Zoo Jobs: Animal Records Officer

Animal Records Officer

We are seeking an Animal Records Officer to join the Life Sciences team at Auckland Zoo on a permanent, full-time basis. This is an exciting and challenging role that will enable Zoo's staff to harness the full research potential of its records and reference libraries and take a leading role in developing a Centre of Excellence in small population management.

Auckland Zoo is internationally recognised as an innovative and leading zoo focussed on the conservation of wildlife. A winner of national and international environmental awards, it is home to over 1,000 animals of 126 species and supports an active field programme extending our conservation influence nationally and globally.

Animal records underpin our ability to track, learn from and continually improve the welfare and management of our animals. As active contributors to the global Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) our records connect with those of 874 zoos in 90 countries and a web-based dataset of nearly 7 million animals of 21,000 species. As a member of the Conservation Science & Research and wider Life Sciences team, you will take a collaborative approach to ensure that the standard of our animal records supports high-quality scientific research.

Genetic and demographic management is key to the long-term sustainability of many captive and free-living wildlife populations. The Animal Records Officer will be responsible for the implementation of the new ZIMS Studbook module and for leading the further development of the Zoo's small population management capabilities.

Key roles and responsibilities of the position are:

Administration of the Zoo's animal records databases ensuring they are kept up-to-date, accurate and easily accessible to all users.
Management of the Life Science's library and provision of library search assistance to staff
Training staff, students and other users at Auckland Zoo in the effective use of these resources and providing on-going user support.
Leading the development of the Zoo's population management capability
Application of the Zoo's animal records databases for the production of the annual animal inventory and assistance with other reports requiring data stored in these databases.
Contributing to the development of the Zoo's research capability through the further development and application of animal records systems.
Given the nature of the role, a tertiary qualification in a relevant subject is required and some background in scientific research would be an advantage.

What will set you apart from the rest?

A working knowledge and experience of Species360 animal records systems, (ZIMS and MedZIMS)
Experience in development of genetic and demographic management plans for small populations
Experience in information management and analytical techniques
Experience in training others in the use of databases and accurate data entry
A passion for wildlife and wildlife conservation
A great team player with a strong appreciation of how to effectively engage with a variety of stakeholders
Highly methodical, with a love for good process, accuracy and a structured approach
Strong time-management and personal organisation skills
Some familiarity with the previous generation of Zoo records systems (ARKS, MedARKS, SPARKS) is desirable

This is a permanent full-time role working 40 hours per week. This position is deemed safety sensitive and will require pre-employment drug testing.

This position offers the opportunity to be at the centre of the Zoo's science and research activities and make important contributions to local, regional and international wildlife conservation efforts. If this is you, apply today!

Applications close at 10.30pm on Sunday 25 February, 2018.

To apply and learn more please click HERE