in the external environment

•        Ensures the Calgary Zoo is committed to animal health and welfare and best animal management practices

•        Ensures that The Calgary Zoo live collection management practices and research activities reflect the highest professional code of practice recognized and endorsed by the zoological associations and the Canadian Council of Animal Care.

•        Plays vital role in expanding conservation and research efforts. 

•        Develops, interprets and presents accurate and timely management information reporting to all levels of The Calgary Zoo, local, provincial and federal government as well as other key stakeholders such as donors and members of the Calgary Zoological Society and ensures that the reporting complies with accepted reporting principles and industry standards

•        Monitors branch performance against pre-established criteria and indicators

•        Identifies opportunities and develops new programs and services consistent with The Calgary Zoo’s long term strategic plan

•        Facilitates the professional development of direct reports through training and challenging assignments

•        Manages and evaluates the performance of direct reports

•        Utilizes the diverse skills of direct reports to maximum benefit and fosters an environment of open communication and teamwork

•        Understands and is able to work within a unionized environment.

•        Builds a positive and productive working relationship with The Calgary Zoo’s operating partner, The City of Calgary

•        Leads The Calgary Zoo in developing partnerships with other organizations with similar goals and values

•        Ensures compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation and regulation as well as Calgary Zoo policies and procedures

•        Oversees the development and management of the branch operational budget

Qualifications:

•        Undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences or related field (Zoology, Wildlife Management) is required.  Graduate degree in management, business administration or equivalent would be considered a definite asset.

•        A minimum  of 10 years relevant management experience at a senior/executive level, including planning, budgeting and human resource management/supervision. 

•        A broad range of experience in the zoo profession with a solid base of knowledge in animal care, research and conservation principles and practices is essential. 

•        Demonstrated ability to work with varied stakeholders, including special interest groups.

•        Proven ability to design, develop and implement both strategic programs and supporting tactics.

•        Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

•        Proven leader. 

•        Able to work as a change agent.

Physical demands: 

•        Some travel will be required. 

•        Active mobility as high proportion of walking required on site

What the zoo has to offer:

•        Competitive compensation package

•        Annual performance bonus

•        Flexible benefits plan, including a health spending account

•        Employer matching RRSP program

•        Discounts on food, beverage and merchandise

•        A complimentary annual pass for you and your immediate family members

If you are a highly motivated and experienced individual we invite you to send your resume, along with a covering letter, in confidence, no later than July 15, 2014.  Please quote the position title in the subject line.

Human Resources

Calgary Zoo

1300 Zoo Rd NE

Calgary, Alberta

T2E 7V6

Fax: 403-695-3807

Email: hr@calgaryzoo.com        

NO PHONE ENQUIRIES PLEASE. Applicants are thanked in advance and advised that only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

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