Position Summary
The Husbandry Manager is responsible for overseeing a diverse collection of animals; including animal acquisitions, over-all husbandry, animal exhibits, life support systems. The Manager is also responsible for managing policies and procedures within the husbandry departments as well as aide in marketing, husbandry food and supply orders and permits. Facilitation / dealing with / collaborating with 3rd party and outside entities to guide/ensure business health of the SAA family of aquariums. Serve as the face of the SAA family of aquariums/zoos in leading/establishing successful business outcomes ;developing knowledgeable and productive teams by establishing strong corporate culture.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Professional Animal Care
- Manage and coordinate with the Husbandry Director to schedule projects within the Husbandry Departments.
- Plan and direct acquisition, display, care and breeding of the animal collection.
- Ensure directors are identifying animal health problems and coordinating care and treatment with veterinarians.
- Be knowledgeable in the life histories of animals in the collection.
Communications
- Attend development and planning meetings including director meetings, staff meetings, new exhibit planning meetings, and problem-solving meetings.
- Write reports and memos and serve as liaison to other facilities on husbandry matters. Strong adherence to company policies. Develop job titles, positions and procedures as facilities grow
- Attend professional meetings and conferences as requested.
- Keep Director and General Manager informed of department operations and problems.
- Promote good relations with visitors, volunteers, community and staff.
- Ensure facilities are maintaining exhibits and collection in a manner stimulating to our guests.
Supervision of Personnel
- Encourage an atmosphere of professionalism among personnel .
- Hire and train new husbandry employees and team leads.
- Oversee facility projects and monitor work.
Facility Maintenance: Behind the scenes – Life support
- Continually improve animal exhibits.
- Ensure the maintenance and operations of life support systems are being conducted throughout all facilities.
- Work with the husbandry team to determine performance parameters of life support systems.
- Work with husbandry director to develop policies and procedures for all aspects of water quality and management of exhibits water systems.
Department Management:
- Monitor records on water quality, and be proactive in amending problems.
- Monitor animal related records input and maintenance.
- Work with the Husbandry team and Husbandry Director to plan and implement new exhibits.
- Coordinate purchases of food, supplies, and equipment and maintain inventories.
- Plan and implement long and short term goals for each exhibit and each staff member.
- Maintain knowledge of industry innovations and new techniques.
- Acquire and dispose of collection specimens in accordance with the Acquisition/Disposition Policy.
- Provide advice and recommendations on technical and design aspects of long range development that incorporates animal life.
- Work to review, develop and enforce husbandry policies and procedures at the facility
EDUCATION AND PRE-REQUISITES
Position Requirements
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience with EXOTIC mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and sharks
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ supervisory experience
- Complete knowledge of all phases of animal husbandry programs, systems design, physical life support operations, and exhibit design and display techniques
- Thorough knowledge of the principles of biology
- Proven knowledge in identification and treatment of fish diseases, necropsy, and diagnosis. Worked with varied species including but not limited to: lemurs, sloths, anteaters, big cats, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, alligators, monitors, macaws, and giraffes.
- Must have strong working knowledge in and experience with Life Support Systems as well as animal training.
- Proficient in a variety of computer software applications
- A strong background in veterinary medicine is preferred
Physical/Mental Requirements:
- Report to work location by scheduled time.
- Maintain clean, professional appearance.
- Be organized and self-motivated.
- Occasionally heavy lifting of 50 pounds or more.
- Constantly required to swim, sit, walk, talk, hear, taste, and smell.
- Constantly must use arms/hands/fingers to reach/handle/feel in a work environment.
- Constantly walking in a wet environment on uneven surfaces.
- Constantly using stairs and climbing ladders.
- Constant visual acuity required, including close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and ability to focus.
- Frequently required to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, and to perform repetitive behaviors.
- Must work with other employees in a polite, patient manner.
- Must be willing to participate in public interactions and education.
- Must be self-motivated, organized and able to follow projects through to completion.
- Must be capable of dealing with and handling emergencies in a calm, professional manner.
Working Conditions
Must be available to work hours or take calls to support your team outside of scheduled business hours for emergency and non-emergency situations. Work and swim in fresh and/or saltwater, all man-made. Walking and working within a wet environment. Outdoor work on occasion, under a variety of conditions: cold weather, hot weather, rain, mud, ocean environments, and dry land. Subject to the possibility of bites, scratches and stings.
While this job description attempts to describe the essential functions of the position, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. It does not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
Education:
Experience:
- Management : 3 years (Required)
- Animal: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
